Stripes Literary Magazine @ 5: Remorse Is Filial by Frank Njugi

Oct 21, 2025 9:56 am

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Remorse Is Filial

FRANK NJUGI





Life sometimes becomes this ebb and flow

that is a ceaseless stealthy thief;

it becomes a catalyst for when

joy and peace is stolen from hearts laid bare.

And you reckon of a tempest, wild and full of strife,

a bottomless chasm, that weirdly reminds you

of that one time your dog ate a caviar.


And there is a pall that drapes your soul in woe

A weight pressing you down with crushing force

those wounds that fester deep and slow;

finally you discern that in the trappings of civilization

a maelstrom exists, that roils sanguine tides of emotion

sadly you can’t uncoil.


But, despite this power to rend and tear,

there lies a lesson, fierce but fair and true.

For through adversity we learn

despite being drained to the dregs

And also find the strength to start anew.


And truly this is all part of life’s rich tapestry,

Woven to make you bloom in stoutness.

And when every time you feel like asphyxiating

Gasp with faith and Valor

For this is the true meaning of what is said:

Grief and hope are kin......




Author Bio:

Frank Njugi (He/Him) is a writer and poet living in Nairobi Kenya. He currently serves as a poetry editor for Writers space Africa, a reader for Salamander Ink Magazine and his work has appeared or is forthcoming on platforms such as Kikwetu Journal, 20.35 Africa, Kalahari Review, Olney Magazine, Ibua Journal and others. He goes as @franknjugi on all platforms.



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Stripes Literary Magazine began in 2020 and has become a home for un-categorized, unhinged and defiant work of art. We are especially dedicated to beginning and emerging creatives from all over the world.


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