“Money”

Written at ANZ Bank whilst queued to collect K27,000 for Association members…

Standing in the queue,
to withdraw,
a wad of cash,
and the gut churns.

Nerves?
Awe?
Fear?
Or perhaps excitement?

For in this world,
cash brings power,
gives status,
cash…

Yes – Cash!

Cause of death,
madness
and obsession…
Cash!

And here I stand
and wait in line,
in the midst,
at the source.

Would your gut churn too?
Would you feel the same?
Does money have this power over you?
Are we alike?

This ain’t my cash,
it belongs to others,
village folk,
150 of them.

What have I taken on?
For what return?
Such a burden!
And in PNG too!

The unexpected!
Yep,
The land of raskols and hold-ups,
not today – not today – please!

The knot in the gut,
is still there!
Let’s go – let’s move!!
Dam this queue!!!

One hour later,
two hours later…
and I’m still here,
crook in the gut!
Money, bloody money!!

As they say around here…
Bel bilong mi i bakarup!!