I just stumbled on this piece I wrote way back in high school and would like to share with you. It’s about the throes of a young man in a sweet relationship. Of course, he takes his babe for granted, not letting her know what’s going on below, and she gets snatched up by another. Hopefully, most are strong enough not to follow our friend here in his downward spiral…

 

I gave my heart away
Would have sworn it was not for a day
Here I am bathed in tears.
Yes it was a lot better in those years
Together hand in hand, shunning peers

What went wrong?

Chatting happily about that song,
Or about the latest Jan de Bont,
Hearts melded like metal.
Long I though it was wattle
And daub we had, what a bite from a rattle!

Remember those moments?

Smiling, laughing, running even in torments
To the flicks or home, green bills or no cents!

Even back home,

Tender caresses, my hand in that hair,
The mass of ebony enchanting strands, showing care
Kisses speaking our hearts,
Your skin flowing like malt.

Honey, cool times we had

You are a miracle halo!
Should have spoken earlier, but lo,
The sky’s getting wearier. But woe
Was bound to come!
And so was born regret: rhum.

My heart is gone, all left’s rhum,

Alcohol till life’s dusk.

(c) Nyonglema

 

I can hear the rhum gulps at each drop down into the abyss…..