Online Reporter
Sipepisiwe Moyo, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Bulawayo-based author Marcus Zimba has turned personal grief into art with his debut poetry book, Beyond The Mountains, released last month.
The collection, inspired by the loss of his mother Zanele Ngwenya, explores love, resilience, and hope.
“My mother’s passing intertwined with my life in a way that pushed me to write. I bleed on paper each day, seeking healing from a wound that consumes me from within. This book is as much for her as it is for anyone who has experienced the pain of losing a loved one,” he said.
“Beyond The Mountains is my way of leaving a legacy for my mother and for those who feel voiceless. I hope it heals, inspires, and reminds readers that even in loss, there is hope,” he said.
Beyond The Mountains invites readers on a journey beyond life’s obstacles, exploring how hope and love can triumph even in the darkest moments. The anthology also addresses the challenges of poverty and marginalisation, reflecting experiences Zimba observed growing up in Bulawayo.
The book contains more than 60 poems, organised into four chapters, each beginning with a guiding quote. Key pieces include Remembrance, written for his mother and all who have lost someone dear, and Amanda and Love Letter, which celebrate enduring love across time and distance. Another standout poem, Nkosiphile, offers hope in moments of despair.
Zimba dedicated the collection not only to his mother but also to his great-grandmother, whose unconditional love and sacrifices shaped him, and to young readers from challenging backgrounds.
“This book is for anyone striving to rise above their struggles. I want to show that even beyond the mountains, there is strength and resilience,” he said.
Looking forward, Zimba is working on a second book, Who Shall Speak, which will confront societal issues such as sexual violence, discrimination, poverty, and drug abuse. He also plans live poetry performances to bring his words directly to audiences.
Londile Moyo
Bongani Ndlovu