Ugonna Wachuku
For: Jaja Anucha Wachuku
In my dreams; in my tears;
in all that I wish this life
could be, I think of you.
I follow the path you walked,
back to ancestral harvests of
home. In my thoughts, I trail
those stars you lit in the galaxy.
I stare at life and at nature
all in remembrance of you.
Tonight, at early dawn, when
I dream of your voice again;
when I dream of the worthy
stories you gave me for life;
when I dream of all those
breathing blessings you left
in me, I will surely remember
that some memories never die.
And tomorrow; as always,
I will longingly dream
of you once again
because
some
powerful
memories
never die!
!
!
!
Author's Notes/Comments:
My International diplomatic, peace, humanitarianism and human rights advocacy life took solid shape with outstanding influence, tutorials and private talks from my distinguished uncle: Senator Dr. Jaja Anucha Wachuku, who was first African Laureate in Oratory of the Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland; first Speaker of the Nigerian Parliament-ie-House of Representatives- receiving Nigeria's Instrument of Independence-ie-Freedom Charter, on October 1, 1960 from Princess Alexandra of Kent, the Queen of England's representative at the independence ceremonies; and on a 1960 United States of America tour as House Speaker, Jaja Wachuku was presented with the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Blue Seal and Key to the City of Atlanta Georgia. Later, Jaja Wachuku became first Ambassador of Nigeria to the United Nations-hoisting Nigeria's flag as the 99th member of the United Nations on October 7, 1960; first African Chairman of a UN Conciliation Commission; first Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs and CommonWealth Relations, later External Affairs, etc. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaja_Wachuku
In the late morning of thursday, November 7, 1996, Jaja Anucha Wachuku went the way of all mankind. He was 78; having been born in 1918. I was shaken and devastated. But I took firm courage; knowing that within the depths of my soul lies the overwhelming inspiration and spirit of excellence which he gave my being. Daily, by the second, I live with his humble life of love and achievement, his voice, his words, his pictures, and all that he taught my growing person. I will fight on. I will move ahead with love and excellence; if only to let him know that his trodden paths and life continue to touch mine deeply; just to re-affirm to him and to humanity, that as Thomas Carlyle, said: "No great man lives in vain". In tribute to this distinguished uncle of mine: Jaja Anucha Wachuku - Pa'm Jaja, I must rise each new day with unwavering spirit of love, humility in greatness, excellence and compassion to be who I must be! This poem: Some Memories Never Die is dedicated to this humbly outstanding uncle of mine: Jaja Anucha Wachuku.
Wow Ugonna! What a man he was, this uncle of yours. I am sure of your love and great pride to have such a man in your family... And equally sure that he smiles upon you from heaven with as much admiration and love !
Peace and love ~~~ Dougie ~~
A slight tear is shed for this treasured tribute for whom must have been a very special person...
This poem brought tears to my eyes. You have paid the highest tribute possible to a loved one. I'm sure your uncle is in Heaven smiling down on you... and feeling proud to know that he helped to nurture the caring and loving man that you no doubt are. Thank you for sharing this. Perhaps you may like to have a look at my "Tribute To George Worrell", a past principal, mentor and friend of mine. Thanks again, and may God continue to shower His blessings upon you.
What a lovely poem written for a loved one that taught you so much about love and life....I am the mother of two adopted children of color, who are the love of my life, who grew up to be fine people. I could not have given birth to more loving children ...I believe in what your uncle advocated and taught you ....thankyou once again for the lovely Poem and I read the authors comment ...BEAUTIFUL....I send this with heartfelt appreciation, Lorraine