LONG, NARROW ROAD HAS REACHED CUL-DE-SAC

Sir,

After the rain has fallen, the birds will sing; children will dance and play to the tune of flowers growing; up out of the sand they welcome the new world with open petals, displaying colour upon colour of love and affection. The rivers will flow with the grace and energy with which you have graced this world and the sun smiles as it welcomes another force of nature. You moved the world with your charm and grace; careful not to be the only one among many; always giving and not taking. Your footsteps are followed by generation after generation of your name. It may have not been your intention but you welcomed us with open arms; much like a spider builds its web; you were ready to fight for your family, catching all that would tarnish its name.

Light

You shone your light on us much like dawn brings day to the night; your veil of kindness blessed all who cared to listen. Your bike in a time of war may have just been a ride but to us it is a cycle of knowledge; for your wisdom was greater than the word itself. You made it easier to listen than to speak for you put others before yourself. Yea though a dark cloud hovers above us, it too acknowledges the great man you were. Times may be tough but you saw it all; and toughed it out when vehicles made their way to our land. You saw us gain independence and celebrate our long history.

Life

Yours is a story to tell my grandchildren for that is what you showed us ... life everlasting. The skies rumble with pain, the moon shines in vain; these tears do not begin to show how torn my heart is; for even as my broad shoulders slouch in fear, you taught me there is no greater leader than He; He who waits for my ear to listen, my eyes to see the Word given for me to be wiser and stronger like you so gracefully showed while you walked the long, narrow dirt road. No amount of words can begin to measure all that I learnt from you. Though the road to the end was filled with many challenges, you still reminded me that in repetition a lot could be achieved, that the times we share with loved ones are more important than those spent alone.

Learn

It was a pleasure having someone like you to learn from; to have someone to offer tea when juice was a better option. I would watch in awe as you chopped away at wood and made chips for the stove kitchen so you could offer me a plateful once again even though it seemed you did not want any. After close to a century, a man of children, great and great-great-grandchildren bowed to the Lord of Heaven and Earth one last time. This was a man of great courage, charm, integrity, honesty and affection for all of those who knew him. It was a blessing walking with him and seeing him mature like fine wine. But finally, after a long and arduous journey – like all good things – his journey had to come to end. The long, narrow dirt road has reached a cul-de-sac and all I can say is thank you for the good times shared.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: