Grief Poem by Tshenolo Ntau

I am a monster, unwelcome visitor
The dreaded one though I come as an aftermath
I come to stay but not for long
The strong and wise know how to welcome me, and show me out quickly
The weak and foolish do not know how to welcome me and make me linger for longer when I would have left
I don't enjoy it either when I stay for long least you become used to me and I lose my striking powers

A flimsy monster I am for I fail to appear on my own
I follow through the giant steps of real monsters
You cannot even see my foot steps for I am like a smoke
When all the rays of your life no longer shine
When your heart feels plucked out and replaced with a heavy stone
When the whole world seem crushed on you and everything burnt to ashes I rise as that frail smoke from the ruins

During day time I seek all your attention and selfishly want you to converse with me alone
But I don't have answers, nor do I have future plans for I am just a tormenting spirit
Until discernment of spirits come and give you wisdom to deal with the real monster that I used to sneak into your life I will remain
Denial, anger, self-pity, blame prolong my stay, so wise up

At night time which you can no longer differentiate from day time, since my arrival
I let you lie in your warm prepared bed, seeking rest and peace
I send through a gentle reminder in a form of nightmares and anxiety
Just so you know that beneath your warm cover there is a burning fire of coal crimson red
Awaiting to strike again in the morning in a vicious cycle of pain

Acknowledge me, deal with me and know when to release me as I dissipate from your life
For I don't enjoy it either when I stay for long least you become used to me and I lose my striking powers