Edward Ibeh Poet Elegy

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...

♡Like0

Share 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

Chime Justice Ndubuisi June 15, 2018 at 11:43 AM So sorry for your loss bro. My dad died 33 years ago, I was just one year and 6 months. It has been a rough journey here without a father. Just today, 15 May 2018, we laid to rest my father's elder brother Pa Godfrey Ndubuisi Onyia-Amushi. He was a good and civil man. Has been like a father to me and my elder siblings. He was the taste I had of a father. You should take heart for at least you had some good memories with your dad. Edward Ibeh June 15, 2018 at 2:07 PM Thanks, Chime! I greatly appreciate your thoughtful condolences. Sorry for your losses as well. Peace be with you, friend.

Kim Merryman March 23, 2017 at 12:49 PM An amazing tribute to your father, Edward! Your love filled words brought him to life for the reader. I am sorry for your loss. I feel your pain as I just lost my mom a couple months ago. God bless you. Sincerely, Kim Edward Ibeh March 23, 2017 at 3:17 PM Thank you so much, Kim. That really means a lot to me. I'm sorry for your loss as well. I'll pray for healing for both of us. Take care.