Are brothers and sisters

This beautiful poem by Mazisi Kunene depicts powerful messages about humaneness, greed, humility, and equality. Let's break it down line by line: Title: They are also children of the earth The title instantly sets a tone of equality and a sense of belonging for everyone to this planet we call home, instilling the core message of the poem. Line 1: Cursed shall be the one whose passage in this world The poem begins with a charged declaration, introducing the idea of morality and karma. The speaker expresses that those who are malicious in their existence are met with negative consequences. Line 2: Evades humaneness, engenders greed and hoarding This line condemns those who lack empathy and compassion, who are corrupted by greed and avarice. It shows the poet's belief in humaneness as a significant virtue, advocating against greed. Line 3: Cursed is he wallowing alone in caskets of wealth and This beauty continues the same thought, conveying a vivid image of an immoral person trapped within their wealth - that is, their material possessions. This line also carries a sense of isolation, implying that material wealth devoid of humaneness leads to loneliness. Line 4: Counting rosary beads of accumulated cars The poet emphasizes materialism here. The analogy of rosary beads symbolizes a mindless repetition or obsession with collecting material possessions, in this case, cars. Line 5: To be human is to humbly cherish the sweat of your toil Switching the focus, Kunene now describes the characteristics of a truly human person. Humility and cherishing one's hard work, hence respecting the process and not just the end goal. Line 6: In measured style of decency and appreciation The poet values decency and gratitude in this line, promoting modesty and humble living rather than excessive display of wealth. Line 7: To be human is to consider the plight of the needy The poet emphasizes the importance of empathy, suggesting that to be truly human, one must also understand and support those in need. Line 8: As they also are children of the earth We return to the concept from the title, reminding readers that the needy are also inhabitants of Earth with equal rights and respect. Line 9: Yes, men and women of this blessed land This last line confirms the poet's egalitarianism, stating that everyone - men, women, privileged, underprivileged - belong to this blessed land, reinforcing the pivotal theme of shared humanity and equality. In conclusion, Mazisi Kunene's poem serves to remind us to take responsibility for our actions and to treat others with compassion and respect, affirming humaneness as the essence of a good life. It's a rebuke against the corruptive influence of materialism and a call to embrace kindness, community, and equality.