Oh, my dear children, in shadows you stand,
In Sierra Leone, I reach for your hand.
Lost in the darkness, where fears softly creep,
I cry out for you, my hearts in your keep.
We’ve faced the fierce fires of Ebola’s cruel blaze,
And weathered the storms of COVID’s harsh maze.
When schools closed their doors and offices stayed shut,
Our country stood still, in a sorrowful rut.
Now here comes mpox, an unseen dread,
Bringing whispers of worry, filling hearts with dread.
With every new outbreak, my spirit aches more,
The rising numbers pierce me, my heart feels the score.
It reminds me of all we’ve endured in the past,
The echoes of pain from each shadow it cast.
Ebola and COVID, they taught us so well,
The weight of their terror, a heavy, dark spell.
Gather together, my precious ones near,
In unity’s warmth, we’ll conquer this fear.
Take the vaccine, my loves, let it shield you bright,
For the government is here, bringing hope to the fight.
Let those in charge act with diligence and care,
Not for selfish gain, but to safeguard us everywhere.
They must work together, for our safety’s demand,
To halt the spread of mpox, united we stand.
Learn what it offers, let knowledge take flight,
Awareness is power in this ongoing plight.
Just as with Ebola and COVID’s cruel reign,
We must stand together, our strength to reclaim.
Though the nights may be long and the burdens are tough,
In each other’s embrace, we’ll find strength enough.
Remember, my children, we’re never alone,
In Sierra Leone’s heart, we’ll build a safe home.
Let’s take precautions, so schools can stay open,
To avoid the stillness, and keep our hopes spoken.
With courage and kindness, we’ll weather this storm,
Together we’ll rise, in each other, we’ll warm.
So listen, my darlings, as I softly plead,
In love and in hope, we’ll plant every seed.
By Elizabeth A Kaine