This week’s poem, inspired by my recent visit to Windhoek and Namibia. A place that was full of surprises to me.

First impressions

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Klein Windhoek, 

Unlike familiar chaotic capitals,

Or well-trampled historic cities.

Not sure what I expected, but this…

With windblown seedpods and orderly aloe gardens,

Wilderness just outside the neat back door.

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View across the city at dusk

Other harsh, hot hills spring to mind,

Stylish, timeless homesteads

Of California in summer.

Homes proudly displayed,

With fences and hedges but few excluding walls.

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Histories and structures surprising

As the shape of cactus plants.

In this geographic outpost,

Unexpected neighbours, peacefully side by side,

A reminder that no two places are the same.

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Windhoek, 2020