The Third Man

By Kgomotso J Kgopa, South Africa:

This bed that witnesses my short lived joys of life – come sunrise

Is the same bed that sees my pains and shames of life – come sunset

For joy cometh in the morning

But as the sun touches down for rest, discontent overshadows me

Life's heavy burdens, I cannot carry anymore

Heavy laden, let me be put to sleep!

It is as though – only a few are chosen

To suffer for the sins of the city and of the forefathers of the land

While the rest continue with lives of recklessness

Totally disconnected from their morals and their God

To them, Jesus is myth or a name of a soccer team in far lands

Totally untrained and playing on the devil's turf!

No soul seems to comprehend mine,

Shallow praise they grant me – while it is my blood they seek

Two, at a distance see me

Their loud laughs of pretense try to hide their hearts' intent

What fails to cross over their minds is why their teeth are still intact

He whose name has no meaning to them

Is the one who mentions them by their names in prayer

The third man…