I
I’m in awe of your complexity,
even when it reverberates like conflict,
and trickles down into despair,
you ride it like it’s the wind on your back.
It’s almost as if you exist in light –
When you come in and go out,
you leave no traces behind
of the threats trying to take you under.
No clues. Only assumptions.
If only they knew. Not that they matter.
Yet if I were to tell this story of a boy
who has never known a home,
about the nights he has tried to snuff his life,
what difference would it make?
He says he fears this tale of nothingness
will reach its murkiest parts and drown him.
II
I hope you know you deserve better.
I hope you know it’s not your sins
catching up with you.
I hope you continue in hope.
I hope you know you’re the gold in all of this,
and soon the sun won’t feel like lightning on your back.
When you stand in the mirror
you won’t shudder at the one who stares back.
I hope you know I’m learning to love you.
I hope you know I’m learning to find courage again;
all this trauma did a number on you, child.
Lost too many things before you could find any.
It’s not a pity party, it was just the deal.
But you will be fine. It’s uncertain right now.
Let’s give it time.
Isaac Parbey runs The Storyboard Café (TBC) in Accra, a creative clinic dedicated to telling stories and driving narratives that bridge arts and wellness, across media. He is the author of the novel, Saving Rainbow, and the short story collection, The Beautiful Side of Things. His academic background is in media communications and education. Reach Isaac across social media @acreativeclinic
