, diction, and imagery of the poem, it seems that the author is critiquing the conditions of life in Johannesburg. The tone is dark and pessimistic, with frequent references to death and violence. The

"Johannesburg" by Lesego Rampolokeng is a vivid and poignant portrayal of the city, characterized by a pessimistic tone and a strong sense of disillusionment. Throughout the poem, the poet employs powerful imagery and metaphorical language to convey the harsh reality and dark aspects of Johannesburg, illuminating the poem's critical and somber tone. In the opening lines, the poet describes Johannesburg as being "paved with judas gold," emphasizing the deep-rooted betrayal and deceit within the city. The "deceptions and lies" are further highlighted when the poet states that "dreams come here to die." These descriptions create an atmosphere of despair and hopelessness, as though the city is suffocating its inhabitants. The pessimistic tone continues as the poet delves into the mechanical and inhumane aspects of Johannesburg. Lines 5-8 liken the city's traffic to a "sick vein," and the people are ticking "with the eternal time bomb / Of our own extinction," implying a sense of decay and impending doom. Moreover, the image of the city as a "repression machine" in lines 11-14 evokes a sense of entrapment and the stifling of individuality or progress. The city's stark inequality, both in terms of wealth and prosperity, is also laid bare through the poet's portrayal of Johannesburg. The "green pastures of wealth" in line 15, which symbolize the financial district, are contrasted with their grim undertones as they transform into "vaults of death." This unsettling image fortifies the poem's critical and despairing tone, as it highlights the city's inability to bring lasting security or happiness. Furthermore, the poet acknowledges the uncertainty of life in Johannesburg by stating that "neither politics nor prayer / Can guarantee the future" (Lines 17-18). These lines emphasize the lack of stability and predictability in the city, and contribute to the poem's melancholic tone. Towards the end of the poem, the bleak portrayal of life in Johannesburg reaches a climax, as the poet laments that the city's inhabitants are "just existing / To keep the money belt spinning" (Lines 24-25). This vivid image underscores the relentless cycle of suffering and exploitation faced by the city's residents, with the majority being powerless "pawns" in the hands of unseen forces. The poem concludes on a note of desperation and madness, as individuals are pushed to the edge of their sanity. The final image, of people living "on the fringe / Of our own insanity" (Lines 31-32), serves as a chilling reflection of the psychological toll inflicted upon those struggling to survive in the harsh environment of Johannesburg. In conclusion, the tone of the poem "Johannesburg" by Lesego Rampolokeng is primarily characterized by pessimism and disillusionment, which permeate the vivid descriptions and impactful metaphors used throughout the piece. Assertions of the city's deceit and betrayal, harsh inequalities, and the absence of security and stability in its residents' lives, all contribute to the somber and critical tone that dominates the poem.