KELVIN RASHAD ALLANDU (An Elegy)

I thought you would outlive me
And our parting will be long enough to let me see
Your many successes that I now see
…were not meant to be
They say He who giveth
…taketh
But your taking costs many priceless emotional fees

II
The earth which will swallow you is not fair
It should have waited to at least share
…a portion of you which was worldly rare
Your handsomemess and height
Your dedication and smile so bright
Your loyalty and light
Your aura and might
At least leaving an earthly seed would have sufficed
But our earthly eyes know not why you’ve been totally uprooted
Without so much as a small shoot to comfort us

III
I think of you and I think of your family
Those who are going to carry all the man you grew to be
…to feed to the earth
I think of you and think of your friends
Those who now feel shock, anger, pain and are struggling
…but must help carry you to a home none can visit
I think of you and think of the area children
Those you spoilt silly, including mine
I think of you and think of a candle
Rudely killed by uninvited fingers
But I know your peace stems from a fate
…that is more powerful than all these thoughts

IV
So I am immortalizing you
Your towering height and your black skin
I’m freezing your memory
In your Police uniform with strides which sprinkle fear
…even in hardened criminals
I am storing this picture
Of your handsomemess, kindness and patriotism
With a heart which was worth way more than platinum
I know the many hearts screaming
I know the many tears turned fountains
I know the many prayers laddering you up:
Sis Mavis’
The Allandu’s
The Sefa’s
And the many uncountable others
…my mind can’t mention and my ignorance shields
All we can do now is wish you power!
Wish you peace!
Wish you rest
…and all in best!
As our love and sentiments can’t reverse time
Can’t reverse this situation
Let alone bring you back to us
Rashad, do rest in peace
Da yie
I hope a world exists after
…to meet and greet and laugh
…at the vulture who steals but can’t destroy souls
Amoafowaa Sefa Cecilia © May 1, 2025 for Our Rashad, a vibrant young policeman, friend turned family, painfully lost through a motor accident and is set to be buried on 3rd of May, 2025.