If I Die Bury Me Next To My Father

by Mugabi Byenkya

One grave over from Jajja Musajja
One grave up
from the
One foot grave
of the
One month old cousin I never got to know

We’re gonna have to clear more trees around the family graveyard soon
because death trails my family like the police trail me

Walking through my neighbourhood as they ask-
me:
(neighbourhood resident of three years)

my brother:
(neighbourhood resident of six years)

“What are you doing in this neighbourhood?”

Have you ever felt homeless in your own home?

 

— from Juniper Volume 3, Issue 1