Damn Koka

‘Bhoot xupa ahili!’
(You ghosts have arrived)
His usual greeting, as
he peered out from under
the pile of blankets
come winter, come summer

Small in stature,
hairless as a newborn
almost harmless, you’d think
especially after you see
that charming smile,
those twinkling eyes.

He was known by many names
Damn Koka, a favourite
among the extended family
after his signature, the
reverberating, unforgettable
Damn Kahakar!

‘Angry Young Man’ was called he,
by editors of local newspapers
either patronizing, or envious
lauding praise upon praise.
After all, how often do you meet
an 80-year-old marathon runner,

who when not terrorizing
his innumerable family members,
proudly ploughed
through the city’s dirt
capturing and cataloguing
its eventual downfall

His anger, legendary
tiffs with wife of over 60 years
a daily occurrence, despite
his jovial nature they said
you could fry an egg clean
oh his shiny, bald head.