Mozart in Nairobi

On Wednesday afternoon, an imminent life lesson
ends at three o’clock
with a Mozart concerto, live broadcast
from our detention centre.

The outer heavy traffic,
the rain washing the rooftops across Nairobi
penetrate the walls –
a sharp, urgent, high-pitched cry.

Across the border, the ants come to light,
through a crack in the wood.

A perfect day for unattended prayers.

Maria Stadnicka is a writer, freelance journalist and lecturer. Winner of 12 Romanian National Poetry prizes, she worked as a radio and TV broadcaster. She has lived in Gloucestershire, England since 2003. Published poetry collections: O-Zone Friendly, A Short Story about War, Imperfect. Further details about Maria's work and portfolio available on her website www.mariastadnicka.com Read other articles by Maria.