It was just yesterday
He asked me for money
I gave him two rand
Knowing it wouldn't last him a day
He walked around the street
Barefoot
Digging deep in every trash can he could find
Looking for something to eat
Avoiding the annoyance of his presence
No one dared look his way
Realizing his "absence"
He decided to make it real
Today he didn't ask for anything
For he had something planned
He decided to end everything
By jumping in front of a speeding truck
The whole town gathered around him
Now they seemed to care
Someone started to sing a spiritual hymn
In between the sound of sirens
As he has died a tragic death
He is no longer alive to search for bread
He will find peace high in Heaven
Which is why I'm glad he's dead.
© Zilungile Khumalo
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Grade 11
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