On this cool day
Of breezes and smells
Cool breezes of winter
Sweet smells of plants and flowers alike
Oozing with the liveliness of nature
Scenting the air with sweet fragrances
To the joy of my smelling organs

Happy Friday, happy afternoon
A precursor to what is to be a great weekend
When we pay our respects
To this great man I have become
Celebration of life
That indeed a man I am
Worthy enough to be celebrated

In the many years of my existence
Moons upon moons seen
Seasons upon seasons past
I have seen and experienced
Enough to last me another lifetime
For my life has been a lifetime
A lifetime to me, the only life I know

Today I stand tall and erect
Chest inflated in pride
Thrashing my hand on my chest repeatedly
Announcing my presence
Declaring that indeed I am great
Tribute be paid to me
For all that I have seen on earth

Life has played tricks on me
Rewarding me handsomely with success
Tomorrow crying with sorrow and hatred
And tomorrow yet again, blessed with wonders
Like life is playing hide and seek
Only this is real to me
And the effects are here for all to see
Hardened and all proud
A milestone in a lifetime

See how handsome I am
Manly and strong
Round tummy protruding
Indicating a well fed and healthy man
How well groomed I am

Today as I celebrate on my behalf
I refuse, totally, to be defined by others
On what my life means to them
Rather what my life means
To me, the owner

So pardon me if today I shall ignore you
If only me shall be the object of my affection
Sitting in the glory of my better self
With a don’t care attitude
Because today I truly don’t care
Tribute be to myself and only me

By Fezekile Futhwa