Manuel's Story

MANUEL’S STORY – or the fatal triangle of Brazilian donor, South African surgeon and Israeli recipient.

A week ago, when Manuel was young
he worked the construction site,
played soccer with Pablo, his strapping son,
made love to his wife at night.
A week ago, when Manuel was young
and strong and handsome and bright
he would bounce baby Bella upon his knee
and make love to his wife at night.
A week ago, when Manuel was young
a stranger came by one day.
He said, “You have two, but you only need one
and I’ve customers willing to pay.”
A week ago, when Manuel was young
to Durban he flew on a plane.
They took out one kidney and gave him some cash.
Three days later he flew back again.
A week ago, when Manuel was young
he’d have dealt with those thugs with a grin
but to day in Rio they take his stash
and beat him and put the boot in.
A week ago, when Manuel was young
seems like a long time ago.
He’s one kidney, one wife, two kids and no job
‘cause his movements are painful and slow
and no one remembers that Manuel was young
only a week ago.


Sandy Wetton Cape Town, July 2004