Fourways songwriter, performer and published poet shares a snippet of her poem with us

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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