Memories made
Lessons learnt
Pages turned
Pages left unturned
They say your life passes by right in front of your eyes as you are about to leave this world
For the most part, I asked myself “who came up with this concept “
Surely whoever it was must have been alive to tell the story so their theory does not matter… Right?
But then I spent some time with you and even though your body lay on that hospital bed
Your mind wandered between the past, present, and the future
You took me on a trip down your memory lane
Your confusion taught me so much that your sober mind couldn’t
You were loud but oh so closed up for the most part of your life
But on that hospital bed, you were an open book
I got to know you more for your brain wasn’t protecting you anymore
Your subconscious became much more conscious and I managed to tap into places you wouldn’t let anyone in
I am grateful that I finally got to meet you. The real you
Behind that smile and the jokes, you made was a broken soul that never got to heal
I was fuelled with anger trying hard to wake you up
But I had forgotten one thing… That you made mistakes and lived your life with no regrets and for that, I apologise
You missed mom and dad but now you get to be with them
I hope you are happy in the new realm
I will continue to cry until I am numb
Finally, your wish came true, and even though I am hurt… I am equally happy for you
Despite the many sad moments, me crying myself to sleep
My heart always smiles realizing that I was that constant thing for you
Even in your darkest hours, as you didn’t know what was happening or what was to become of your life
You remembered who I was and that always made you smile
You loved me so much and I am grateful for that
Pages turned, words left unsaid
Pages unturned, too much said
That’s what life is… Or is it?
*
Through you, I found a new meaning of life. To keep believing no matter what
You are the one person who fell and got back up more times than the clock strikes the hour
Even when you got used… you continued to avail yourself with a smile so bright
There’s a whole lot more you still wanted to do… But know that I am here to take over your dreams for they are very much aligned with mine
Thank you for the lessons learnt
Thank you for the love shared
I will hold on to the memories made for that’s all I have left
Thank you for turning those pages with me
Rest easy…….. Come visit me in my dreams
Jane Mpholo is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist, entrepreneur, and changemaker from Botshabelo, South Africa. As CEO of Jane Mpholo Pty Ltd, she is pioneering work in theatre, film, and site-specific performance art. The first recipient of the CCIA’s “Outstanding Actor in Theatre” award, she has performed, written, and produced for national and international stages. Honored with two honorary awards from Onalerona Productions NPC and the Southern Region Women in Media Awards, she is a mentor, producer, and advocate for inclusivity. Through bold storytelling, she sparks important conversations, shaping the performing arts landscape and inspiring change worldwide.
