Today I found myself yet again, thinking about my life and how far I have come. About two years ago, I opened my soul to the world, strangers, friends, “enemies”…In hopes of finding myself again, reclaiming my power, hearing my loud unapologetic voice again. It didn’t happen as easily as I thought it would, two years later, I still find myself afraid to love and trust, to believe in the good in the world, to have faith that I am divinely protected.

Though I have reclaimed my voice, I still have a long way to go, with fear being my loyal companion and all. Only finding comfort and safety in my own little world, my books, my work and my poems.

As April is Sexual Assault Awareness month, I would like to re-share what I thought will be the end of Tlamelo Makati, as told by 24-year-old me. This was a submission I made to the AU Youth Envoy Sauti Publication. I hope it brings some sort of understanding, safety or reassurance that it’s okay not to be okay, no matter how long it takes, no matter how small it was.