Threnody for Kofi Awoonor: (1935-2013)

January 13, 2024
1 min read

Threnody for Kofi Awoonor

 

By
Echezonachukwu Nduka

 

Friday, November 22, 2013.

 

When
journeys begin and end at the beginning,

We question the place where life
vanished.

 

When a flowery pen’s ink was
snatched and spilt;

Westgate’s mall melodies turned
sour.

For this passage, cries and tears
bear testimony.

Inks of bards wail and chant dirges.

 

Kofi,

Yours was not a war of words, but
thoughts

so rich and rare. Flowing from your
fount of poesy,

They touched thirsty tongues and
filled

 minds with wit and foresight.

 

Kofi,

Your eyes are closed, but open.

Your ears are stopped, but alive.

No bard bows to death wholly.

You have left earth’s crust.

But your works are born again.

Sleep; may you find rest in these
songs.

 

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