Where Love Still Lives - Aristide Ndahayo Poem by Aristide NDAHAYO

Judge:
You stand convicted of every charge, and now your fate is life behind bars.

Wife's Letter:
My dream was to grow old with you,
To spend each sunrise and sunset hand in hand.
But now, a single day without you
Feels like a thousand years I can't withstand.
The pain of this empty house is heavy
Almost too much for one heart to bear.
I whisper to the silence,
Wishing you were still here, still there.

I know you think of me behind those walls.
Believe me. I remember the warmth of your face.
The mornings I'd wake and find you near,
Those memories time cannot erase.
You worked hard, you gave us love,
You came home tired, but always kind.
And now, cruel days have torn us apart
How are you, love? Are you losing your mind?

Please be strong, don't give in to despair.
I still love you more than words can show.
Though we are miles and walls apart,
You're still the man I proudly know.
You were born free, and I pray you'll be free again.
One day, I'll see your face beyond the gate.
Our children miss you each tear they cry
Is a prayer whispered to change this fate.
I dream of your freedom, night after night,
And beg the heavens to hear my plea.
You're not beside me, but in my heart,
You're everywhere I need you to be.

Don't think for a second that I'm angry.
No, my love I forgave you long ago.
I love you deeply, endlessly still,
More than I could ever show.
Our love will survive in tears and time.
I'll hug you in the few moments we steal
Even if sadness steals my voice,
My heart will say what words can't reveal.
Be strong when I visit you there,
Because if you cry, I'll fall apart.

I won't be able to hold you through the glass
While crumbling with a broken heart.
Know this: I'll never replace you.
No one else could ever be enough.
And though you sleep behind stone and steel,
I send you dreams wrapped in my love.
When you wake, remember:
I wished you good morning with the sun.
And in my hands, your photo stays,
Until each lonely day is done.

I'll love you until my final breath,
Though the world tries to tear us down.
Not even the law, the state, the chains
Can keep your love from being found.
Stay strong, my love, for me, for us.
I believe we will hold hands again.
I'll be the one waiting by the gate,
Looking through time, through grief, through pain.
To love you has been my life's gift,
Even in this cruel, divided hour.

You're still a good man, a loving father
A soul no prison has the power to sour.
So take care, my love, behind the bars.
And trust in love, in God, in me.
For no matter what they say or do
You are still mine, and I'll always be Yours.
- Aristide NDAHAYO