KELLY MALONE

 

Diaspora

 
In a caravan, 
just around the corner, 
your front door step — a crate — 
    avoid the broken bit, still slip. 
Here the rats migrate. 
 
Still working, Far North, 
stooped like a magpie 
bent on finding platinum 
    to solidify 
a family that disintegrates. 
 
You’re in a house bus, 
not big enough 
for the kids. 
    It wasn’t five years ago 
but dreams change. 
 
Mum creates a lawn, 
wipes the surfaces 
again. 
    Always trying to get something 
to come up clean. 
 

Moishe

 
They came while he was visiting a friend, 
who had a hiding place. 
 
A false bottom, in a bathroom vanity. 
Nine in a 6 x 6 hole. 
 
Three couldn’t bear it after three days, shot too. 
So he stayed another six days. 
 
 
* 
 
There was something terrifying about his story. 
It wasn’t in a book. 
 
No photos of his family. 
Not one. 
 
 
* 
 
When we were in India, 
(his son must’ve explained the Svastika) 
 
he’d say, ’Another beautiful day!‘ 
And rub his hands in anticipation. 
 
Then go for a walk, 
without a hat. 
 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelly Malone is currently a teacher of English at an Auckland secondary school. She is delighted Moishe (who has since past away) now has his story in a ‘book’. Kelly also wants to acknowledge the support of her family.

 

Return to 2007 contents >