Mea Vita Poem by Uche Nwanze

Some paths are meant to be crossed but once
Some paths for a lifetime
Some paths by chance
This path I am fated to cross in seven lives
Not by happenstance that our paths did cross
A pilgrim I was in my quest for a purpose
An itinerant on a search for a meaning
Across the meadows of life I combed
I journeyed on this Odyssey just to drink of this oasis of love
Alas! The Heavens heeded my prayers
Finally, Olisa received my oblations
Flawed as I am, the Cosmos bequeathed You to me
Like a ray of light You drove the eclipse of my imperfections

I was a Ship wrecked in the Atlantis, You came to my rescue
Lost in the woods of despair your delicate hands pulled me out
Buried in the rubble of self doubt, your warm smile woke my beating heart
Hid in the cocoon of obscurity, You broke me free

Your boisterous laughter, the medicine for my melancholy
Your vivacious cheer, was the antidote for my despondency
Your gentle mien, was the cure for my anxiety
The melody of your voice was the remedy for my malady

Nkechi, You stood by me like an oak tree in the desert
Chukwudumebi, when I had a thousand reasons to give up, you gave me a million reasons to never say die
You it was who took my trembling hands and pulled me from sinking in the murky waters of despair


My frail hands you took and promised to walk with me for many moons
Together we will slay our demons
Forever You pledged to stand by me
A promise you didn't see through
Only Fifteen steps we walked, what happened to the promise of a lifetime?

Like a bird of passage, you sang your swan song
You danced your last dance and left in a hurry


If only I had an inkling
If only I had a hunch
If only I had a premonition
I would have asked him to take me instead

I'd be selfish if I stood in the way of Heaven
Won't I be an ingrate if I refused to let you return to the Celestial whence you came?
Guilty as charged! I am sorry I am selfish
I am not sorry, because you are Priceless
Never will I trade you for all the riches in the world

This emptiness of your absence
This hollow in my heart
Who will heal this pain?

The coming days are going to be tough
The months ahead will be rough
The Seasons without you is going to be lonely
The nights will be cold
Harmattan is imminent!

Yet I take refuge in your fond memories
I bury my thoughts in your impeccable smiles
I take solace, you now sit in the Festal gathering of angels
I weep not any more 'cos you no longer suffer pain
No more tears cos you no longer have to cry

Obim, I make a solemn promise, I will be strong for the fruits of our love
Ife, Max & Alex will make you proud
Keep on Smiling, my Smiling Angel
Goodnight my Dancing Queen
Obim Kachifo!
We meet again in Foreverland
On the day of the Resurrection