The easiest and scariest way of knowing time has passed by (rather quickly), is when you look around you and realize that babies you helped nurture have grown into young women and men.
Valerie, my little niece who is not so little any more, is one person that continually makes me proud. She was the cutest baby I ever saw (naturally) and was so much joy to have around. As she grew into a toddler and into a girl, Valerie was full of questions. She was never satisfied with a single response and almost all her questions were preceded by an “…..but Aunty why is it ….?”. Even though I, my mum, elder sisters and brothers chastised her for asking too many questions, behind her back we praised her inquisitive nature and her desire for knowledge.
When I learnt that she writes, I could not wait to read (and share) her literary works. Below is one of Valerie’s poems
ALONE
Angry.
Furious that there is no one,
No one to talk to,
No one that will understand,
Enraged that he is not here,
Enraged that he cannot hear.
Depressed.
Unhappy that my bed is empty,
The pangs of sorrow eat at my heart,
I’m drowning in my sadness,
Reclining in my abyss of misery,
Everything has become dreary.
Resigned.
My pillow is soggy,
My face is tear-stained,
I do what I should have done a long time ago,
I raise my hands to the heavens and look to HIM,
‘HIM’ that can satisfy my every whim.
Content.
Saved from sorrow,
Washed from sin,
Free from grief,
I turn and he is right beside me,
holding my hand,
walking with me,
I'm no longer alone, no longer blue.


