Yesterday my father was cremated. I was reminded of a poem by VN Plaatje, wife of the great Sol Plaatje, written as a eulogy/obituary for him a year after he passed away. WHAT IS IN A NAME? In Memory of Sol T Plaatje A question asked so frequently, Yet seldom it receives reply. Read carefully the lines below! Theyre sure to satisfy. A year has passed since we interred Remains of one we least could spare. Defender, Fighter, Champion, Sleep, you have done your share! The shock was felt by multitudes! The blow severe turned hearts to ice! For the demise of noble Sol, Was a great sacrifice. One who for others strived to live; His peoples rights his foremost thought; Discouraged often in his toils Great battles though he fought. A lot has he achieved. But ah! Alot has he left incomplete. It is for those he left behind, To further and complete. His pen he wielded forcibly. His weapon always was the Press. Speaking from public platforms too, The people to address. And though his earnings were but scant, Strife won for him fame and reward. For here was one devoid of wealth, But buried like a lord. Author, Translator, Orator, In you weve lost a precious prize! Your death occurred a year ago, Today we solemnize. Your ready smile and kindly word, Career, endeavour, intellect, Humour and generosity, We aye will recollect. A word of heartfelt gratitude, To all who joined in sympathy, And were responsible to cheer The mourning family. Came Indian, Coloured, White and Black, And others, miles to join in Grace, Homage to pay around the grave Of one who served his race. Came from Inland and overseas Letters and telegrams - a stream, And genrous aid for which is thanked All friends who well did mean. The papers far and wide are thanked, for kindly answering the call, Distributing lengthy reports Of noble deeds of Sol. Your struggles have been very hard - Sleep on and take your well earned rest! Your efforts we appreciate, May you be ever blest. V N Plaatje Bantu World 24 June 1933 from Tim Couzens and Essop Patel (eds) (1982) The Return of the Amasi Bird, Raven Press, Johannesburg
Posted on: Thu, 22 May 2014 18:37:37 +0000
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