Experiences in Kenya

Mark Notash, NEOUCOM, MS4

Kenya, Dec 2005

Seen the pain,
their bodies, souls and minds.

But not their hearts.

Broken by disease,
crying to death without a sound.

And there is no saving her,
efforts be damned.

And he's there too.

Extra trips to their sides,
meds, dressings, money and food.

A four-hour's sweltering journey
costing me a pittance.

We knew the disease
before the results.

Aid lay waiting,
what for?

Her tears still falling,
suffering interrupted briefly,
by a dream.

Oh wait, now they've stopped.

Wrong Done Right

Sutures dissolve,
leaving his thumb agape anew.

All was here to do the job right.

Sitting in boxes at the supply room in Ahero.

Helping no-one.

Amsterdam

Now "recivilized,"
Africa washing off.

Clean sheets, hot water,
white-not-grey towels.

Warm clothes,
all the comforts.