Like a moment lost in time,
Your love is a memory turned to nostalgia,
Yet in my mind, it’s so bright—like a vivid dahlia,
A time when stars align.
The touch of your lips was sublime,
Like a warrior entering Valhalla.
A moment I felt like an alpha,
In a world where lemons turn to lime.
But like footprints left on the sands,
Or whispers of a poem,
I’ll hold on to these moments even more.
Like a diligent hand,
Your love is a totem,
A reason worth dying for.
Thomas Mashala is a poet and writer from the East Rand, whose work explores the complexities of human nature, heritage, love, and identity in modern African life. His work has been featured in esteemed literary magazines and journals, such as the Kalahari Review, Poetry potion, and Writers Space Africa. “The Crown”, his debut short story, was selected as Editor‘s choice in the December 2025 issue of Writers Space Africa literary magazine. Thomas‘s writing draws inspiration from authors like Niq Mhlongo. Fred Khumalo, Angela Makholwa, Koleka Putuma, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Akwaeke Emezi, who redefine African stereotypes and push the boundaries of African literature.