Wednesday
Oct242012
Dinner and tear gas
October 24, 2012 
We sat under the stars, a group of friends,
with candles burning and the smell
of night jasmine,
which mingled with the tear gas that came across the dark and open space.
Unwelcome.
Shouts and cries mingled with our low voices, far enough away to intrude only slightly.
But felt.
And when it came to leave, we glanced nervously into the shadows,
that seemed darker than before, menacing.
Reassuring words, ‘I’ll follow you home, make sure it’s all ok.”
The police, long gone, and also the mob,
but the fence taken down and a house not far away, ransacked.
This is a story that will not go away.
tagged Africa
Africa
Reader Comments (19)
How could it go away? The juxtaposition of friends, candles, jasmine against tear gas, police, and mobs is just too stark. I am soglad that you had friends that could ensure your safety on the way home.
Simply terrifying.
I know we were right to leave Africa (Zimbabwe), and the last time we visited I said I would never, ever return. Resolve weakens after a while, and little flickers of "I wonder" start. But this piece of writing has doused the flickers again leaving me free to enjoy your stories of your Africa. Thank you. .
You so often write of such beauty...and yet - there is such horror (we've heard) in this magical place where you live. And here..and once and again - you've managed to transform that horror into poetry with your words.
Stunning post!
It's definitely not Kansas, Eliza! Over and over again you show us that you live in a world apart...and yet it's still OUR world. Is it possible? Please keep telling us your stories and please stay safe!
There is a dark side to life everywhere and here you have honoured that. I understand all too well how this dark side must be remembered and spoken about. I feel chilled by your proximity to it, to "smell the fear" so to speak, of the tear gas mingling with your daily life. Such a powerful post and image ad another of the reasons why I love this open hearted space........ Vision and Verb!
So many stories you have, Eliza, thank you for sharing your world with us here ~ please stay safe & alert.
I'm holding you and your friends in my heart.
Such a profound image and words, bringing the violence up close.
I can only imagine. Your words and image send me a taste. Be well and safe.
For quite some time we have enjoyed your posts describing the beautiful side of your part of the world. Today you share the dangerous reality that you face probably more than we would care to admit. It's as if you have 'punched me in the stomach' with your post of this reality of danger. As the others have said, "Be well and safe."
Sounds dangerous and deeply personal, fear and friendship stating their stands. Impressive way of telling your story, Eliza.
Thank you all, and I meant to comment earlier to explain, but couldn't get online. This was something that happened earlier this year, a two week period - unrest, political issues, land invasions....it was a period where everything suddenly went a bit mad. Some stuff came up, because it had to, things that were not good here....but overall it was a very unsettling time and we kept our heads down. It quietened down thereafter, but no...it hasn't gone away. Sheila yes, for the many here (ex Zimbabwean) they sat and wondered, looked ahead again and thought do we want to be here, can we stay. Long term, no-one really knows.
That sounds so scary, I am glad all was well. But when these things happen the memories are bound to linger in the mind.
That's scary Eliza. I'm sorry to say my ignorance of where you are makes me nervous for your safety... Be protected always.
When you write about your country of choice it is always so beautiful and poetic that it is easy for us to forget the dangers. I am glad that this is a short while ago and it seems to be quiet, but as you said, no one really knows. Please be safe.
You made me feel the fear, taste it. So much of the life we take for granted here is very different for you there. So glad it all turned out okay, and may it continue to do so. xoxo
Wow Eliza...it was comforting to read your comments after your post. The post was extremely powerful and I felt as if I was right there sitting beside of you under the stars. So Powerful. Be safe.
As Robin said, a very powerful post and photo. As always, you capture these moments so well in words and photography. I am reading the book "Little Bee" right now, which is a different area and situation, but I bring it up as this book too is bringing alive a side of life that I am otherwise so removed from. My heart goes out to people living surrounded by violence and facing the difficulties of seeking asylum.
Powerful words and a great photo to accompany them
Eliza, no one really knows....it is because you are willing to dare, that I can never get enough of your images or your words.