BUANASENI

A CAN OF SARDINES IN MINA

An old man with a cane

Sitting by the corner

Looking at the ceiling

As if he sees the angels 

He seems utterly agitated

He couldn't stand

He couldn't walk (by himself)

His belongings in the luggage

Tucked on a shelve far above

Surrounded by many people

Like sardines in the can

He picked up the Quran

Tried to read but his eyes squinting

He put the Quran back by his side

He looked around the camp

Everyone was sound asleep

..... except me

I smiled

I went to him

..... and I said, "You wanna smoke?"

He said, "Ohh! Yes!"

So, I held him one side

And the cane covered the other

We moved slowly

Out of the camp

Into the open air

And hence begun,

..... a cigarette session

..... and a chat about life

By Jo Haq

11:23pm

28 June 2023 / 11 Zulhijjah 1444H

Mina

Saudi Arabia