Read the poem below and then answer the question that follows.

**TALK TO THE PEACH TREE - SIPHO SEPAMLA**

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Let's talk to the swallows visiting us in summer
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ask how it is in other countries
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Let's talk to the afternoon shadow
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ask how the day has been so far
Let's raise our pets to our level
ask them what they don't know of us
words have lost meaning
(page).
like all notations they've been misused
most people will admit
13 Let's pick out items from the rubbish heap
14 ask how the stench is like down there
a whining woman can overstate her case
15 Let's talk to the peach tree
Talk to the paralysing heat in the air
16 find out how it feels to be in the ground
inquire how long the mercilessness will last
17 Let's talk to the moon going down
ask if it isn't enough eyeing what's been going on
Come on
let's talk to the devil himself
it's about time

In the poem "Talk to the Peach Tree," the speaker reflects on the predicament facing people who are subjected to the harsh realities of life in South Africa during apartheid. With close reference to diction, imagery, and tone, discuss the validity of this statement in relation to the poem. Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 250-300 words.

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