I remember when I was still a child
Having no responsibilities, no worries

I remember when I was wiping tears
Being slapped on the head and being told “Ha Ta”

I remember when I was learning to speak
Saying “Mama and Tata”

I remember when I never felt like wearing clothes
And would walk on the streets naked with bare feet

I remember when I had nothing to understand but myself

I remember when I never understood death

I remember when I never knew stress
Put my tummy first

I remember when I used to cry
And Mama would sing a lullaby
Every night she would kiss me

I remember back in the day
Don’t you remember?

***

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