Johan's last call

i.m. Johan Morreau, paediatrician and cricketer

I’m nearing the end now

pulling oars over a calm lake

in some ways it’s a relief

Kids and moko will carry me on,

and Karen, and ripples of others

for I’m nearing the end now

We’ve leapt from a sun-worn wharf

with carefree yells and laughter

that were in some ways a relief

and I’ve pushed back against bullies

batted on behalf of the child

but I’m nearing the end now

with many boundaries scored, but

life’s ever been limited overs

so in some ways it’s a relief

as the play for hope has been tough

these last half-thousand days

I’m nearing the end of my innings

too soon, but it’s a relief

Blow

A wind lifts the leaves in the trees

as two brown hens ruffle down in the grass

and I tug my cap down to my ears

pleased to not be chasing a tennis ball

or up a ladder mending an iron roof

or carrying a candle for peace.

Kathmandu refresh

There is recognition in these worn-out brick walls

hung over with bougainvillea in cerise and dusty green

and thick black bundles of low-slung power lines

but we startle turn step aside for the next tooting scooter

to thread through the constricted lane past high iron gates

a sleeping dog and crates of empty Pepsi bottles.

For we have lived here before, the language now

emerging from hibernation when poked with sticks

of need, words that provoke smiles and wonder

and engagement warm as the winter sun

as we order cups of sweet milky chia and sit on dusty

plastic chairs to watch a thread of Kathmandu weave by.