In The Valley Poem by Brian Kasoka

My memory has betrayed my trust as
my feet lies in the middle of the valley.
The depth of the valley threatens my last
breath as my canoe is overwhelmed by
the waves I see approaching. Fear grips
my heart and tears no longer flow for their
reservoir is exhausted. Anguish of heart now
plays hide and seek with my soul as my spirit cries
out hanging onto the edge of its last hope.

Drums of jubilation that once ushered me onto the shores
of dancing are now a mockery and a taste of bitter herbs.
My lamps of life that once burned brightly now look dim as
memories I ban and sue for divorce. I cannot run to the left,
to the right, backwards, or sink downwards or run upwards
from what I behold. For If I had the pinions of an eagle,
I could have taken flight and made my bed in the furthest
corner of the world. I wonder how long my persecution is.
Is it self or imposed? Can I still sue for hope and live the
life of yesterday when I was me? Can a cure be found or
mine is a hopeless disease that lacks a remedy?

Arise my soul! ! ! Though the canoe is overwhelmed
by threatening waves of disappointment, I shall no
longer curl up and give in. Yes, bitter lessons I have
learnt, but I shall love again. As for you my departing
Love, pretence I shall not befriend lest I shall be untrue
to my letting you go. I had prayed yesterday hoping you
would stay, but I now see I can never win you back for
we don’t belong to us.

Farewell Love, I wish you God’s
speed as you journey to find what is truly yours. I have
had visions, I have had dreams but, thanks to you now
there is a hole where my visions and dreams once lay.
Like vapour everything just vanishes, things which I once
held onto, with which I was contented. Though your place has
now been taken by the void of emptiness prompting me
to forget even how to smile, I know time will heal the wounds.

I shall forever cherish our time shared, your ringing laughter
that sent my heart pounding within my breast, and your eyes
that reminded me of a home in someone’s heart. I wish you
happiness as you embark on your new journey and pray you
will find what your heart desires. Don’t take pity on me
because I will paddle my canoe once the waves calm
down to where I started my journey with you. Surely I
will be whole again because I know someone else is
waiting for me at the shore.