To Be Extradited Poem by Gert Strydom

Here I have to jump like a clown
through the hoop
when my aunt and mother
clap their hands.

Scatter papers with paraffin
out on the lawn
to make the dogs defecate
at another place

leave the animals outside
in the rain
while I am cosy inside

but to rake leaves,
to mow the lawn,
to drive to shops,
to take care of the animals
and to pick up their dung
I do not care about
and any reasonable request

and we are busy
driving to my uncle
who has got Alzheimer’s
and I hate
to see him now like this

and we are going to make a visit
to my dad’s grave
and I am scared
that the old blue car will break again
and the grave falls in further.

Twenty times a day
we have to worship,
look at religious DVD’s
and satellite channels
and I have to keep
my opinion for myself

and I wonder if age
makes you to become
hyper religious

still I am thankful
and walk the road
and my mother
is getting old too quickly
and the hour work keeps hitting
without ever stopping.