Muckleneuk Ridge Poem by Gert Strydom

Muckleneuk Ridge



We sat between packed boxes
in a sold house
and I made some tea
and while we drank
the hot liquid
I told you that I
cannot afford the mansion
in Muckleneuk Ridge
near Unisa University
of which the rent included
water and electricity.

The two boys
were playing outside
with the dogs
throwing a tennis ball
for them
and we could hear
their laughter and excitement
coming in.

It was a really grand place,
with five bedrooms, a study,
a very big lounge
and had a great modern kitchen.

It had huge rooms
with private entrances,
yellow wood floors,
pine ceilings,
a braai aria at the back
and sprinklers
in a huge garden.

You didn’t want to take
no for an answer,
started crying
and went on you knees
begging me please
and embraced my legs.

That house had caught
your heart,
spoke to something
in your soul
and made you truly
feel like a lady.

I helped you to your feet
drawing you up
by you hands
and we embraced.

There wasn’t much
that I could do, but to agree
and although we cut the finances,
I had to make a plan.

That house was like palace,
it was near to the highway
to Johannesburg
(where I worked) ,
right for the children’s school
right for your work
and just the place for you.

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Gert Strydom

Gert Strydom

Johannesburg, South Africa
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