Helpless

Scream out FIRE!

Guys running down the driveway

Their future was young, but it

Swallowed them alive

What fun it used to be

Hanging out

By the pool parlour

Their fragile lives

Chances thrown

Overthrown by a domineering power

They came from their villages,

But woke up to shattered dreams

One t-shirt reads “tabu soro” and they did

Smoking under the street light

Choking all fire lights

It took them 18 years to get this far

They sit

Bury heads in hands

Crying

End Note:

This was written during the Coup of 2000. I remember rioting and looting, whilst sitting at the back of the TV company vehicle which I worked for, (my first job after my return from my New Zealand trip). Curfews were placed and there was this notion of helplessness.

I remember going to the public hospital, trying to find medical supplies for my mother and as I walked towards the old grand hospital, I saw on the streets a group of young men possibly running away from the looting, some were limping, some moaning in pain, some bleed profusely. They had visible fresh cuts and bruises on their bleeding faces and arms. It inspired me to write about how young people can be so naïve and so ignorant. Perhaps they are going through an experience which may change their lives later.