The machinations of fools who believe

they can escape from their ghastly deeds,

from the innocent lives they wasted

to right a wrong; retribution will be found

from the cries of anguish and injustice

that will reach the heavens.

Collateral damage is no excuse

to emulate godly stance as if the end

will justify the means of killing anyone

standing in the way, where is the WAY,

as if there really is a war that can end all wars,

like the war against drugs, against warlords,

against drug pushers.

A lost cause even when there will be no more tears

left for crying for lost lives trapped in lawless crossfire.

We who look away, shrug our shoulders and simply say,

‘extrajudicial killings are a necessary evil’

will have to pay the ‘collateral damage’.

No earthly power has the right

to obliterate any soul’s breath of life.

The gale blows away layers

of footprints’ imprints on the sand.

But your story and mine will always be there.

The spirit of the Kimberley land witnesses all happenings.

Your passion and dedication as custodians

for the community’s creative spirit will stand

the test of time and overwhelm the look of envy

that contrives to wreak havoc on your deed

to claim power that is utterly devoid of glory,

working under the guise of seamless bureaucratic orderliness.

The light shines on the pure of heart

armoured as a self effacing selfless noble warrior

that will bring a glimmer of light in this heart of darkness

like an oasis found in the dreariness of wasteland,

like an enchanting orchid sprouting

from hidden cracks in the dry expanse of the desert.

Be not afraid to heed the whisper in your soul.

Your life story will be brushed with the colour of valour,

and as you walk the walk, divine grace will be a flickering

candle to enlighten your way in the valley of contested space.