New Leaf – A Poem by Mukonya Mukonya, Kenya

Alone, she sat outside,
Barely lit compound…
All sulky, she laments,
About life, she reflects
Trouble, sorrow, tears, have been her company,
Suffered young, never knew happiness,
Her birthday, no gifts, wishes; no family
Life’s screwed; useless. No reason to live.

Then up she looks; meets beautiful constellations;
Twinkled, as if talking to her; singing even.
She smiles… Smiles! She smiled! Disbelief!
Life’s been dull, could be beautiful
No more laments, no regrets; new book, new her
She’s turned 20, no teen…
She’ll smile, freely, broadly.
She’ll live.

Read New Coats – A Poem by Omadang Yowasi, Uganda