The night was thick with nostalgia,
She had waited so long for him to come.
A phone beeped twice; her breath went numb,
Thunder struck where her heart once thumped.
Trying to digest her all-time lover,
Now imprisoned, lost, and suppressed.
Calm on her face, her strength appeared,
“Sleep,” she said, her pain unexpressed.
We went to our rooms, unaware,
While she spent the night in silent despair.
When dawn knocked gently upon the door,
She was stoic as ever, and brave once more.
We woke as queens in our small reign,
Totally blind to her quiet pain.
She gathered for the games and plays,
Then spoke of the bars that took Dad away.
Silence ruled the room for a while,
But she gave hope with a heart open wide.
Washing off our fear, replacing it with grace,
Only because of the strength on her face.
Days turned to years, yet she remained the same,
Bearing alone the weight of the home’s frame.
Her calendar marked with visits and court days,
Till justice was found, she swore not to stray.
Then came a day thick with wonder and light,
Justice paved its way and walked out so bright.
Bars broke away, we rejoiced and were free,
And her strength remains an echo in me.
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
Tekla Shimwa Habumuranga is a Rwandan poetess with a pen name of HST. Through her writing, she seeks to express the unspoken feelings, aiming to break free the mind and heart isolation of loneliness by spelling all, through written verses. She always loves to create a free space where people can connect through shared emotions and experiences. Tekla aims to unlock hearts and fuel courage,for those struggling with navigating their emotions.
