Eighteen Years, Just Like Yesterday

18 YEARS, JUST LIKE YESTERDAY.                                    
18 years ago, just like yesterday,
I remembered how it all happened.
A life, his life was ebbing away with the breaking of dawn.
I held him but could not hold back the fleeing spirit,
swiftly taking its flight to its eternal abode.
I held him but could not hold back the tears as I watched him breathed his last breath.
*Erin wo lojo ojo yen,
*Ajanaku subu ko le dide.
The cock crowed, innocently heralding the end of an age,
Of a soul, a father and a husband.
He was a fighter,
full of funny banter.
a warrior,
of no terror.
He was my father,
the muse who triggered poetry in me.
It’s been eighteen years now, we are no more the same
The teenagers have become father and mothers of men and women.
The little boys have become men.
The young widow has become a grandmother.
And the inheritance which triggered acrimony among kith and kin,
is now in shamble,
 a total mess, with no allurement
Those who drummed the tune of discord,
can no longer hold their heads tall,
But the souls that suffered the hate, the sneer,
have moved on
Yes, for eighteen years,
we have laughed together,
we have played together,
but we have hidden
our bitterness,
our hatred,
our rivalry,
under the shroud of deceit.
Now,
eighteen years is enough to heal the sores festered
by rivalry,
by hatred,
by bitterness
Eighteen years is enough to let go of many pains.
Eighteen years is enough to sheathe our weapons of war.
Eighteen years is enough to remember our last end,
And show love to friends and foes.
It’s been eighteen years, just like yesterday.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Ogundare Avatar
October 26, 2016 at 5:01 PM
A deep and sad write... reminds me of when I lost my uncle... may God grant them all eternal peace. Well done Modupe.
Dietrich Avatar
October 1, 2016 at 7:55 PM
this is sad and so DEEP what you are saying about life and about your relationship with your father. Wow! By the way, your avatar is sweet!
Sefunmi Avatar
October 2, 2016 at 6:40 AM
Thanks. I have missed the soup a lot. I will surely do everything to be here every now and then.
May Avatar
September 30, 2016 at 1:56 PM
A poignant write Modupe... well penned ...best wishes
Sefunmi Avatar
October 1, 2016 at 3:18 PM
Thanks
Andresen Avatar
September 30, 2016 at 1:39 PM
- Even in sorrow live goes on, Modupe :) - Tears, smiles and longing ... time goes on, but we never forget - A wonderful poem with good and bad memories - I wish you a beautiful weekend :) - hugs from Norway // Anne-Lise :)
Sefunmi Avatar
October 1, 2016 at 3:18 PM
Thanks.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace