Dr. John Garang: The Unwavering Man

When your people became oppressed and enslaved.

You saw despair and anguish in women and children eyes.

Their tears calling, where is Garang?  Why did he waited this long?

And you said, “I heard you, Kuanyin Bol heard, Nyanchingak heard.”

 That’s was a choice of a liberation.

  You made a covenant with yourself that freedom was the only acceptable choice.

Selfless Garang, you gave up your PhD. and luxury life of a philosopher.

And you chose hard life of a liberator.

Respect!  Respect! Respect!

When you beaten the drum of war, your people listened to you.

Kuanyin Bol listened to you, and fired the first bullet.

Nyanchingak listened to you from the top of Mountain Boma.

And Nyuon Bany said, “Gat col Garang e Ran da.”

Respect! Respect! Respect!

The sons of Garang and Abuk came from all corners of the Garden of Eden.

They heard you calling

And here in Jonglei, your call was heard.

 Even our cattle, sheep and goats were able to hear your call.

Respect! Respect! Respect!

When people called you names. You never call them names.

When they became your enemies, you made them your friends.

When they deserted you, you never looked back with regret.

When they burned down your house, you never burned their houses.

You knew one day these people will come back to you.

Respect! Respect! Respect!

When nobody sees light, you saw a light at both ends of tunnels.

You said, “We will cross into the Promised Land.”

Yes, you did not lied,

You have crossed with your men on to the shores of the Promised Land.

Respect! Respect! Respect!

When you signed CPA, you saw the dawn of a bright future for your people.

Even the day you entered that helicopter from Entebbe, you saw a bright evening.

And when that chopper crashed, you knew freedom was about to be sealed.

When you breathed your last air over New Site Mountains,

Your last word was something like this:  AT LEAST I DIED AS A FREE MAN.

Respect! Respect! Respect!

Disclaimer:

This poem is a personal reflection on the life and work of Dr. John Garang. The author is not a trained poet. The poem doesn’t follow poetry rules. The author, Phillip Manyok thanked people who get to read this work. He also retained the authorship and copyright of this work, but allows individuals to use the work for personal and educational purpose only.