Feb 2016
Baie dankie—thank you—
Surrounded us as we shared our lunch
With empty-handed children,
And we heard it again painting
The tiny playground for Sister Catherine,
Though my head focused on the “bye,”
Gracious and dismissive
To the nameless Americans,
Taking pictures of their town.
Baie dankie* said the woman
With liquor on her breath—
*Back to your selfies and indoor plumbing
Your clear conscience, your noble heart.
Surrounded us as we shared our lunch
With empty-handed children,
And we heard it again painting
The tiny playground for Sister Catherine,
Though my head focused on the “bye,”
Gracious and dismissive
To the nameless Americans,
Taking pictures of their town.
Baie dankie* said the woman
With liquor on her breath—
*Back to your selfies and indoor plumbing
Your clear conscience, your noble heart.
