How quickly you forget

These words were inspired by the xenophobic attacks currently taking place in South Africa. this is not me talking,its from stories of friends i have and my own experiences with xenophobia in 2008

we exchanged pleasant hellos in the early morning hours not so long ago

our kids walked the streets to school hand in hand

you bought milk from me when your wife fell ill

we even shared a dinner together once upon a time

how quickly you forget!

 

now you burn down my house…the very one we shared a drink the day before

you beat my friends in an attempt to regain what you claim is yours

you call me names even you no meaning of

you hit me because you saw your fellows do the same

 

I remember when you welcomed me to your home

we shared a cup of tea whilst we watched the football match

we spoke of the United Africa and how the world games have brought us in one room

we joked about silly things as the clock ticked away

how quickly you forget!

 

now beads of sweat run down my body as I run in fear

i run seeking refuge to only find a wall of men with sticks and stones in my path

a flood of men and women continue to chase me down until I can’t run no more

I stubble to my knees as I try to fight of the mob that has converged on me

you watch as your fellows repeatedly stub my now exposed skin

blood flows from my head to my ankles as I slowly lose my strength

 

you once said you will come visit me in the country that birthed me

you said we have many things in common

you said you sympathized with my situation

you said we will share in our success

you said I was your friend

how quickly you forget!

 

families hide themselves under theirs beds for days no end,

as you set fires to houses you claim you needed

what wrong have I done for you to turn your blades and swords on me?

what’s the point of your madness?

is killing me going to give you all that you seek?

was talking to me a greater chore than you waking up in the early hours to run the streets and pick up nothing but a stone to cast at me in rage?

this is not how it was supposed to turn out, our histories should have positively bonded our spirits, instead you choose to use it against me

please don’t let this violence be what defines you,

an alternative is never too far away

 

 

 By Odette Ntambara