2010/09/06 Souvenirs Poem by Margaret Alice

It is the greatest thing to share memories
driving in a Casspir to Khayelitsha, visiting
a shebeen, eating fresh fish on the beach
listening to a speech in English made by a
an Afrikaans person whose accent sounds
Spanish and trying to render it all in French

Presentations of new military strategies, not
conversant with the terms yet trying to explain
to French dignitaries, a storm of emotions, a
delightful excursion to training facilities, talking
incessantly and enjoying a fresh sea breeze
while watching trained dogs giving impressive
demonstrations – those were the days

What fun that was, dumped at a Casino by Inspector
Mohamed and at a loss what to do, I cannot play a
game of chance and you cannot speak English, we
lost every cent and hated the smoky atmosphere
but our suffering was not at an end, indefatigable
Inspector Mohammed took us to a nightclub for a
treat and we were stuck, I cannot dance, you would
not being a good Christian, the Muslims emphatically
refused while all drinking spring water

We desired fresh air and important discussions about
requisite equipment, survival techniques and leadership
and remember the show by professional swimmers at
the training facility? I loved everything we did…


[Pour Général Baruku, Colonel Raus et le reste
de la delegation; mes amis de la RDC]