Oh when the “golden enchanter” and poet leaves what becomes of words and poetry itself? The news of his death has broken me because I have been influenced by his writings. His poems, often difficult, but powerful and mysteriously moving, are predominantly rituals of lament over the “senseless cathedral of doom” which educated Africans have allowed to usurp the shrines of their ancestral gods. As an African, who appreciates African proverbs and proverbs in general, I see the same in Awoonor. His poem, “My Uncle the Diviner-Chieftain,” highlights a Ghanaian proverb that says, “No one prophecies on an empty belly.”
Oh Awoonor, a fine poet and proud African, may your soul rest in perfect peace.
A day ago, Prof. Kofi Awoonor was shot dead! I have lost a bit of myself for 24 hours.
I knew Kofi Awoonor! I knew him because all poets know each other. I knew him because the spirits of all poets are fellow citizens of one country. His works have stayed with me ever since I first read his acclaimed ‘The Cathedral’. Today, he’s gone, shot by cruel terrorists who ambushed the mall he had walked into in Kenya. Our country has lost a citizen.
Kofi Awoonor has been a mentor. I don’t say this because he is dead; I say it because like me, he was Ghanaian, Ewe and a poet. And like me, he had a story to tell, which he spent his life telling. I listened to him. Nothing can so immediately take away this sorrow I feel.
I reviewed ‘The Cathedral’ and ‘
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85 Degrees 
It’s a sad day for all poets, a man of honour, a man of words – those monsters who took his life are vermin of the earth. Sleep well great man…
I appreciate your words, sis. May his enemies be brought to book. Such a harsh reality, really.
Sorry to hear of his passing in violence. I join with your prayer for a peaceful rest and that you will always find comfort in his poetry.
Yes, Sky. May his legacy live on.
So sorry for your loss of this man, this poet. May he rest in peace.
Your commiserations are well received. May he rest in peace.
Such a pity to lose a poet. Sorry for your loss.
This is so terribly sad and senseless. I’m sorry for your loss, it’s no consolation to those who remain, but his work will keep him alive for many generations to come. I comment here because the normal comment area doesn’t work.
Exactly. It’s a harsh reality, really. But I now take comfort in his works knowing that it will surely live on.
Thanks for commiserating.
Reblogged this on Bastet and Sekhmet's Library and commented:
Sadly, yesterday a poet was shot in his country…
Thank you for the reblog, my dear friend.
Ah,no problem, would prefer to reblog your lovely poems and proverbs.
Aw, blessings and thank you once more.
My heart is heavy reading this eloquent tribute, my friend. May you be comforted, and spurred on, by his ongoing inspiration. Peace, peace
Yes, Sirena. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
So senseless. For a man like that to be shot. I cannot understand the world when this type of thing happens.
Yes, Darlene. it’s painful and sad when innocent people, especially when people who have contributed a lot to humanity are wasted in a senseless manner.
I’m sorry for your loss, the world became a cruel place now
Thank you, Yessie. May his soul rest in peace.
My condolences to you, Uzoma, on the loss of a fine man and a leader. This is very sad and I am so sorry I did not get to your post until today. My belated wishes for you to know I have you (and this man’s family, too) in my thoughts and prayers.
Aw, how kind and thoughtful of you to commiserate with us. I have a book of poem where a section contains some of the man’s poems. His words, like so many others, will definitely live on.