The HR Personnel Note

Two poems about duty and loss from Precious Kapitikusya

The HR Personnel Note

Dear Interviewee, You came here Looking for employment.

To be honest, Your attire was immaculate. But your shirt had creases, Your shoe wasn’t properly tied, That made us question everything.

Your English wasn’t impressive — Not at all. The way you pronounced ‘calibre’, Made us doubt, The legitimacy of your certificate.

All in all, Your answers were top- notch, You truly have a sharp mind.

You seem to be expecting a lot, Which made us question your priorities. Your position — And the wages you expect, Are the complete opposite.

But you seem to be promising, So, We are willing, To give you a chance.

Yours sincerely, HR personnel.

Laments of a Mother

With excruciating pain, I pushed you out To greet this world. Your cries Were a sign of victory.

I nursed you wholeheartedly- You clung to my breast, Biting my nipples. But I never complained, Because I loved you.

I worked double shifts Starved while you were full to the brim, Burnt my feet in scorching heat, Whilst yours were covered… Roamed around in rags, So you could look presentable.

Didn’t I drown in debts So you could have a bright future?

Now I’m forced to bury you. Life being as greedy as it is, Took you away To a place my love can’t follow.

Precious Kapitikusya is a Malawian writer and a second-year student at the University of Malawi, studying a Bachelor of Science in Geography. Her work has appeared in the Rhythms of Thought anthology (Mlembi Press) as well as in local newspapers. She explores culture, traditions and the complexities of human relationships in her writing. Her short stories and poems originate from lived experiences and personal observations.