GHAAP - Sonnets from the Northern Cape

Ghaap
Sonnets from the Northern Cape
by Michael Cope

3 Ancestor at Kimberley

When EBJ, the seventh son of some

squire named Knox and pallid Scots mama

of Lindsay lineage went to the colonies,

it was for diamonds. He did not succumb,

in person, to the fever of crow-bar

and spade. He had a man. His ease

assured, his comforts fitted his estate:

The man removed his boots for him at night.

Over a drink, or by a mantelpiece

where mirrors doubled up the candle-light

he bought his claim and heard how common grease

adheres to diamonds, learned to separate

money from mere stones: he found his goal.
Not even dust is left; he left a hole.