Standing at my heroine’s grave
I recall the warmth of her embrace, songs of her love.
Like a river set free, tears flow,
Swamp my bearded face and
Erode the fierce gaze of a man.
A woman’s masterpiece is a man—
A man before whom nations tremble
A warrior with a battle never lost
An inventor who turns the world into a village
He is but his mother’s legacy.
She molds souls like a potter’s clay.
She engraves discipline and willpower
In the hearts of her children,
She instils courage and resilience
That makes them men and women.
She sits at the helm of the boat and
Steers her home toward shores of success.
Sailing through storms of trouble,
She does not fear dark clouds.
Winter comes, but she stands prepared to conquer the cold.
With her hands, she raises presidents.
With her voice, she sings the anthems of the world.
With her eyes, she paints the future we long for.
With her embrace, she takes away all our sorrow.
On her back, we learn faith to overcome.
In her songs, we listen to seek wisdom.
By her side, we dare to grow.
And now that she is gone,
Who will teach me to love?
Who will teach me to live?
Who will fight for my oblivious dreams?
Yet, living on is her legacy
The world will never end,
For she lives, as she lived.
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
Patrick Iradukunda is a young Rwandan writer whose work consistently reflects his worldview. His writings often explore themes of resilience, meaning, and the purpose of life. Beyond his literary pursuits, Patrick is committed to making the world a better place. He founded Binding Up Broken Hearts Rwanda, an initiative focused on promoting mental health, character development, and mentorship for children in rural areas.
