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Tuesday, May 17, 2016

THE MIGRANT

by Afzal Moolla





Seeking solace.
Seeking a home.

The migrant

finds
rotten prejudice
fungal anger.

The migrant

alone hoping for
a solitary chance
to belong.

The migrant

alone always
an outside entity
eternal outcast
viral threat
reeking odour.

The migrant

ever alone
and alone knowing
that no place exists
but that lost home.


Afzal Moolla was born in Delhi, India while his parents were in exile, working as political exiles against Apartheid in South Africa. He then traveled wherever his parent’s work took them, spending time in Egypt, Finland, and Iran. Afzal works and lives in Johannesburg, South Africa.