The Cruel Hands of Death

No mother wants to bury their child

No child wants to bury their mother

And yet we can't manipulate the way of the world

A woman celebrated every day

One whose laughter rang through the Valleys and hills and the forests

One whose brightness shone and reflected on others

One whose very person was infectious that you wouldn't pull your mouth around because of her humour

I knew you for over a decade but only realised you were my sweetness' aunt about a year ago

I remember asking my sweetness

'Is this like your aunt aunt, a sister to your mother, like sister sister or sister?'

Yes, i used this phrase

Sweetness had reached out just about the lock down time

The world was full of uncertainty as a new virus had been detected

We were worried, scared for the unknown and unseen

Even amidst all that happening, I didn't hesitate, I informed sweetness to bring you home

Vrooom Vrooom

You arrived

You were inquisitive, asked and probed

You were fascinated and relieved

You saw a new life ahead of you

Your excitement was visible when you realised you would actually still eat 'gwana' even if in moderation

I loved how eager you were the entire time, taking notes

I enjoyed our session as we dissected how best to manage the monstrous diabetes in our setting

Over the year, we spoke on phone

I was hopeful that your time was still much ahead

But death had its plan

Its cold filthy hands grabbed and pulled you away from us

When I read Toya's post

It wasn't making sense as he started from far

My intuition told me there was more to it

I rushed to the end following up

And my heart stopped

My fear was confirmed

You were gone

How, when, what happened?

You had just taken your jab

You encouraged us to do the same

How How How....

Your bright face and laughter left us

Your beautiful soul left us

The sweetness of your voice all gone

Why, why this mama

June 3, we buried you mama

Your family and friends are inconsolable

When I walked towards your tomb

It hit me hard

Our warrior has indeed taken flight and won't return

I am still dazed at the thought

Sometimes it feels like a bad dream

I feel like you will wake me up from it

But noooooo

Our hearts are heavy

Tears won't stop rolling

This will happen for some time, forever

The dark clouds will clear,

Yes, it will

You will help in the process

We shall best embrace you when we realise you live in our hearts

You have risen and joined the stars

Shine your light on us mama

Death is so cruel

If only it asked whom to take, surely you would still be here

Your legacy lives on

With all the love within me

AYENYO Joanita