“Portrait of a Gentle Soul”

Mattheus Frederik
3 min readJul 24, 2023

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https://youtu.be/7BKObqw3xq0?t=167

Cristiaan and two sons on the left

In the mirror of a gentle soul, kindness is seen,
In eyes like cocoa, warm, and gleam.
Windows they are, to a heart that’s kind,
Whispering tales of a compassionate mind.

Brows etched with worry, furrowed, yet light,
Pledging solace in the depth of night.
Raising slightly at another’s despair,
Signaling a readiness, a tender care.

A mouth adorned with a quiet grin,
Speaking volumes of love within.
It’s not merely the curve that uplifts,
But a glow that in darkness, shifts.

Lines etched deeply, not merely age,
But a story written, on life’s wide page.
Tales of joy, of sorrow shared,
A testament to a man who cared.

A face that tells a story untold,
Of warmth, of kindness, bold and old.
A beacon in the abyss of night,
Bearing the strength of love’s true light.

Encountered once, remembered ever,
A face of kindness, forgotten never.

Author’s Note:

The tragedy of self-death is that it often remains shrouded in mystery, its reasons hidden deep within the hearts of those we thought we knew well. It’s a reminder of the complex nature of human emotions and the individual battles we all wage within ourselves, often unbeknownst to even those closest to us.

In the case of our protagonist, his kindness and empathy were genuine, a part of him that was as real as the eyes we looked into or the smile that brightened our days. However, as he spent his energy and focus caring for others, he was not immune to his own struggles. Often, it’s the people who give the most who forget to save something for themselves. His was a soul constantly pouring out love and compassion, without allowing himself the grace of receiving it in return.

His incessant worry for others sometimes cloaked a silent torment within himself. He was a man caught in an ironic paradox: a radiant beacon of warmth and love to others while battling a chilling darkness within. His internal struggle was a quiet one, drowned out by the outward symphony of his generosity and care.

His self-death was not a reflection of his kindness or the love he had for others, but rather a tragic consequence of an unseen struggle, a battle fought behind the warm eyes and comforting smile. It underscores the importance of looking deeper, beyond the face that people show the world, to truly understand their feelings and thoughts.

Remember him not for his tragic end, but for the love and kindness he embodied. And let us learn from his life, that everyone, no matter how kind or loving, needs care, understanding, and compassion for themselves too.

Above all, let his story serve as a reminder that mental health matters, and even the kindest souls among us may need a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on, and an understanding heart to hear their unspoken woes.

Mattheus Frederik

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Mattheus Frederik
Mattheus Frederik

Written by Mattheus Frederik

Experience in Explosives, Fertilizers, Heavy Chemicals and Author. Love People, High Tech, Space and Afrikaans/English Translator.

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