Neighbours-Apoem - Media Review Network

By Hassen Lorgat

Neighbours
it is not that our garden was their envy
or maybe the way nature nurtured it
caused offense

Neighbours
they come in all colours
shapes, sizes and sounds
the ever barking dogs, the overzealous roosters

Neighbours
many, from the (jobless) working classes
a few, (the idly rich), sit on their arses

some are Nay-bours
others yes-sayers?
a few are soothsayers
others merchants of this and that
-snake charmers and purveyors of fakery

one will stand like a retired pugilist
promising to fight about god’s leaves
that keeps flying into his yard

whilst another will smile
as his trees bow like a old wise guru
defying all temporary borders
as it offers pomegranates, granadillas,
peach and mulberry (messy when abundant)

in return, we share our brave 4 metre tall curry leaf tree
which I know garnishes his plate and palette
in shared smells of our hood
this tree, probably the great grandchildren of a smuggled seed
transported by the people of indenture across the ocean to
serve the sweet needs of Empire

Neighbours
they come in all shapes and sizes
are but, ordinary folk ,like you and me
let the leaves fall where they may
we’ll find our way to get along
21 /3/25 human right day, Hassl

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Hassen Lorgat

Has worked in trade union movement, civic associations, and anti apartheid sports movement led by the South African Council on Sports (SACOS) as well as NGOs for the past while. He has worked with civil society groups opposing harmful and exploitative mining and extractivism. Hassen is active with the SA BDS Coalition.