Nightsong City
Dennis Brutus
By Adrian Mackenzie
Sleep well, my love, sleep well:
the harbour lights glaze over restless docks,
police cars cockroach through the tunnel streets;
from the shanties creaking iron-sheets
violence like a bug-infested rag is tossed
and fear is imminent as sound in the wind-swung bell;
the long day’s anger pants from sand and rocks;
but for this breathing night at last;
my land, my love, sleep well.
Dennis Brutus:
Born in Southern Zimbabwe
Became a victim to SA Apartheid system
Was forced to break up with his girlfriend due to interracial relationships
being illegal at the time.
Stanza 1:
Sleep well, my love, sleep well:
the harbour lights glaze over restless docks,
police cars cockroach through the tunnel streets;
‘Sleep well, my love, sleep well’
- Evokes the idea of a lullaby (repetitive) which is soothing
Dennis Brutus
By Adrian Mackenzie
Sleep well, my love, sleep well:
the harbour lights glaze over restless docks,
police cars cockroach through the tunnel streets;
from the shanties creaking iron-sheets
violence like a bug-infested rag is tossed
and fear is imminent as sound in the wind-swung bell;
the long day’s anger pants from sand and rocks;
but for this breathing night at last;
my land, my love, sleep well.
Dennis Brutus:
Born in Southern Zimbabwe
Became a victim to SA Apartheid system
Was forced to break up with his girlfriend due to interracial relationships
being illegal at the time.
Stanza 1:
Sleep well, my love, sleep well:
the harbour lights glaze over restless docks,
police cars cockroach through the tunnel streets;
‘Sleep well, my love, sleep well’
- Evokes the idea of a lullaby (repetitive) which is soothing
