Fourways songwriter, performer and published poet shares a snippet of her poem with us
Local poet and author said she found solace in writing poems and music performance
My name is Jessica Celeste Robus, I am a songwriter, performer, published poet, and mental health advocate.
Growing up as a teenager, I struggled with mental health issues in the form of anxiety and depression.
I am passionate about inspiring my fellow teens to talk about their struggles with mental health and I aspire to give them hope and let them know that they are not alone in their battle.
I also want to emphasise the importance of finding emotional outlets such as sports, journaling, performing and other ways of finding happiness in their day-to-day life and expressing emotions in a healthy way.
Last year, I released my first book with a collection of poems I wrote.
In my own life, I have found solace in all of these outlets but performing and writing hold a special place in my heart.
I also love singing and acting and the incredible camaraderie that develops between a group of relative strangers when putting on a production so that by the final show your cast feels like your family.
I want to remind young people who are struggling with mental health that they are not alone and they are loved, valued and important.
Here is a snippet of a poem I wrote for young people:
Still Shall My Heart
If all the world conspired against us two
To tear me from the warmth of your embrace
And ne’er again behold your shining face
Still, would my heart sing evermore of you
If fate’s breath be the wind of change which blew
me off my feet and swept me far away
Where nought but memories of us remain
Still, would my heart sing evermore of you
The sun may fade and colours lose their hue
And all that’s lovely turn to dust and grey
My love! Your smile will keep the dark at bay
And shall my heart sing evermore of you
As long as stars gaze down like eyes divine
So shall my heart – my soul – my song – be thine.
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