I CAN'T BE DEAD!

The day of my death came like any other. It was on Jamuhuri day. The year was 2007. We were on December holiday. By then I was in form two, an ‘x-mono’. I recall asking my father to lend me his car keys as I wanted to visit my grandmother. He seemed absent minded as he just pointed the car keys for me. I grabbed them and ran to the garage. Before starting the engine, I noted to my surprise that my father had left a bottle of Retino beer on the seat. It must have been one of those nights. I opened it, drank a little and zoomed off leaving a cloud of dust in my wake.
I was feeling larger than life behind the wheel. The thought of the fun ahead pumped adrenaline through my veins. I had hardly gone far when I spotted a car ahead and immediately initiated a showdown. I flashed and horned madly at the driver to give way. As I accelerated to overtake on a sharp bend, things happened so fast and the last thing my brain recorded was the echo of a very loud crash.
I woke up from the terrible lethargy to find myself on the hospital bed. My clothes were soaked in blood as doctors and nurses frantically attended me like bees on a hive. I could not feel my body. It was too numb. I could not move my small toe. It was too heavy. I could not shed tears. My eyes were too dry.
Don’t place this sheet on me!
I can’t be dead!
I am just 17
A student at Koimbi
I have hardly enjoyed life
I can’t be dead!
I can see my casket
I can see my family
I can see my relatives
I can see my friends
Classmates!
Please
I beg you
Don’t bury me
I am not dead
I can see you
I can feel you
Do you hear me?
I have a whole life ahead of me
I am only 17 for heavens sake
I have dreams
Good dreams
Sweet dreams
I have only started practicing the latest dancing style
I have booked a movie next week at Neu metro
The world cup is just around the corner!
Don’t put me six feet under
Am just a kid!
Am on my knees.
‘Oh God, give me another chance. A last chance. I promise never to be blinded by the pleasures of this world. Let me live a good life God. Help me keep Satan at bay. Show me his snares. Am just 17.’
The following year, upon opening the school, I gave my life to Christ. He saved me from the darkness of the world and lighted a new horizon. It’s a new world with clear goals and vision founded on the wisdom of Jesus Christ.

Victor Kinuthia,

Four West