This implies leaders of the struggle have become callous and unkind.

This suggests that freedom fighters have lost their lives during the struggle.

This links to bars or shackles, suggesting the detainment of freedom fighters.

This line shows that the leaders stand upright against apartheid, just like trees.

Two times

Four times

Five times

Three times

‘but seasons come to pass.’

‘their branches dry like wire’

'with a broken heart they dive down gently headed for the earth’

‘only the trees know the pain as they stand still erect’

Time is personified as a person carrying a sickle who can chop away and kill our youth.

Love is compared to a compass which gives guidance and direction in times of confusion.

Rosy lips and cheeks are personified as the Grim Reaper.

Time is personified as a court fool who entertains nobility with his antics and jokes.

To avoid censorship by the apartheid regime, which banned provocative poetry.

It allows the poem to be universal, and to resonate with all people suffering under apartheid.

He does not think anybody will know who Don Mattera is.

He does not think that poets or artists who were banned should be idolised. 

Like trees, they live a long time, surviving almost anything.

Like trees, they are easy targets and are battered by the elements (the regime).

Like trees, they are unmoving and stubborn in their beliefs.

Like trees, they provide fruit and sustenance for those around them.

Love is a mysterious phenomena, just like a star.

When you fall in love, you feel like you are taken to great heights.

You can try, but it is impossible to measure the value of true love.

Love never changes, even under difficult circumstances.

Metaphor

Simile

Allusion

Personification