Looking Up To the Hills

All day long, from 7:15 am today, needs come
To my gate, with either "pastor " or "vaderrr"
Justin & John T needed breakfast before work
They did not go directly, to fellow churchgoer
I found some biscuits (10 ordinary ones) apples
Then Siya came for oil, Siyabulela that is,
Burns on both elbows. I risked it all
A week ago, they were raw wounds
I applied coconut oil, when gloves were gone
He came to thank me (but lazy to wait in line
At the community clinic). Lines form at 5am
3 hours before a few nurses come (no doc)
I added some elbow help - but with gloves!
Before I could rest with tea and poetry
Zihle ( Zeez Sleh) was yelling at mom, others
She lives in the Xhosa location, visits grandma
When her sons are in school (non weekends)
I felt for her, calmed her (home was left unclean)
She was throwing stuff out, yelling & cleaning 
---+

We are blessed in these "township locations"
Surrounded by hills, Amatola mountains
Polluted & unappreciated, but I looked up
We do not look up enough. Earth focused we!
The hills remind me of the psalmist's prayer
I look to the hills, where my help come from
I look to the hills where my rest comes from
I look to the hills, green hills, God's hills
And remember shalom, wholesomeness amen
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Baker Avatar
May 7, 2022 at 5:23 PM
Bless you for your ministry unto other, my friend. Shalom shalom.
Buhagiar Avatar
May 6, 2022 at 9:31 AM
You seem to have quite a lot to do to take care of the family.
Deo Avatar
May 6, 2022 at 9:39 AM
Our family because they are Jesus's family. I am from a minority group, East Indian South African." I'm working as evaNgelist & the folk here are mixed race & Xhosa. Nit blood relations, except through Jesus. ThanX 4 prayers
Proxenos Avatar
May 6, 2022 at 9:16 AM
I love to hear Afrikaans on an international poetry site, although not fluent, (I did my schooling in Zambia), my husband is and if needed helps me out. You are quite right we are earth focused and should look up more, the beauty, the peace and the wholesomeness that the hills offer was bestowed on us by our Maker - I needed this reminder today Vader Blessings, hugs, Shalom and Eireene and, mag God jou oorvloeding seen. Jennifer.
Deo Avatar
May 6, 2022 at 9:42 AM
Goeie Aand. Hier, "Onse Kluerlinge, en my vrou is een. Hulle see 'Naand se!' nie Goeie Aand nie. Dankie U het gelees en gebed. Die Vader, Seun en Heilige Gees sal ons beskerm. Ek bid In Die Naam van Jesus en Sy Suiwer Bloed. Amen. Eeirene
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace