I would not walk these lands Feared the uncertainty of treading foreign sands Cautious from the prickles of days gone by That left scars masked by my false eyes
Yet her vibrant colours beckoned me near And her winds whispers wiped away my fears And so I walked her shores discovering pleasure Discovering warmth and artistry without measure
While there were momentary stings from her grains of fire Her cool consoling waters would awaken my desire To dive in and just wallow in my friend And learn to trust her once again
On 28 June 2018, I had the pleasure of sharing some of my poems in the warm, vibrant & inviting atmosphere of ARC Artist Retail Collective Inc, Armadale. In this video, I read a poem called “Trust”
I wrote this poem a long time ago. More recently, I edited it slightly, so in my video performance, it is the original version.
If you like my writing and want to follow my journey, join Rai’s Insiders.
“And any man who knows a thing knows He knows not a damn, damn thing…” – Knaan
So don’t be fooled! I see the sympathetic looks in your eyes Can’t you see beyond this disguise? I walked for 15 days… 15 days I buried 8 children along the way But I walked on.
So don’t insult me! I hear the hushed whispers of your thoughts “This poor fragile woman” But God made me strong! Ask yourself, Could you have come this far, persevered this long?
Or would you have broken down in the dirt Too overcome by the pain, the hurt As you bury your son Kiss his sweet face Before returning his body to God’s earth? Would you have wailed to the heavens Paralysed in your place Watching him disappear without a trace As the dirt engulfs his body, limbs, face?
Or would you have offered prayers to the Most High Placed your trust, in the Most Just Remembering your nine other children And how for them, you must walk on No matter how far, how long Because God made you Strong!
I reach for you I ask for your hand But, you misunderstand. God made me strong I have come too far, persevered too long, So put away your sympathies Rather, recognise these strengths in me And understand, when I ask for your hand I am asking you to build on what I already have I am asking you to enable my capabilities I am asking you to feed my soul, my mind As I push forward, leaving the past behind
As I walk on.
Video Performance
Raihanaty A Jalil performing “Hawa Abdullahi Farah” at Rajo Fundraiser Dinner on 15 July 2012, a poem she wrote specifically for the night. The beginning of the video intends to give the poem context.
This poem is based on the true story of Hawa Abdullahi Farah. If you like my writing and want to follow my journey, join Rai’s Insiders.
I love that You love me in spite of my flaws; I love how You’re there for me before a moment’s pause. I love every moment I can spend with You; I love that experience of the Love that is True.
I love knowing that You’ll never be the instrument of my pain; I love how with every thought of You, in my heart, peace does reign. I love how the times I spend with You help me forget this world insane; I love that You’re closer to me than my own jugular vein.
I love how You are there for me even before I call; I love how You help me see that my problems are but small. I love that You look out for me, though I remain unaware; I love how, for me, You always have time to spare.
I love how You continue to care for me in spite of my crime; I love how You never cease to give even while I give You no time. I love that You are so forgiving, though my wrongs be a mountain tall; I love that You love to erase them and make them forgotten by all.
I love how with just one step towards You, You come running to me; I love the Love You give me that others don’t see. I love how with You, I can simply be; I love the feeling of how with Your Love, I am truly free.
Video Performance
On 28 June 2018, I had the pleasure of sharing some of my poems in the warm, vibrant & inviting atmosphere of ARC Artist Retail Collective Inc, Armadale. In this video, I read a poem called “The One”
If you like my writing and want to follow my journey, join Rai’s Insiders.