Look Away

I have been there.

It may seem like a pretty place from far,

But, up close, it is a cold and heartless world with no love.

Our people came from those fertile lands,

But progress evicted them and built temples of concrete in their place.

So we humble ourselves in our caves of brick and zinc

And appreciate the bread and water we eat and drink.

I once used to stare and hope, but, now, I look away.

You should look away.

Trust me, I’ve been there.

The night lights give a cosmic flare to the horizon,

But then, the smoking buildings awake when the sun rises.

I was employed there in my youth,

Until the fear of dying young confined me to these dusty planes.

I see their aircraft pass us overhead each day,

But I know none of them care to look this way.

I, too, used to stare and hope, but, now, I just look away.

Just look away.

Trust me, young one, I have been there…

And, as I grew older, I thought maybe I would go back there again,

But the reality of my wearing clothes told me that would never happen.

There’s so much money below all that smog,

I just wonder if the hordes who serve it will ever think about you and me.

My tired years have taught me that it’s no good complaining,

Because, maybe, if the roles were reversed, I’d do the same thing.

I admit, I also used to stare and hope, but, these days, I look away.

Look away.

***

*Words by Mawetu Mselana

*Photograph by Eric Eatwell

http://www.eatwellgallery.co.za/

3 Responses to “Look Away”

1. Benni B says:

   February 1, 2010 at 4:05 pm

   Tite poetry. Beautiful blend….
2. Makoae says:

   February 1, 2010 at 4:20 pm

   Great work boss!
3. lineo says:

   February 7, 2010 at 2:32 pm

   then u do it again…mxm. beautiful piece