MY FINAL WILL AND TESTAMENT!

 FOREWORD....
 
I wrote and dedicated this heart-sinking memoir to my two nephews. Sifiso now deceased, who went missing and only to return home after three years. Velaphi has been living like a vagrant for more than three years now; his whereabouts are unknown. 

These words pulled every string of my heart and very painfully so. Feel my pain and the warmness of my tears all over these pages.

John is my character I created based on the reality we can find on every street corner of this world. This Google image was taken from the real homeless person. There are millions upon of millions Johns and Janes out there. They live and walk alone in a world filled with eight billion souls, strangely, no one ever notice these homeless people were once part of our societies. 

I cannot imagine the pain of talking alone because there's no one in the world patient enough to listen and here my sad life story. Many of these unlucky individuals end up in unmarked mass graves; buried as paupers because they have no name and address!

Only God knows just how much I wish all of them had the beautiful ending story like dear John in my story line. Please, take timeout during your prayers and meditations, to remember these faceless homeless people who are littered all over our towns, cities, townships and villages. 

Remember, they are people too: just like you and me!

My Final Will And Testament!

Just where do I begin to draft the story of my life which I never had; I do not know! It is hard for a man without a face, to jog the memories of random strangers.

I have lived half of my life drifting from city to city and from coast to coast. If you stopped me on my journey to nowhere today; and asked me about yesterday.

I would not be able to tell the difference between the sunrise and sunset. My day's success depends on the food I gather. This is me, all of me!

I hear ordinary people all around me talking about dates and time. How I wish I had a chance to fit in their world!

It is hard for me to believe that once, I had a good life, with a lovely wife and kids. Like most happy people, I used to hurry back home to reunite with my family as if I had never seen them for weeks.

One day, my life changed dramatically due to a crucial moment with few options.  I lost my job and wife, my world, and none of my kids bothered to look for me!

I cannot forget how scary it was for me when the sun set upon me in the dark, with the only clothes on my back. For the first time, I had no one to talk to and nobody to trust. This was the beginning of my life as a vagrant and a homeless drifter.

People often ask to hear about my positive experiences. What memories? My brain has rusted beyond repairs over the years of pain and sufferings! My life like a drifting boat, depended on the next meal and finding another spot to sleep.

Hello. I know that I am a nobody, after all the years gone by; I have even forgotten my last name. To most people who showed me kindness, they know me simply, as John!

I have been unwell for a long time. And so, I thought just in case I wake up dead tomorrow: one of my kindest friends could identify my remains and give me a decent burial.

My final will and testament, is exactly what it suggests it is: it is final and concise.

Hello world, this is John the homeless vagrant who survived on the random kindness of strangers, you did not even know my name. I thank you for all the love and tender care you heaped upon my empty life.

The warm clothes and blankets made it all possible for me to survive all those frosty wintry nights. I made it through the years because you were there for me. Just how you even noticed I was there before you? Half human I was but you took notice of me!

After losing my glistering world of yesteryear and my face in the crowds of unknowns, I can honestly say that my life was worth the living. I am grateful for all the goodness you showed to me. Speaking with you helped me find my voice again.

To all my friends, this is John again. I have no riches to bequeath you; I could not even afford to keep a dog. I leave you with the spirit of my heart made glorious by your unconditional love you showered upon me.

I heretofore, count on my lucky stars for you to find this note after my death, just like you found me when no one else in the world cared.

John's remains were found days later by several individuals. More than a hundred people of his kind friends identified him.

The city came to a halt for the funeral of a beloved homeless man.

His grave epitaph reads: Herein lies John, the man with the warmest heart and the most infectious smile, the most loved homeless man in the city. 

Rest in Peace and in Power John!


Tearfully Written By: Sydney Pikelela Gutyungwa
May 17th, 2025
Featured Title Song: Strollin'
From The Title Album: Love You Found Me
© 2010

DISCLAIMER

ALL COPYRIGHTED MUSIC VIDEOS USED IN THIS BLOG ARE NOT MONETIZED BUT USED ONLY TO HIGHLIGHT AND ENHANCE READING: POEMS, ESSAYS AND NARRATIVES OF THE AUTHOR. I DO NOT OWN ANY MUSIC COPYRIGHT: ALL VIDEOS ARE USED WITH DUE RESPECT TO THE ARTISTS IN FAIR USE MANNER!




 

 

 

 

 

 

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