FEAR MY WORST ENEMY (A POEM BY COLLEEN MAPATWANA

Fear, My Worst Enemy

Whispers of darkness in the stillness of the night Whispers of darkness echoing in my ears Sitting alone under a palm tree Shadows of darkness folding in my thoughts Tears streaming down my face, Squeezing my legs in despair, pulling my body against the trunk of a tree. Fear was crawling down my spine, Darkness became my robe for the night I feared the sound of his voice that was filled with anger I feared his strong arms that used to embrace me, But now have become sjambok. Remembering the psalm of David that said, “Even though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil” I found comfort in the stillness of the night. I was broken inside, fear controlled me I could not move, I feared to fear him His fear in me became my worst enemy How did I get here? How did I become so fearful? Before meeting this monster It was fear that feared me, It is fear that made me to be clumsy at work, It is fear that changed my cat walk strides into running Wearing long dresses just to impress the fear of him inside me

Fear! Your time to fear in me is over I decide to free myself from all fear I will never fear again For fear fears no one.