Paying tribute to the man from East Street

EDITOR, The Tribune.

As we celebrate our recognised heroes. I am honoured to pay tribute to the man from East Street. I wrote this on August 25th, 2000 the day Sir Lynden died. Titled the Man From East Street.

The Man From East Street

From the depths of East Street you came.

Riding upon the crest of fame

An energetic young man of valor.

Joined in the struggle for people of colour .

Courageously you came upon a white steed.

In swift pursuit of noble deeds

The hero of the masses,

Hailed by lads and lasses

You helped to open the door,

For many lost and insecure .

The envy of the Caribbean

Admired by king and Queen.

With Marguerite by your side,

You, sir, braved many a tide.

Like Moses you raised your hand,

Took your people to the promised land.

With the use of your uncanny ability.

You turned the minority into majority.

A man of importance so much,

You never lost the common touch.

For many a days you could be seen on the block,

Playing dominoes with the local flock.

Though many a darts were hurled your way,

You stood straight and never sway.

For you took your licks like a man,

And give back as many as you can.

While many tried to sully your name,

You’d only chuckle and say, Lord. forgive them they’re not to blame.

For like all great men so trusting,

You were unaware of the daggers thrusting.

A man who found it hard to say no.

You fell victim to the embraceable foe.

And now you have come to the end of the road.

Lord knows your lot was a heavy load.

Sir Lynden you weathered the storm,

And now as the nation mourn.

We have reason to rejoice,

For you, sir, were the people’s choice.

And while you in that place of rest sojourn.

There is comfort knowing that we will see you again on that morn.

So go on and take your rest

For you, sir, have past the test,

We will see you farther on.

For surely not even the grave can keep you down.

So long for now.

Honorable son of the soil.

Father of the nation.

Nation builder.

Hero.

ANTHONY PRATT

Nassau,

July 13, 2018.

Comments

OMG says...

Lynden Pindling was inspirational and brave in his day but eventually the power and financial opportunities took over his life. Whilst he amassed vast wealth way beyond his official income, fellow Bahamians struggled and continue to struggle.

Posted 24 July 2018, 8:32 a.m. Suggest removal

pablojay says...

Since it is a rhyme, i will do mine.
I'm a poet , who doesn't know it.
Brother, what you said is true,
but only 'til 1972.

Posted 24 July 2018, 6:16 p.m. Suggest removal

birdiestrachan says...

He could have walked with the elite. but he choose to walk with the oppressed and down
and out poor black people from over the hill. He had nothing to gain and all to lose.

Posted 25 July 2018, 9:56 a.m. Suggest removal

birdiestrachan says...

In fact he caused the FNM papa and the FNM doc to be where they are today.

Posted 25 July 2018, 9:58 a.m. Suggest removal

Log in to comment