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For Frank Kokori, By Niyi Osundare

Ko Kori
February 19, 2024

Frankly speaking……

So he has gone the way of ancestors

    Not in a chariot of fire

Not in a golden carriage

    Not on the wings of the eagle

 

He strode back home

    On a path cleared by our common prayers

He swung his hands by his side

    As he swayed to our songs of honour

 

 

Rare brand in this clime of caviling compromise

    True in his word, true in his deed

He knew what part of the sky begat the sun

    So he walked all his life in perpetual Light

 

 

When darkness seized the land

    And gun-toting despots assailed our Freedom

He risked life and job and pitched his tent

    On the side of those who labored for a chainless future

 

For he was a Leader who knew how to follow

    Scion of our devastated Delta

He knew the perilous particularities

    Of the politics of oil

     

Truth over tribe, science beyond superstition

     He was there when a foul Annuller

Imperiled our Liberty, and he stood forefront

    In the army which challenged his gun

 

    

Sleep well, worthy Compatriot

    You remain a Hero in a land still

In desperate search for lasting values

     Frankly speaking……

Topics
POETRY