In memory of X.

I remember how you’d lock me in your closet 
Spraying deodorant if I disturbed you during prep* 
Now I am disturbed by the locked closet 
Coated in the scent of the chaplain’s incense

Boys in white carry you to the burial site 
My sight, however, cannot overlook the smirk you had 
when you called me a kaffir*
In silence I remain dwelling on these thoughts
Now that all chances of amends are gone

The offender is forever buried
while his offences survive 
in my memories you rest in regret
I can only pray for the courage 
to shovel this hate into the grave.

prep – colloquial word for homework time

kaffir – a racial slur for Africans, particularly in South Africa