I have never met Goldie in person before, but the news of her death touched my soul. I first knew her as a house mate on the BBA. My love for her was even made firm in December, 2012 when I downloaded a song she produced with J. Martins, “Give It To Me”. I love the song, especially the Indian style used. Then, I searched her on twitter and I followed her. When she tweetd she was out of the country on her a holliday, I saw the pictures. I also was aware of her face-off with J. Martins in South Africa over the video production hiccups of the song they co-produced. J. Martins request, and the lady’s diapointment and frustration. I have been following her.
I have no option today but to present these poems, paraphrased, from two established English poets in memory of my beloved Goldie who struggled through life and died a heroine.
Readers should read the poems between the lines and connect them in flow:
“The glories of our blood(birth) and state(rich or poor) Are shadows, not substantial things; There is no armour (protection) against fate (destiny); Death lays his icy hand on kings. Sceptre and crown Must tumble down, And in the dust be equal made.
Some men may reap the field, And plant fresh laurels, But their strong nerves at last must yield.
Early or late, They stoop to fate, And must give up their murmuring breath, When they, pale captives, creep to death.
Upon death’s purple altar now, our heads must come To the cold tomb. (James Shirley)
AS virtuous men(people) pass mildly away, And whisper to their souls to go, Whilst some of their sad friends do say, “Now his breath goes,” and some say,”No”, let us melt, and make no noise. No tear-floods, nor sigh-tempests move. ‘Twere profanation of our joys To tell the laity(world) our pain. (John Donne)
In conclusion, I will say: Death, be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so; For those whom thou think’st thou dost overthrow, Die not. From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be, And soonest our best men(people) Rest of their bones.
One short sleep past, we wake eternally, And death shall be no more. (John Donne)”
Odih Daniel Nuhu Lokoja, Kogi State. odih4sure@yahoo.com
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