Rest Peacefully O Dear Friend

(In loving memory of Thokozile) A dark cloud crumpled into our quietened attentions, Caving in deeply into the deeper ends of our calming wake, We feel the onerous fall of its falling into our minds deep And it’s the loss of yet another substantial part, pleasantest among womenfolk; Her gates board up on us, we may no more see her- We loved her well, but God loves her best, And what he once gave he has now taken! Though she was too soon to be_ Gone forever gone We hark back to reality’s cruelty Take in the mordant taste and remember her in the best ways we can, A friend-colleague-fellow A sister Mother_ Meanwhile she is a step ahead into the path where mortals tread Carrying on with an upright will still We would call her by a familiar name Dodo; Forever alive in our hearts Rest in peace Thokozile!