A woman in distress,
Her tears fall like the August rains.
Emotionally, she's unstable.
Her husband is eternally gone.
And life turns instantly against her.
At night, she wonders in solitude.
All she hears: the songs of frogs,
An owl standing on the big boaboa tree,
That helps the frogs with the singing.
Her current state, a river of sorrow,
Where she unwillingly swims.
Sad enough, this won't just end tomorrow.
Fresh tears drop and roll on her pillow.
For she misses the voice that made her smile,
The touch that brought her endless bliss,
And the before-sleeping-lovely kiss.
In her dark room, She opens her eyes.
She sees nothing but pictures of memories,
Beautiful moments that would linger
In her mind for ever and ever.
Today, her bed becomes wider.
She switches on the light.
She looks at her toddler, little Penda,
Who is a spitting image to her father.
Tears run down her cheeks again,
For how will she explain this to her daughter?
How will she explain her father's demise?
She wipes her tears with the edge of her wrapper.
She closes her eyes but can't sleep.
And that's how she spends the rest of the night.
During the day, her appetite disappears;
Food becomes tasteless.
She sits on her bed, hands supporting her cheeks,
Staring at her hanged Jewellery and beautiful clothes
She doesn't see their use today.
Who is she going to wear them for?
Who'll admire her beauty?
A fresh wave of tears visit her eyes again.
Her face becomes swollen,
As a result of too much crying.
She thinks about many responsibilities:
The fact that she will be a single mother,
She would cater for her daughter,
And take care of the farms,
In the just-commenced raining season.
When her mates and neighbours pay a visit,
To extend their condolences and show empathy,
They talk about her husband.
How kind and caring he was.
How hardworking and dedicated he was.
How handsome and gentle he was.
How respectful he was towards everyone.
But God took him at that early stage,
In just his early twenties.
One of them held Penda in her arms.
She speaks to her.
Telling her that her dad was a great young man
And the rest nodded in the affirmative
Others shook their heads and said "ndeysan."
With eyes of empathy, the majority wept.
They blow their noses and use the edges
Of their veils to wipe their tears.
Some advise her to stop crying,
They encourage her to pray for her husband
For only that can help him, they say;
That's all he needs since crying can't bring him back.
Pray that God has mercy for his soul, they urge.
She nods, bends her head and wipe her tears with her palm.
They encourage her to have faith.
Others promised to help with anything she needs.
And they pray for the departed soul.
Before they are set to disperse.
She thanks them as they take their leave.
The Widow in distress, but she'll be fine someday.
She is kind, honest and beautiful.
And greats hand will take care of her again.
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