Don't Bite the Hand That Feeds You - By Tatenda Marko

Written By: Tatenda Marko

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Tatenda Marko presents "Don't Bite the Hand That Feeds You," a compelling piece within the Poetry category. This work delves into themes of cultural interaction and historical reflection, drawing on the rich tapestry of African heritage. Marko's evocative narrative invites readers to ponder the complexities of cultural exchanges and the enduring impact of historical encounters.

About the Work

"Don't Bite the Hand That Feeds You" by Tatenda Marko explores the themes of respect, cultural hospitality, and historical conflict. The poem uses vivid imagery and a reflective tone to recount the interactions between Westerners and African communities. Through the metaphor of a familiar phrase, Marko crafts a narrative that highlights the tensions and consequences of these encounters, painting a picture of resilience and the devastating impacts of colonialism.

Don't bite the hand that feeds you

Original Submission by Tatenda Marko

Don't bite the hand that feeds you

Don’t bite the hand that feeds you, a familiar phrase said to be used by the Greek poet Sappho, about 600 B.C.

Respect was the language of every merchant when Westerners touched our shores.

They understood it well and participated.

Their white, beige-to-pink musk wasn’t threatening enough to send our sons to welcome them as we do with other tribes' informants learning our ways and fetishising our kingdom's weak points.

Our culture hands blindfolds

As hospitality is a family's virtue.

They bore gifts, danced with us, taught us their language and left.

Like a sleepover, our friends begged their masters to come back and play with us.

Like unexpected guests, they were rude and spat on our plates.

They stained our homes with flames and our shrines with disrespect.

Spears clashed, shields held high.

Your husband, your son, your brother and your nephew fought fiercely.

But the enemy had starving guns.

With each bullet, it sought African flesh like a child with a sweet tooth and warrior after warrior with bodies like jelly, pierced by bullets.

Sinking into the sand, a ship in the ocean, the African child's last sight: brothers kicked and dragged like stray dogs.

By Tatenda Marko

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates diverse voices and creative expression from around the world. This prestigious event offers a platform for poets and writers to showcase their talent and share their unique perspectives with a global audience, fostering a vibrant community of artistic exchange.

We extend our gratitude to Tatenda Marko for sharing "Don't Bite the Hand That Feeds You" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your powerful narrative and evocative imagery contribute meaningfully to the rich tapestry of this year's competition. Thank you for your participation and for enriching our literary landscape.

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.