I remember the days when my mother used to beat me.
I would go and play the whole day without eating or bathing.

I remember the day our house was burning and I told myself that my life was over.
I remember losing my brother in the fire.

I remember the days when I was young and my mom would prepare me for school.
I remember the day my father was shouting that I was not his child.
I remember the days when I was doing grade R
I was too quiet and my classmates would eat my lunch.
I remember the days I would look in the mirror and I would say to the reflection
“You are strong enough to endure all this pain”
That is what I remember

***

This piece of writing was created as part of the WritingMe Writing Clubs with Sophumelela High School, Western Cape. Find out more here.