TO A FRIEND DYING YOUNG
KD’s very first poem as written by Rapu’m. I was going to publish one of mine but he beat me to it. Have a read below and enjoy. As the name implies, it is kinda melancholic.
Watching you lying there
Still and silent like Debby’s doll
Eyes closed like you’re playing dead
But you’re not playing
Cos I know how it looks when you played dead
How your eyes would crinkle at the edges
Like rumpled paper
Your lips trembling with suppressed laughter
*
No, you’re not playing
This is for real
Is this for real?
*
Yesterday we were at UC’s Bar
Drinking Star from little cans
Cos that’s what you do at teenage parties—
Drink Star from little cans—
And you got a little drunk and a little bold
Threw the shyness into the cold night
And catcalled with the other guys
Intentionally got a little drunk
Cos you’d ask Debby out tonight
*
Today, they say you’re gone
Is this for real?
*
Remember how in Drama class
We used to stage these little plays
On makeshift stages
Where the hero dies and the audience cries
But in the end we all gathered to take a bow
Dead hero and all
And the audience clapped and cheered
Cos after all this is only a play?
*
Remember how one rainy night
We walked down to Kenny’s shop
And I told you you were loved beyond measure
And you laughed and said,
Go tell it to a girl? Come away, you said
We’ll hide under these shacks, it’s raining
And you crossed your arms around my shoulder
And it hurt because you didn’t know
Didn’t know how hard it’d been for me
*
But
Today you lie there and I stand here thinking, this is for real – is this for real?
Written by Rapu’m Kambili
About author
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25 Comments
enigmous
September 29, 05:36Awwwwww…so touching. I felt pain in my heart reading this, memories everywhere…this is for real, is this for real? *dries tears*
daniel
September 29, 06:03*passes u tissue*
GB_SHOW
September 29, 05:53Wow…I love dis…can we get more of this pls???
Dennis Macauley
September 29, 06:04This made me cry
My best friend died 6years ago
Today would have been his birthday
I remember seeing his lifeless body just before he was buried
That image I will never forget
Rest In Peace Michael Emeka Owhor
I can bet you are singing in the choir of heaven
Certainly on the front row, you won’t let anybody outshine you.
Rapu'm
September 29, 06:41Sorry, about your loss, Dennis. I think I understand how it feels, because I’ve lost some people I love.
simba
September 29, 06:06Righteous… Rapu’m u too much dear.. the poem make sense, unlike some poems tht is filled with plenty confusing grammar. hugs dear.. NB who knows if Dubem is fine.. haven’t seen his comment..
Absalom
September 29, 06:06This is so beautiful, Rapu’m! The looooooong wait for poetry on KD is finally over and THIS is for real! #TrueStory.
Micky
September 29, 06:11This is very sad. Nice.
chestnut
September 29, 07:01I’ve never lost a close friend or “close” relative,but I’m sure it must be devastating.
Rapum,u’re such a literary icon in the making…and to think u’re just barely out of ur teens! My mind snaps (…*ahem*…sorry pinky; I had to,lol) when I think of d amazing literary force u will become by d time u’re in ur late twenties.
pinkpanthertb
September 29, 07:03Smh. You’ll pay for that, one way or the other, chestie
Rapu'm
September 29, 07:22Lol, Chestnut, Pinky go kill you for that slip oh. Then I’ll write you an elegy. Thanks anyway. And thanks, all. Absalom, yeah, this is for REAL. Lol.
king
September 29, 07:23Wow wow wow and is it true you are just out of your teens???? Rapum you write masterfully!!!!
Dennis Macauley
September 29, 07:37I will be accepting Rapum’s dowry!
All thirsty men, pass through me first.
I don’t trust y’all
Lothario
September 29, 07:41Wow Rapu’m…..if this is for real, I hope you all find the strength to get through it.
#TeamKizito
September 29, 07:41I like. This is for real – is this for real? Twas beautifully written.
Jace
September 29, 09:03Really nice piece and totally relatable. It brings back memories
Khaleesi
September 29, 12:03beautiful poignant piece Rapum, written from a deep and beautiful place in your heart. keep it up & looking forward to your taking the literary world by storm …
xpressivejboy
September 29, 12:58*dabs*
Thanks Rapu’m, no thanks.
Nice Piece.
Ola
September 29, 13:00It is touching, very touching, it makes me remember my lost loved 1ce. Hw we played laughed, fought, giggled etc. It scares. Nt d death bt d fact of being alone with out dem. Waking to find dat lovely face bt 2 realize he’s dere. I have a similar poem wish I can share it.
pinkpanthertb
September 29, 13:29By all means Ola. Simply email it to pantherptb@yahoo.com
Kuzaku
September 29, 19:26Pinkie, you’ve got mail! 🙂
Ola
September 29, 13:05Mean waking 2 realize he is nt dere. La morte est mal.
Kuzaku
September 29, 19:25God knows I’ll cry.
Beautiful peice of writing, Rapu’um. Be my friend, will you?
love
September 29, 19:57Nice. sm1 ff me on instagram @mindocrit
Legalkoboko
September 29, 20:09..a very touching and brilliant piece.