Small houses, spare tyres, mistresses - call them what you wish!

In southern Africa, the phenomenon of multiple and concurrent sexual partnerships remains a key driver of HIV. Recently, a group of four female Zimbabwean poets (myself included) launched our book of poetry entitled 'Sunflowers In Your Eyes'. One of the poems that I contributed is entitled, 'I Am Not Ketchup' and refers to the fact that I will refuse to be any man's mistress.

When I perform it, the men get very quiet. I love it! Happy reading:

I am not ketchup,
To be had on the side,
Along with a main course,
Poured somewhere on the edge of a plate,
Only to be called to use
If the meat tastes bland,
Or the gravy runs short,
Or the veggies need masking
from their insipidity.

I am not a condiment
To be smothered mercilessly onto a platter of food,
Oozing garishly and tactlessly
where I need not be:
For where I need be
Is deep within the wafting aroma
Of my own flavours
Distinct and complete,
Calling to attention those with senses trained in
the appreciation of
the finer things in life.