and syntax, it can be seen that this poem is about the city of Johannesburg. The author describes the city in ways that emphasize its negative aspects, such as its glaring traffic, pollution, and pov

"Johannesburg" by Lesego Rampolokeng is a critical depiction of the city, exposing its dark and negative aspects. The poem speaks of the harsh realities that individuals face living in Johannesburg. The diction of the poem, or word choice by the poet, is deliberate and essential in conveying the intended message. From the first line, Rampolokeng refers to Johannesburg as "my city," indicating a personal connection to the city. However, instead of praising it, he immediately exposes it as a place tarnished by betrayal, "Paved with judas gold." The use of the name "Judas" references the biblical figure who betrayed Jesus, which sets the tone for the rest of the poem as a critique of the city and its foundations. Words like "deceptions," "lies," and "dreams come here to die" evoke a sense of darkness and hopelessness, creating an image of a city that is not a haven for its people but rather a vacuum of aspirations. By referring to traffic as the "sick vein of life," Rampolokeng demonstrates how the bustling nature of the city turns into a poisonous cycle of pollution and decay. The poem further discusses how city dwellers live in a constant state of fear and self-repression, seen through phrases such as "eternal time bomb," "extinction," and "recession whipped." These words suggest an impending doom that comes with living in Johannesburg. People's futures are bleak and uncertain - "neither politics nor prayer can guarantee the future," illustrating the lack of control and faith individuals have as they live their lives. As the poem progresses, the diction reveals the struggle of existence in a city where "birth is a lie" and people merely "exist" rather than live. The repetitive imagery of death - "rush to die," "vaults of death," and "feet first" - emphasizes the danger and despair that the city poses. Furthermore, the mention of the "money belt spinning" and "wise come out winning" reveals a theme of economic disparity and the role capitalism plays in perpetuating the cycle of inequality. The poem concludes with a nod to those at the edges of society, implying that the only escape from this corrupt city life is insanity: "On the fringe / Of our own insanity." This line solidifies the bleak perspective offered through the diction and overall message of the poem. Through the careful selection of words, Lesego Rampolokeng's "Johannesburg" portrays a stark and morbid vision of the city, highlighting the many factors that contribute to its citizens' suffering and despair.