Poets' Corner
Libation for the Living
Kwabena M. Duodu
May this year bring peace to your
haunted-mind.
Maggie, from across the heaving dark
waters of the Atlantic Ocean, I send you greetings
May this year lessen a sister's anguish.
Quashie Quartey, you who have paid
more
Than the Gods levied, I extend my
salutations
May this year set your tortured body free.
Oman Ghana, from the Silicon Valley of
the Lepers
Where your auctioned children of ancient
times slaved
I bemoan our mutual fate.
May this year lower your national burden
And strengthen my resolve:
That our children will grow supple and
strong
In limb and in mind.
That our young and old will live and die
In dignity and with pride.
Let, oh Gods of our forebears,
Those who have preceded us journey well
And bless us, the living, that we may
survive the Lepers' pall.
