Helene, my sweet African sister,
How privileged I am to have known you,
As I struggle to construe the reality of your physical absence,
A powerful effervescence reminds me
Just how present you continue to be
Through the many magnificent mementos
Left behind by you.
Helene, my sweet African friend
How inspired I am by your unyielding drive,
To keep our African heritage fervently alive,
By transporting and exhibiting its cultural beauties
For various communities to savour
Like priceless treasure,
You generated greater understandings of my Africa
Helene, my sweet African colleague
How grateful I am to have worked with you,
You knew the true meaning of professionalism,
Teamwork and treating others with the utmost respect,
And with little room for idealism,
Your ‘hands on’ approach
Gleaned you much success.
Helene my sweet African sister,
How saddened I am by that fact you are no longer here,
It’s clear life is too short to waist on bitter feuds,
And although you have departed from our world
Without a planned farewell,
We give thanks for your life, and AFAL
Because you were truly and will always be special.
Akuba © 28th September 2007. |
