As the shadows cast their darkest spells,
A soul cries out, trapped within its shell.
Once hailed a prodigy, now plagued by strife,
A tender heart beats amidst the knife.
Betrayed by those who claimed to care,
Lies and whispers fill the air.
Accusations fly like daggers sharp,
Piercing through, leaving deep scars.
The hands that held him close now push away,
His one true love swept into disarray.
Her doubts and fears fueled by deceit,
He stands alone, his heartbeat incomplete.
Panic grips him, muscles locked in fear,
Each day brings fresh torments clear.
Food tainted, nearly robbed of life,
Surviving despite relentless strife.
Alone in darkness, seeking solace sweet,
Yet never finding respite at his feet.
Mother’s blows bring tears and blood,
Reality crashing down like flood.
Oh wretched fate, cruel twist of hand,
To bear such weight upon fragile shoulders grand.
How long until despair consumes his light,
Leaving naught but echoes soft and slight?
—
Read – Three Close Calls – A Poem by Bokang Moshoeshoe – Lesotho
