I stood on the frigid ice Caked in endless snow like fear, grief and hurt buries one, Frost bite threatened like a dangerous cancer,
The waves their form no more. And all that was left was the frozen depths. When the rivers froze. The sun and the stars stood still
No more did their rays bring heat. The winds blasted the whispering birds away. And the eyes gazed at the frozen depths. When the rivers froze
I wrapped my heart with your loving word. Held to your hand that led my path. Cuddled with your truths and sweet spirit. Tenderly, your love broke through the numbness. And blazed through the frozen depths into glorious light.
By Rhoda Gathoga, Jan. 2014
rhodag10@yahoo.com
When the Rivers Froze by Cynthia Abdallah
​The poem “When Rivers Say Goodbye” is a poetic memoir by Kenyan poet Cynthia Abdallah.
In this collection, Abdallah reflects on her deep connection to her homeland, the Maasai Mara region, and her experiences as she transitions from her native Kenya to Venezuela.
The title metaphorically addresses the emotional journey of leaving one’s roots and the bittersweet nature of such farewells.
Cynthia Abdallah, originally from the Maasai Mara, now resides in Venezuela. Her poetry captures the essence of her cultural heritage, expressing themes of belonging, identity, and the profound bond between land and self.
“When Rivers Say Goodbye” serves as a testament to her enduring connection to her ancestral land, even as she navigates life in the diaspora.
