White Ant (Cry, the Beloved Country)

He sought courage to speak to someone
They spoke to him in a language that he did not understand
The young man was silent awhile
He looks up at the cloudless sky
Behind the polished paneling the white ant eats away the wood
“All we ask is justice.
God save us from the fear that is afraid of men.”
“You shouldn’t sit by yourself,” She said,
“Are you in health?”
“I am afraid,” he cried, “I am afraid!”
In the dark and silent forest there is a leaf that falls.
“Happy be the eyes that can close,
But whether we be fearful or no-“
Who can enjoy the seventy years when there is fear in the heart?
With his hand he makes an angry gesture of uplifting
“I wonder what keeps us living and struggling…”
“You are trembling, my friend.”
“I am cold, very cold.”
“I understand you.”
They did not speak again.