Towards A Perfect Man Poem by Ola Joseph Kolawole

TOWARDS A PERFECT MAN*

Oh that I’m a Light
As though a lamp to their feet
That they may know where they are
And how far they’ve still got to go.

Oh that I’m a Map
That this world of Geographers will read
That the lost can retrace their steps
And those on course will know the next turning.

Oh that I’m a Bridge
Li9nking the world to the kingdom
Easing a journey from darkness to light
And from captivity to liberty.

Oh that I’m a Bill – Board
Advertising a new game
Holding forth the word of life
As the rule book for the new game.

Oh that I’m the salt
That seasons this bitter world
Making Isaacs out of Marah
And laughter out of sorrow.

Oh that I’m a Vessel
Fit for the use of the master
As a vessel unto great honour
In such a large house as this

Oh that I’m an Epistle
Written in the native language of all
Understandable at a glance
That they may run that read it

Oh that I’m a Letter of Recommendation
For the clergies who doubles as my tutors
Being a living proof of the truth
Embedded in all of their wise teachings.

Oh that I’m a Song
With my lyrics preaching The Way
With a melody divinely inspired
After which comes all other stuffs

Oh that I’m in Love
First, with You, my Creator and mentor
Then, with you, my dearly beloved neighbour
That I may be like You the more

Oh that I’m in Spirit
Just as He is a Spirit
And longs to see me worship Him rightly
In Spirit and in truth.

Oh that I’m a Man
Called according to His purpose
Walking in His will with love
That all things may co – work for my good.

Oh that I’m a Priest
Having an unlimited access to the Holy – of – Holies
Atoning first for my sins,
Then for others, even continually.

Oh that I’m a King
Leading an exemplary Leadership life
Doing a bit more than expected
Yet in continuous fellowship with the King of kings.

And above all,

Oh that I’m a Standard
A yardstick for measuring uprightness
Having attained Christ’s full stature
In such a world as this.

March 23,2007.