The Bond by Mazisi Kunene

Gumede son of Bdaba, here I am.

I have come to present

This grinding stone of Masilela, my mother.

It is heavy, as though she weighted it with magic. 

She left on it the gourd of her heart. 

Do not forget it at Mpembeni house 

Lest the vermin multiply on it. 

Life may put a curse on us

Since we did not behave like her children. 

If he be present who has a thousand ribs 

Do not allow him to deceive you,

Promising a place for it on the fertile lands. 

Hold it sacred knowing in it is our soul.