Winston Arries, founder of Chosen Youth and teacher at Wespoort Primary School, Portland
In Honour of our dear sister, Verda G. Erasmus
They say one could hear your laughter in your smile
They say you could see the love radiate from your eyes
An infectious sound that warmed one’s heart
A memory that will never keep us apart
Your joy kept us going
Your hurt could be seen in your eyes
Your voice carried the sadness you were trying to hide
Your curtain was drawn, the tears were revealed
Of a woman, whose laugh drowned all the sorrows away
Your sacrifice kept us going
We’ll remember you yes, for the love that you’ve shown
No matter the colour or creed, the poor or the rich
You carried your heart on your sleeve
Moreover, it didn’t matter whoever believed
You kindness kept us going
Happiness is what was found in your laughter and sorrow
Not a perfect laugh, or a perfect smile,
Nor a perfect heart, or a perfect life
Peace and patience and love and contentment were what you strived
Your peace kept us going
Dear Verda, at last you’ve found your perfection
In the peace, and the patience and contentment
Of your eternal rest.
Your love and laughter kept us going
- Ms Erasmus is the writer’s sister-in-law. She passed away due to Covid-19 on Monday July 12, just 10 days after her 55th birthday.