There are countless poor people amongst us. Here's a perspective of the life of one person who lives in a shanty, part of Soweto. I made a few last minute changes before the competition ended, and it could have been a bit better, but overall I am happy with my character. Hopefully there's enough building description! This is the 300 word piece of writing, an entry into a building description competition:
I wake with a start as soon as I hear the rooster crowing loudly, and roll out of my tattered mattress. The Highveld chill permeates this tiny tin structure I call home. I left the paraffin lamp burning during the night, and the pungent smell hangs heavily around my nostrils. I push the door open. The cold steel is ice against my brown, work-rough fingers. Creeaawk. The bottom scrapes roughly across the floor. I peer out the door and see the sun peeping over the horizon, sending copper fingers questing, spreading, over this sprawling township of Soweto, in South Africa. Life is starting all around me. Parallel lives. I edge outside to fetch water from the dripping tap, and trip over the dog lying sprawled across the barren soil. "Hai wena!" I curse at him. I glance across at my home as I fill the bucket with water. It's haphazard, leaning slightly, but somehow maintaining rectangular shape. Rust dots the tired roof on one side, where rain water tends to gather. Tin shines in the orange glow. I hurry inside, shivering, and am met by gloom. There are no windows. I light a candle. Light flickers and bounces across the tin walls. I see the small desk and mirror and picture I was given by my madam, the one who lives in the mansion in Northcliff. She wouldn't even let her dog sleep in this little place! I laugh. This is home! I have a sanctuary. I have a roof. I've started my vegetable patch outside, the plants slowly pushing hard soil aside. I don't pay rates! I am happy. Someday I'm going to be famous. Maybe I'll get this job today. There's always hope! Eish, but this place is dusty! I grab the broomstick and start sweeping, dust flying.
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