monuel🇰🇪 @manulangch - Twitter Profile

Dear Mama, I’m Coming Home Mama, it’s me. Your girl. I didn’t make it home from school. When the fire came, we ran, we tried I held my sister’s hand. We cried. The door was not opening that night Papa, I called your name with all my might But this time, you weren’t in sight Just smoke, and heat, and dying light Mama, I’m coming home. This time I won’t be shouting your name from the gate. But I’ll be coming home in a casket, Mama. Mama, I’m sorry. Mama, tell my classmates this: Don’t stop laughing in the dorms at night. Don’t let my bed stay empty with fright. Finish the science project I started — Put my name on it. Say I departed, But not from you. Keep my jokes alive. And when KCSE comes, let all of us arrive… In your hearts. In your pens. In your drive. Mama, tell my teachers this: Thank you for calling my name each day. Thank you for believing I had something to say. I’m sorry I left before the lesson was done. But the biggest lesson was love — and you won. Keep teaching them fierce. Keep teaching them loud. Tell them I was proud. So proud. Mama, tell my friends this: Brenda, keep my hair clips. Wear them when you’re sad. Njeri, finish my novel — tell me how the story ends. Faith, you still owe me a soda. I’ll collect in heaven, friend. Don’t wear black forever. Dance at prom for me. Live the life I was supposed to see. Mama, I’m sorry for the fees you paid For the dreams the fire betrayed So Mama, fight for other girls So that fire doesn’t kill them. Mama, the negligence — tell them to stop the negligence. Tell them doors should open. Tell them girls should be safe when they sleep. Don’t bury me and bury the truth. Let my name unlock every roof That traps a daughter when she should be free Mama, that’s how you bring me home to me. I love you. I tried. I’m coming home, Mama. But leave the gate open for them. Your daughter. Forever.