Mama, Why did you Leave Me?

[CUT Poetry Association]

Written by Nduvho Mukhavhuli

 (Letter from Four- year old Thandi)

“I am sorry you had to give birth to me,

I am sorry I hurt you,

I am sorry I made you cry,

I am sorry—

So sorry I: a burden for you.

Mama, please come fetch me here;

The other street kids bully me,

The grown men do things to me—

They hurt me…and I don’t like it.

Mama I am scared.

Why did you leave me?

It’s always cold at night;

And I never sleep

From the noise my stomach makes…

The sound of hunger scares me Mama.

Please come fetch me here.

I promise I will behave—

I won’t make you cry;

Please Mama don’t leave me.”

Copyright © Nduvho Mukhavhuli 2011