Ae /ams - By Damn_Etu (Movenduka)

Written By: Damn_Etu

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Damn_Etu, writing as Movenduka, offers a deeply reflective piece titled "Ae /ams" in the category of Poetry. This compelling poem is part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar. Movenduka's work is a vivid exploration of life in Windhoek, capturing the essence of social dynamics and cultural intersections. The poem's narrative traverses the streets, unveiling the complexities of opportunity and economic struggles intertwined with personal and communal reflections.

About the Work

"Ae /ams" by Movenduka is a richly layered narrative poem that paints a poignant picture of life in Windhoek. Through evocative imagery and a candid voice, the poem delves into themes of economic disparity and cultural identity. The mood is both introspective and critical, as it navigates moments of personal realization against the backdrop of societal observations. Movenduka's style is characterized by its blending of languages and vivid storytelling, making it a resonant commentary on the human condition.

Movenduka

Original Submission by Damn_Etu

Ae /ams

Movenduka, ngeno okwali hahada okaanda, ngeno eendudu daamu kadidule eendjodi dovanyasha.

Uli mokati kovanhu ndee kuna uumbada- watumwa tuu wufindikile ava veli melila- washaama novanhu vekudamena omesho ngee wuli ponele yeeshi yoo- okatongotongo oukashi peni?

Ek het net taiga tot by did huis- wali wiika kufaalelwa kwaava havati- Otjomuise Khomasdal- movenduka vati kamuna nyoko- ngee itwiikuminine ove mwene- omauzeu kaejanda-

Broodsa nxamabatre chua- as I look at the 15 year old I made friends with by Nedbank and FNB robots- the contradiction is that he stands in the middle of economic emancipation-

the only guys who give me attention whistle and as I ignore- he says, aggg ototi oumuwa ano, ondekufiila eike Onghenda

In my haste anger, I retaliate and say- lunga itale okoungulita koye-

I catch myself in thought and remember, this is the same guy I saw walking to Havana with his friends ongheliinya- My thoughts get the best of me and I see my cousin- sister, can I do your hair- ohhh, Mee Kiito-owadimbwange nale?

She glances and says- oshike wafa ongobe- vakwetu movenduka ohamulunduluka mwafa ondado yomboloto- opo tuli meme, I greet her back.

Awwww lanie- Vera? Chun twee pin man- soek gwaai-

I remember him- I tell my friend-

tell him jy is ook swaak my friend says-

he was always smart- what happened- why does he call me groote?

Im almost home- the cab drops me off and by the third house, I see her.

Halo Ti Ma? Miture met U- nee my kind- Damara lokasie is dan so still- kom vat vetkoek ti uaro.

Before I leave, she says to me, Ta Eloba nxuru. Ti mmuatse.

Respect your parents and study very hard. she prays for me and wishes me well- something about a damara aunty and having her hand over you while she says,

Ti ǀgoresa ūǃoa re ǂhawusas ka xawe ǃKhū Ūǃoare ti Elotse ǀKhomxa te re ti ǃKhūtse Sa lkhomxa ǂgaesa ǂō re Îts ti ǂhawusa ǂgansa ūǃoare Ti Elotse, ae ti ǃKhūtse Aiii does God even hear the prayers of the young-

My eyes have wandered the streets of Windhoek.

Omapandaanda ehadi eenyole deemadi dovanyasha. Ngee owafikameke olutu loye, kolumosho oo kalityatya-

a name we gave to our many Angolan brothers and sometimes,

the sisters we find selling okati kokutimbifa on the side as soon as you open your window coming from work.

Recently, otohale kutya, ovenduka oyina eendobe, the potholes run deep like the pockets of those who dare not share with the majority. Yet, when you drive into them, they showcase the drowned aspirations of those who gave up Momkuto wanahambo.

The ones who have tasted the sand in ombwa yalyata otina, only for the ancestors to reject them and not summon their power for the rich to give them water vakoleke edu loimungu.

But people say it’s the land of opportunities- Hello, how are you sister, can you please give me even two dollar to buy bread? You would swear the lights never turn green for those that stand by the robots.

Okanghaka otakatetwa keedola mbali Mee, why are our African brothers hungry in a land that belongs to all of us. Like Mee Netumbo said, we are too few to be poor-

Die man crush zol, sout met gwai kao lanie- ndinwemo mo molta-

pass it on- Puff pass on- we were told oppprtunities were going to be passed to us- the only thing we are passing are blunts in rotation when we hang-

Speaking of hang- my bra took his life today- you wouldn’t happen to know something about that would you? The empty promises you made kovanyasha-

As I get into my house, there’s no food yet I remember the lady from my street so I pray. Topi- vati omailikano ovanyasha jy hoor hulle gou- something about being the father to all and- am I even counted in that groote?

Which am I supposed to believe if I feel

pokati owafiyangepo bra yange. Ewa, ko Unam owafalange, but bra yange

how did I end up where I am?

Ano owuuditenge ngoo Pamba? Ondiwete eike Tate tweeli pamwe-

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 is an esteemed event hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, aimed at celebrating and showcasing the talents of writers from around the globe. This competition invites participants to express their creativity and share their unique perspectives through poetry, short stories, and essays. It serves as a platform for diverse voices and narratives, fostering a community of literary expression and cultural exchange.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Damn_Etu, known as Movenduka, for sharing the profound and evocative poem "Ae /ams" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the tapestry of creative expression and invites readers to reflect on the nuanced perspectives you offer. We are grateful for your contribution and wish you continued inspiration and success in your literary journey.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.