By Noel A. Ihebuzor
If my tongue does not move to mourn you
it is not that I am now dumb
sorrow like a furnace has dried up the dew
that freshens this soul, now numb
inside me all is dry, parched
save moist eyes from whence sorrow
tumbles down to an earth drenched
in the blood of a suddenly closed tomorrow
Juanita, if you could hear me
broken now, forlorn me
my wooden tongue stuck to my palate, me
throat dried, cracked and broken, me
If you could decode my silent sobbing,
you would sense my inner voice,
linked with a thousand others, hurting
wailing and railing at failed social services
in a continent that is yet to learn to rise and live
mourning a star departed
on the morning before her arrival
***** I got news yesterday PM of Juanita’s death. Juanita was/is a colleague, friend, soul mate, poet and one with whom I shared several intellectual coffees and visions for inclusive global development. Now, she is gone..and what pains most is that this death could have been avoided! Sleep well, Junaita…Juanitissima as I would tease you!
Reflections 
She was so loved and is sorely missed… Continue to sleep in the Lord, Juanita..x
LikeLike
such a loss!
LikeLike
Oh, Noel. I am so sorry. She hears you, and smiles. Mat she rest in peace while her words continue to move the world.
LikeLike
sorry–May she rest in peace, my friend.
LikeLike
😦 may her soul rest in peace. May God give her family and friends the strength to bear the loss. Amen
LikeLike
Dear Noel, I’m sorry to hear about your loss. Wishing you strength in this sad time.
LikeLike
Thanks, Davina. Juanita was such a nice warm and artistic person and a great lady!
LikeLike
Davina,
long time! How are you and Abheet?
Miss you!
LikeLike
May God comfort the family. may she find rest in the bossom of the Lord. Amen.
LikeLike
Amen, Folake. She sleeps well.
LikeLike
Life brings with it misery that our understandng continue to wonder about. A genus and human colleague,who create time to listen to you when you have issues to discuss, who talks and give sincere advice as at when needed, who thrives to better the lots of everyone around,now she is gone! May her soul rest in eternal peace
LikeLike
amen, Taju!
LikeLike
Hi Noel. Please share your beautiful words with many others on Juanita’s memorial website – http://www.forevermissed.com/juanita-during
LikeLike
will certainly do!
LikeLike
Commiserations
LikeLike
Thanks, Dimeji!
LikeLike
May the Father of all comfort wrap His comforting arms around you, her family and friends.
LikeLike
I am sure He has already done so in His wonderful compassion.
LikeLike
My heart is heavy but we must celebrate her life. So I smile for all the good times
and the not so good times. I will miss her.
LikeLike
May God grant her peace!
LikeLike
Very sad – a lovely tribute.
LikeLike
she was lovely in life!
LikeLike