In the middle of a gated community,

Surrounded by upmarket properties,

A shirtless man washes himself

In a little stream.

Several metres away,

In the same park,

Another man tries to warm himself

In the winter sun,

While a few items of clothing

They are draped over nearby bushes to dry.

In surrounding luxury homes, spacious baths

And showers with running hot water…

Kitchens with high-end washing machines,

Perhaps even laundry rooms.

Parked in driveways are German sedans

And SUVs with roaring engines.

Shiny.

Clean.

How can it be that hardship and privilege

Can exist in such proximity

To opulence and excess?

How can it be?