Creative Writing

Phantom of Monaresa

A flame in the tropical island of Zanzibari
Creative prints stamped at every corner chumbani
Paintings, embroidery and calligraphy Monaresa hodari
Her speach was poetic much like the nature of Kiswahili
Art, braids, dance, henna she expressed creatively
Under the golden light of the setting sun 
A breeze blew from the ocean softly 
Primitive island slow and leisurely
Never failed to stimulate and inspire
rituals kept alight her fire
A sudden tremor
Now sinking forever
Monaresa is ashes and smoke
A ghost 
Impossible to evoke
A shell
That doesn't live 
But dwell
Uninspired
Tired
Void.

                                       - Hanifah Rufai