Prize giving day approached

My old man took time off

How happy I was for this considerate gesture

For his workaholic ethics

Never allowed for such,

I have always known him to be loyal,

Steadfast and devoted to his work duties

This break-from-work opportunity afforded him,

The chance to hear from my teachers and,

Consult them about my academic progress and,

Most importantly witness

The presentation my academic rewards

Prizes for my excellent scholastic contribution and,

Being the best scholar among all my peers

I skipped jubilantly alongside my Papa,

As we headed to the school ceremony,

The Old timer was in good spirits too

I had shared with him the recognition of my efforts afore,

My mood was a testimony to the good news ahead

The ceremony lived to our expectations and more,

I scooped more prizes than l had predicted.

I excelled in all my academic subjects and,

Topped it up by being the top on my classes

On our way back we chatted happily

Both our hands were laden with accolades

Awarded at the prize giving function

His smile extended from ear to ear

Without warning I fired an impossible question

It left him tongue tied and,

Spoilt all the day’s fun

Papa was not ready for this untimely inquiry

Had I known what I now know now,

I would have never questioned him

"Sonny I am not educated and,

It was not my choice.

”, he informed me in earnest

“I was a bookworm like yourself.

As the saying goes,

Like father like Son.

You are my blue-print copy.

I might not have the certificates to prove this.

Many years ago, I used to be the head of the class too,

When l was last at school.

Sadly my own Papa, your Grand dad,

Though he was not a rolling stone

His hard hustle could not afford me an education and,

Let alone enough food on the table for his family”

He continued,

“I hope my hustle towards your education

Is evident for you to see and,

All my efforts to get you a decent education,

Are visible for you to see

He then concluded by saying,

“Do not tire Sonny, continue working hard.

Please use these resources,

That I have made available to you wisely,

To excel academically,

Lest, your question haunts you later in life,

When your children ask you the same and,

The same finger is pointed back at you in future

He had imbibed on the holy waters a fair bit earlier,

In a bid to get enough Dutch courage,

To respond effectively,

To my untimely loaded inquest ,

In an attempt to clarify and,

Put this line of inquiry to rest.

He also advised me about the importance of education,

Examples were provided in his loaded response,

His words of wisdom were eloquent,

They painted a vivid picture,

Illustrating the benefits of academic excellence,

Through hard work, patience and perseverance.

I followed suit and abided to my Dad’s words

In obedience to his advice

I drank from the fountain of education

In return it showered me with academic excellence and,

Anointed me with abundant intelligence

Equipping me with the knowledge and

Skills to go out confidently and conquer

The four corners of the world

Thank you Dad,

My living God, the departed ancestors and

The spirits that protect me daily

Again thanks to anyone and everyone

I met and who helped me

In any shape and form on my academic journey

Filled with trials and tribulations

Finally rewarding me with the success,

I enjoy with joy and contentment

Here I am today

Standing tall and proud

Shining as bright as the sun at mid-day

Sparkling like the bright stars glowing at night