| Jessica Wood (June 2009) |
|
The Legal Resources Centre
Twelve hectic weeks down the line,
And I'm here in the board room for the final time.
Not to sum up my stay would be a great pity,
So I've written you all a farewell ditty.
On a warm March day, I arrived at this place,
Where, as an intern, I was to be based.
I knew only a little of the LRC
And I'd never met a refugee...
But since that day, my knowledge has grown -
I've met so many clients and talked on the phone.
Written dozens of letters to those in high places
And done bits of work on numerous cases.
I've been to Nyanga with clients in tow,
Court order in hand - they don't want to know!
Protested at Barrack Street when the Zim's got detained,
Braved Bluewaters in the storms and the rain.
Helped out clients let down by SASSA,
Requested residence for men from Kinshasa.
Wrangled for months with the Department of Labour,
Begged tonnes of officials to ‘do me a favour'!
The last few weeks have been all go:
With our Bluewaters clients lined up in a row -
The LRC ladies have been out there for hours,
Taking down statements in the absence of power.
As you can gather from this rhyme,
I've had a pretty hectic time.
I've learnt so much from everyone -
I'm only sad my time here's done.
So to Lwazi and Kobus, Angela and Lisa,
Wilmien and Naomi, Chantel and Nhikiza,
Anisa and Thandiwe, Noni and Pam,
Maggie and Anthea...I still know where I am...
Mandi and Erin, Mi and Perveen,
Thembile and Stacey, Henk and Charlene.
I raise a toast to thank to you all,
At the LRC, I've had a ball!
- by Jessica Wood (June 2009) |