Whispers in the Starlight (Tribute to my Grandma)

(Verse 1)
Moonlight on the grasslands,
Soft winds call my name.
Shadows dance around me,
Yet somehow feel the same.
Every step I wander,
Every breath I take—
I hear her gentle laughter
Drifting in the wake.

(Chorus)
Whispers in the starlight,
Guiding me with love so tender.
Grandmother, I feel you near—
A memory I still remember.
In the sky you shine so bright,
Watching me through every night…
Oh Nala, hear my heart surrender,
To whispers in the starlight.

(Verse 2)
Golden fields before me,
Stories in the sand.
Lessons that she gave me
Still hold my trembling hand.
I see her in the sunrise,
Hear her in the rain—
Her courage in my heartbeat,
Her strength in every strain.

(Chorus)
Whispers in the starlight,
Guiding me with love so tender.
Grandmother, I feel you near—
A memory I still remember.
In the sky you shine so bright,
Watching me through every night…
Oh Nala, hear my heart surrender,
To whispers in the starlight.

(Bridge)
Though the night is quiet,
I am not alone—
For all the ones before us
Light the great unknown.
And when I fear the future,
I lift my eyes above…
And see her smile glowing
In the stars she loves.

(Final Chorus)
Whispers in the starlight,
Carry me through dark and danger.
Grandmother, your spirit’s here—
Never fading, never stranger.
Every star that crowns the sky
Holds a piece of you on high…
Oh Nala, forever my defender,
In whispers in the starlight.

This piece is a tribute to my late grandmother, who passed away six years ago. Not a day goes by where I don’t miss her. She was one of the most important people in my life, and losing her so suddenly shattered me in ways I still feel even now. I wasn’t ready to let her go. I don’t think I ever could have been.

In this artwork, Chiku represents me. Just like she looks up at the stars to speak to her grandmother, I still find myself doing the same—on the quietest nights, when the world is still, I look toward the sky and hope that somehow my grandma can hear me from wherever she is in the afterlife. I talk to her, I think of her, and I search for her presence in the glow of the stars.

The song attached to this piece was inspired by “Once Upon a December” from the Anastasia movie—a film I’ve always thought was truly beautiful. In the story, Anastasia is miraculously reunited with her grandmother many years after being torn apart as a child. That idea of love reaching across time, distance, loss, and memory has always stayed with me. In a way, this artwork is my own version of that reunion—a way for me to reach out to my grandmother through art, imagination, and the night sky.

I miss her warmth, her love, and every small moment that made her such a huge part of my heart. I’ll always carry her with me, no matter how much time passes. And one day, when my own time comes, I hope I’ll be able to give her the biggest hug—one even longer than all the hugs I gave her while she was here.

I love you, Grandma. I always will.
And someday, when the stars finally guide me to where you are, I can’t wait to see you again.

Bases Made By @LionGuardKujenga