About this ebook
Through lyrical and reflective verse, Mtende Roll explores the quiet grief of growing up—the dreams set aside, the emotions suppressed, and the boldness traded for conformity. With warmth and emotional honesty, she bridges the distance between who we once were and who we have become, revealing a powerful truth: the inner child was never lost.
Enhanced by whimsical illustrations from Rumbo Mercy (her sister), the book intentionally adopts the visual language of childhood to illuminate profound emotional truths. What appears simple on the surface carries deep resonance beneath.
This collection is an invitation to pause, to remember, and to reconnect. For readers navigating self-discovery, healing, and personal growth, When I Was a Little Girl offers a tender reminder that the most authentic version of ourselves is still waiting to be embraced.
About the author
Mtende Roll is a South African–born spoken word poet and author whose work explores the intersections of faith, spirituality, Black womanhood, and identity. Her debut collection, Poetic Persona (2024), established her as a compelling voice in contemporary poetry.
Through both page and performance, Mtende invites readers into spaces of reflection, healing, and truth, encouraging authenticity and wholeness.
