Will You Be There

An Elegy for Mmatladi Ditshwele (1954-2015)

Who will be there to wipe my tears
when they run fast down my face as I wail
when they hit the ground hard like stones of hail?

Who will be there to heal my heart
as I watch them bury your numb body
beneath a mountain of soil and dress it 
with colorful flowers that will soon fade?

Will you be there mum;
will you be there by my side
to instill in me hope that life still exists
when my only wish is to crawl back into your womb
to be buried with you?

Will you be there mum
to listen as they recite for you
love letters that you will never find time to read
when they sing for you the last song
hoping to touch your lifeless heart?

Will your ghost be there among the gathering
to give me hope when I can’t find any among the living
to wipe my tears when I cry over your demise?
Will you be there mum?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Gauthier Avatar
February 11, 2021 at 2:51 PM
Touching. A pleasure to find your beautiful poem published in the 2020 PS Anthology, Bojosi~
Ditshwele Avatar
June 27, 2022 at 1:19 AM
My pleasure, thank you.
Barden Avatar
October 25, 2017 at 8:22 PM
Blessings and congrats for your well-deserved win, Bojosi - keep up the wonderful work, my friend! :-)
Ditshwele Avatar
November 6, 2017 at 7:21 AM
thank you Gregory
One Avatar
October 20, 2017 at 4:52 PM
Great tribute Bojoisi.. Congratulations on your placement in the contest..
Ditshwele Avatar
November 6, 2017 at 7:22 AM
thank you Silent One
A   Avatar
April 6, 2016 at 10:54 PM
Bojosi Ditshwele, Nice to see your poem showcased in Justin's "Where Freedom Finds The Fire Contest List." Love LINDA 8uj
Ditshwele Avatar
November 6, 2017 at 7:19 AM
thanks Linda
A. Sharma Avatar
April 6, 2016 at 2:27 AM
Congrats on a worthy win Bojosi..
Ditshwele Avatar
November 6, 2017 at 7:20 AM
thank you so much Dr. Sharma
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