The Waning Anguish

• Sibusiso Nkomo, Grade 6, Leumeah Public School
• Poetry
• 2016

Excellence Award in the 'Top Secret 2016' competition

She laid there trembling in agony
On the verge of life, my beloved niece
She shut her eyes, everything went ebony
Death ponderously welcomed her to peace
My whole world became shrouded with darkness
Interminable tears, incessant pain
Black suits, black veils burdens of deep woefulness
From heaven to hell, I'm going insane
I was weighed down by this despondency
But gradually the memory faded
Oh, please Hope give me persistent constancy
To help me console all who are anguished
Why should heaven decide what day to die?
What day an innocent being and earth part
Every day I commemorate (I won't lie)
She may not be on earth but in my heart