Empangeni
       

       At customs, she asks 
       where I have been. 
       Sweat twinkles
       across her broad black face.
       The lamp swings 
       small white circles
       on my luggage.
       I say "Empangeni" as
       she reaches for a zipper.
       I'm proud the way this Zulu name
       moves so easily between us.
       She chuckles, and calls to her friend.
       "Em-pan-geni" she shouts.
       And they both enjoy the Zulu sound
       as she rummages through my clothes.
       Two years on, an accident
       of conversation returns me to that town:

       "Empangeni. Yes, of course. That means
       place where stolen goods are found."



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