Sitting beneath a candelabra tree,

We circled squatters stretch our hungry hands

To enamel plates of nsima and relish

With a deference that speaks preferential honour,

Yet we ask no questions: Lord, who is the greatest?

For we know one present, seen through the smoky dusk

Of the evening air, who being there himself

Annuls all thought of self-aggrandizement.

An accidental love-feast from a common meal;

A means of grace - a time of perfect love.

Not done in memory, yet He comes to mind

No sooner known he vanishes from sight.

Chingangauka Congress

Sept 1969