Segun Ozique

 It’s only natural that we all want to say something that represents all “incredibly emotional,” and special kind words about the dead as we all reflect on the death of an Aunty called Paulina. The children would hear blended calls and texts about the role of her motherhood, ‘caretakerhood,’ unbridled friendliness, and many other wonderful things about our dear aunt, including the bond shared among family members- a bond unlike no other, eulogized. Please, remember that CANDOUR was her GOSPEL, etched in her DNA and passed on to her children who by the way, as we all mourn, still have the responsibility of taking care of their ailing father. So, for all those extremely emotional, limit your tears to your quiet places, and display the anguish, grief, regret, sorrow, wails, woes, or “negative energy,” in private. Spare to share them with the children. They need truth, sincerity, no bulls, devoutness, faithfulness, guilelessness, and honest-to-God supportive “positive energy.” Do

 Dear Aunty, I write to inquire about your abode in heaven Here we still are in mourn of your sudden departure Also in discussions of your life a living testimony and Of your words apt, golden, sweet as songs in a musical   The space you left is not empty because of your funds of love Chest of investment assuring not to stare at empty slate Wisdom, you taught helping to navigate life and to live by Now we turn new pages to live our lives without you   Your smile as opposed to your frown remains as magical Your light stays on as the belief you taught stays strong Your life, still a living love of compassion spread and shared Do please let God know we await you as our chosen angel   In life, as witnessed, you were a bridge backbone of peace Bluffs aside your heart was pure, tender as your soul true You enriched a multitude in divine direction to do His will Therefore, I join us to pray that He Grants you eternal peace   Adieu, dearest Aunty.

  She was A sweetheart; a leading light with a gospel of candour A giant; depiction of homeliness, yet a frank fountain; With a presence like diamond, even at a casual contact She was, Wife, mother; sprinkler feeder to all famished souls Sunlight to shades like gentle cooling rain to heat Seed Sower soul of humanity, and adorably unique She left A woman, who remains, we pray, by His grace; a bridge A woman virtuous, righteous in immeasurably measures A woman who through, to gain benediction of His grace.

 My roving thoughts as I sit at my computer blank-page Are of three unmistakable FSAS musketeers: First up, Kunle Oriyomi I saw as spotty spatsera youth Typical Lagos happy-go-lucky expansive cracker Who now in maturity is spinning logic-rigged audacity Genuinely generous to a tee, though not whimsical And the cherry on the cake; the old spin has not stopped Then, there is Kenny Bakare the Corinthian, an amicable one Still the steering personality; a spinning events wheeler His place, old mates find conducive to feast and play And Dapo Olowu, the enchanter; amiable as portable Now turned a robed, wigged, and jurist packing a punch Who despite the height of the ladder climbed, stays humble I find the little many things they are gifted, endearing Like morning dews that gather water in drops They all have turned natural down to earth brilliant minds Forthright, as to call a spade as it is rightly named, yet kind Helpful in deeds as delightfully empathic i