The nuisance

By Ta Makirere

He sees me approaching Always seems to How I simply don’t know Outside the national bank Nubukalou bridge Along the water front Wherever he still sees me I hurry to keep An appointment with the teller The travel agent or watch maker But somehow out of nowhere He suddenly appears His hair ungroomed for days His coat so stained and dirty Baggy trousers hanging low Disguising his feeble form Eyes so piercing yet appealing “Is it some trick?” I wonder But when he holds his palm to me And in my path he stands “It’s no trick!” my mind echoes.

“Excuse me please?” he pleads With a voice that melts the heart.

“I have no bus fare with me To get me to my home”.