DIDACTIC: "THE THINGS WE CARRY" BY ABDULMALIK YAHYA (THE PUNSMITH)

I carry a ghost in the pocket of my soul,

a sacred reminder of days 

that made me whole.

Through crossroads, I wandered

in shadows and light,

chasing a star 

that vanished from sight.

The wind kept calling my name 

to the skies,

while hope painted dreams 

behind my eyes.

I gathered fragments of stars 

in the dark,

each one a memory, each one 

a spark.

And though the world felt restless and wide,

I found my courage 

with faith by my side.

For life is a story 

no heart can outgrow,

a becoming journey wherever we go.

© Abdulmalik Yahya (The Punsmith)

- Nigeria

13-06-2026

"The Things We Carry" by Abdulmalik Yahya (The Punsmith) explores the emotional and spiritual burdens that shape human life. The speaker reflects on cherished memories, lost dreams, and the lingering influence of the past, symbolised by a "ghost" carried within the soul. Despite moments of uncertainty and longing, hope and faith provide the strength to move forward. The poem ultimately presents life as a continuous journey of growth and self-discovery, where every experience—whether joyful or painful—contributes to who we become. Its central message is that courage, memory, and resilience help us navigate the ever-changing path of life.