A different example: Elegy for President JEA Mills: By Gideon Quarcoo
From conjoined loins of Ekumfi
Otuam and environs of the Oguaa region
Issued a son unheralded, yet surely destined for Greatness
Treading the foothills of Tarkwa, learning early the hard clean line
To eschew pride and avarice, preaching love, forgiveness and peace
Hearkening to God the Holy Father, with Christ the
Saviour in warm embrace,
Patched in the Grey City on the Outlaw’s Hill,
Glorious Kuziunik’s fortress no less
Duly rendered in Legon-on-the-hill, steeped in
Traditions of the gentleman scholar
Always a kind word for kith and kin, for friend or foe, made no difference
So let it be known that even then, you were setting a different example
My Brothers and Sisters… even early then you were setting a different example!
With steely resolve and tenacity, three times out and three times back in
Presidentially with lofty principle, yours a different example did you set
When friends, once loving, close and loyal, traitorous now sought your demise
You continued steadfast, yes you did… you set a different example!
When in desperation once-friends-now-foes, sought to turn the colour white to black
Blinded to truth libelled and slandered, clad in black and red cards aglow
Baying vile untruths and invective, twice announcing that you’d passed on
Still undeterred, with stoic resolve, you pressed on with a different example!
That fateful day, like lightning bolt, our husband, father, teacher, friend
Leader suis generis par excellence, without notice, no goodbyes said
Left to yonder Eternal Village, a lonely voyage of no return
The Sun, interdicted and in dark veil, grey skies bearing sombre witness
Disbelief unyielding, grief unrelenting, condolences ineffectual, woe are we!
We cry a river, words confound us, bloodshot eyes swollen near-shut
‘Tis unprecedented, a National bereavement!
Odupon atutu! Odupon atutu!
Why now crocodile tears, chameleonic tribute, why now adzemlekutu sentiments?
We’re not fooled that once you’re at rest,
Same people will revert to the old ways
Vilification and calumny, cynical hearts; tongues-a- lying, adu ko nu, dome le vo!
Aaah! Ao! Dzalele!, Wen yoh!, Shieee! Quelled dommage!
Adzei, ye wu ooo! Owu aye yen adze ooooo!
Ei, nokware ni, Owuo kita a enkwa ntumi nngye!
Asomdweehen ada ne benkum do!
Damirifa due! Senu! Babaa nawo! Afee noko eeei!
How will we remember you, Illustrious Son?
We should best remember you, through our words and deeds
Live through us and let all see, let’s show we've passed in Millsism
Leadership founded on pillars of service, sacrifice, selflessness, devotion
You were the one, the only one, in the annals of Mother Ghana
Most vilified in life, most beloved in death; and still a different example!
Alas! you’re gone from us too soon; deafening silence, stormy stillness
Brood as sentinel over unbelief, at this all-so-sudden departure
We recall your courage, humility, and empathy; your tenacity of purpose
To set a different example…
example not for the faint of heart
But for seekers of truth and tolerance; lofty principle and integrity
Fare thee well, King of Peace! You served with dignity, gritty humility
You charted the course for A Better Ghana … for love of God and Dear Country
Beloved Asomdweehen; Okunini, hen Man Panyin!
Yours for all Eternity,
A clarion call to all the Faithful: Seek you first the
Cause of Humanity,
And other things shall be added unto you!
Ghana will not die … Ghana will live … to declare the Glory of Her Maker…
May Our Nation Ghana remain great and strong!
Peace I leave to my Nation…It is done,
Asomdweehen!
Rest in Perfect Peace with your
Maker
Let it be remembered, from here anon,
you did and have set a different example!
Dedicated to H. E. Dr. Naadu Mills
Comments
Post a Comment