Elegy For My Father

Godwin Adizue Ibeh (1937-2017) Mr. Godwin Adizue Ibeh Aged 79 years Was and is  My beloved, doting father “Is” because he remains Spiritually present  Present  In my memory Present  In pictures and mementos  Present  In my dreams, smiles and tears  Present  In my prayers and imagination His spirit  Hovers in the air Above me like a hummingbird His presence felt  At the mere mention Of his name  Mr. Godwin Ibeh  Or simply “Daddy”  As I used to, and still Lovingly call him Or "Prof" by close friends And acquaintances alike Was a Nigerian-born Naturalized American citizen Migrated to the United States of America In 1968 A bearer of many titles Hobbies and accomplishments An alumnus of Central State University Wilberforce, Ohio. Graduated in 1970 With a BA in Psychology An alumnus of Xavier University Graduate School Cincinnati, Ohio. Graduated in 1975 With an MS in Correctional Psychology An alumnus of University of Nigeria Where he also taught Psychology in 1981 Received a PhD in Education Specializing in Guidance and Counseling He also moonlighted as a probation officer A writer and a taxi driver A father of four First-generation African-American children From oldest to youngest Mildred Yours truly, Edward Stephen Jeanette A grandfather of three A father-in-law of two A former-husband Of my beloved mother, Rose An avid collector of hats A voracious reader And collector of books A lover Of jazz and classical music An intellectual A sage A mensch  His personality Avuncular, warm, and humorous His smile Radiant, brightly beautiful, beautifully bright His laugh Honest and infectious His mouth Spoke no evil His destination  Heaven! For he’s a child of God And has led  A good, successful, fulfilled life Gone, but never  Will be forgotten Rest in peace, Dad I will miss you...