Musings

On the Passing of a Literary Icon

(For Chinua Achebe)

We were there…

Summoned by the call of the horns

The rhythmic beat of your drums

To join the dance you started

To sing with joy, the glorious words

Of exalted songs too deep to grasp

And mimic the intricate steps

Of your craftsmanship

Master!

We were there…

When you were lifted shoulder-high

Wielding Excalibur to the brilliant heavens

You plucked the stars from their abode

The azure skies

You conquered worlds – far and near

On your prolific  loom milling with lofty tales

Griot!

We were there…

We celebrated your victories

In wonderment and laughter

In the midst of the spoils of your battles

Won on the landscape of grand tales

Carved from the bosom of a master-thinker

Sage!

We were there…

When you danced your exit

To resounding applause and blazing comets

Yes, we were there!

At the final curtain call

To bid you, Great country-man, farewell

Patriot!

And we dance…

Like the rippling waves  of the Niger

On this  dawn of your great awakening

The unwieldy dance that you started

And follow in the remnants of your steps

Your mantle to raise, shoulder-high

To the blazing throne of heaven

Made  richer by your visitation

While  we live and breathe

Your undying essence

Icon!

                                                               fafa m. nutsukpo; april 3, 2013.