A Widow's Poem

Oh Lord, what have I done to deserve this?
What unforgivable sin have I committed?
Death you are cruel and heartless.
You have taken away my husband, the father of my children.
Now I’m called a widow and my children are called orphans, the names we didn’t have before.

Here I am without a husband and helper who died just because death is a must.
I’m so lonely and depressed while other women are filled with laughter.
With all these children to look after, I’m desperate.
I have to send them to school.
I have to feed and clothe them.
But I have no money and everything I was left with was grabbed by my husband’s relatives.
Now I am hopeless and I have become a destitute.

IS IT A SIN TO BE A WIDOW?
My friends have deserted me.
My relatives have forsaken me.
I’m avoided like one with aids or leprosy.
Oh Lord, why Lord, why?
Have mercy on me Lord.

Widow in Zambia (2002)