This threesome reflects seemingly quite different sensibilities but running underground are common sources, primarily a genuine sense of observation and empathy.

Parenzee’s fine delineation of detail, his ideological openness but strong sense of justice link well with Vonani Bila’s ‘makoya poetry’ (rendered largely in Xitsonga with English translations). This poetry that rails in its own manner against money madness and apartheid barbarism stands apart from Finlay’s quieter voice but both command reflection. After all, it is a phrase in a Finlay poem that titles this anthology. Finlay’s work in general contains images of dissolution in a search for meaning from suffering.