Drowning in the Deep – Jean Aime Migabo

Good morning, dearest friend of olden time!

Our memories bring me forth from slumber’s hold.

After all these years, my heart still does pine

For days of youth, unbridled, wild, and bold.

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Pray, tell, how are your kin and faithful friends?

Have you discovered the child’s truest sire?

Are you still engaged in your workout trends,

Or does a strong drink quench your raging fire?

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As for myself, I’d say, I fare quite well.

At least I’m neither at death’s door nor dead

But life has plunged me deep in sorrow’s well,

A plight of drowning in the chasmic bed.

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Each night I go to sleep weary-eyed

And rise to face the day, yet more fatigued

Of times we danced till morning’s blush arrived,

But now, alone, I lay awake besieged.

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Days pass me by in haste and endless flight,

I try to seize them, yet I always fall,

Counting down hours till days bear a new light,

But they are gone beyond my reach and call.

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Family’s turned away, their duties are borne,

My love–a woeful deep I cannot drain.

The sight of my son, a hope so forlorn,

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Still, each morn I pray to God for his gain.

Do you recall our youthful running feats?

Now my legs have grown weak and I abhor.

I’ve stopped playing the piano, my heart beats

Dolefully to sad songs, I know no more.

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I miss you not but yearn to have you near,

Not the man you are, but who you used to be

We are now strangers, our friendship’s dim and drear,

Yet I still pen these words, though what’s the fee?

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Mayhap, one day, we’ll meet again, old friend

When the sun rises high and darkness fades

I’ll embrace you warmly, pray it won’t end,

But alas, our friendship’s flame, now but shades.

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Featured image by Sasha Freemind via Unsplash

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