Epitaph Poem by Olalekan Joseph Ajayi

(For Frank Uche Mowah)

Here lies he that untied our chords
Called home one November
Far removed from earth's woes
A teacher-muse who sowed
Mustard seed in pupils'
Boundless wombs of firm dreams

Here lies one whose image
Marble shall not outlive
Though a rose in sunlight
Withering, yet flourishing
Tears cease from lids mournful
We learnt the master's art

Death brags not over you
For in men's crowns you dwell
Crowns moulded with your spit
To seek endless visions
Given form at Ekpoma*
Before Oguibe, Eliot and Pound

Here lies God's raffia palm
For unleaking baskets
Of truths and metaphors.