Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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Paul, the South African. Paul of South Africa, a sensitive, gentle man. One who became one with the wondrous creatures Of his continent--the great remnants of former planetary creatures. Massive herds; an ebb and flow of migration; Even the intimacy of close encounters with ancient rhinos. Now married to a North American And a new interaction with his world. An expatriate, notified that all who have left the MotherLand, Must return or lose their citizenship. Much like Joseph and Mary required to sign into their birthplace, Even though Mary is with child And it is with difficulty that she travels. Or that Paul, linguistically tattooed With his magical accent, Defining him to his place of birth, Is separated from that place And his very being. Like the tattooed Jew, ostracized from Austria, Landless, countryless, Serengeti-less From his true natal origins. Conundrum, confusion, anger, angsk. Where is his center, his identification, His Mother Africa? Frank Maurer 19 March 2023 1500 Hours