DOLLY PARTON (A DIRGE)

It may have been the “Coat of Many Colors”
A fabric that Ghanaians, particularly Akans, call nsaasaawa turned into a dress
That you moraled into a love song
That those from humble homes relate to
…that might have caught the attention of the young me
…through radios blasted in my Ghana

Or the “I will Always Love You” song
Which clocked all passionate but separated lovers
Into tears so memorable
Or into living what-could-have-been
…that I remember you by


Could it be the “Jolene” anthem?
A song without shame in a loving game
A song so truthful that it can send a fem-nazi into a fit
A song knitted from the many times fools fear losing their lovers
But are all in love not fools?

Or it could be your big hair
Your personality fair
Your beautiful heirs
Your ever-young body
Your sultry and catchy voice
That has made you my choice of a voice
…in tensioned days

You’ve lived fully
A bud turned plant, fruited and stood pretty
…till your call back home
You’ve been blessed bountifully
Watered, sun-lighted, aired to shine
You’ve lived at the top till this life’s chop
Dolly, with a face like a doll
Dolly, with a heart like a goddess
Dolly, oh Dolly, who I never thought would part
…now parts, in power
Rest well Star
For you’ve been blessed to bless us all
…through good and difficult days
Rest well beautiful
For you’ve done your best
And left behind many who can step into your shoes
…with pride
May the heavens lead you home
As the earth basks in your impact
Till we hear your tunes again in yonder world
Rest in peace atmosphered with perfection
…our dear Dolly
Amoafowaa Sefa Cecilia © August 25, 2026. Picture from Google Pics