District Six Poem by Barry Kerr

Was there cloud on Table Mountain, did it gleam against the sky?
Did I tell you of a people whose hearts will never
Die?
Perhaps you may remember on that terrifying day,
When crushed our hearts to debris – the air suffocated with
Dismay?

And sadly chilled so silent was the wind that blew, through the wreckage
Of my home and the District Six, I
Knew!

Were anguished peoples martyred for the skin they wear –
To trek the arrogance of force, finding apocalypse waiting
There?
Quick the sand through periled marsh – unprotected the terrain –
No roads, no services, have we arrived… is this our home, this
Mitchell’s Plain?

Did hope, integrity and honour replace this martyred wear – or hardship borne
With family love breed invulnerability to
Fear?

Restless Eyes that cannot sleep, so arduous my tasks, was light the burdens
Though horrendous, for a spirit that never
Asks?

Did we survive this meal of suffering or appease the tortured heart, would I gladly
Serve this time again for my family not to
Part?

Was there cloud on Table Mountain, did it gleam against the sky,
Did I tell you of a People whose hearts will never
Die?

Can I dedicate this poem to prayers not cried in vain –
Can I tell you of the love I feel at home in
Mitchells Plain.