I Will Be Right Back Poem by Buti Roos

It was the 31st of december 1991
Time nearing night
Stars shinning bright
Moon beautifully smilling
People everywhere
On the streets, in the yards, everywhere
Speakers in each house painfully coughing
Streets lights carefully observing
Few fireworks whistling
Children running and laughing
Adults drinking
Prostitutes busy working
Police taxiz patrolling
Thugs acting and waiting
Priests and pastors preaching
Devil planning
God preparing and blessing
Dogs barking and cars passing
People crying
Tears of joy pouring
Everyone and anyone - everything and anything getting busy

Time now 20: 00
Dad said he had to close the gate
Mom argued Dad could debate
Mom gave up and Dad went out
One hour later Dad is still out
Mom went out but Dad was nowhere to be found
Three hours left before the break-out
Mom came back in and her face had a frown
She told us she will be back we shouldnt go out
One hour before the break-out is what i could now make out
Time was swiftly running and here we where sitting in the lounge
I will be right back is what she said
I promise i will be back

23: 55 she comes back
Tears in her eyes as she bangs the door behind her
Blood was all over her shirt
Piercing cry driving deep in our chests
My heart raced
Time was now 23: 58
Two minutes left before a new year and a new day
Mom where is Dad
I asked her looking her straight at her face
At a new place
Said Mom as she pointed at the ceilling
What is he doing up there so late
I asked her with my mouth a-gape
Not on the roof sweety he went to a better place

00: 00 i hear fireworks
My mind races back
Life just gave up someone
Awaiting was death
Dad had to close the gate and come back
Just like Mom went to look for him and re-traced her steps
God take care of him and i will take care of her
Life gave him up and came death
Now God you are my new Dad