Omake, For Ou Hage: A Tribute | Poetry | Namibia (2024)

A soldier's camp was invaded.  

A peaceful brother was taken. 

A dark cloud shadows the land.

And gloom covers our faces.

As the sun approaches, 

We'll gaze upon the pride lands' vast ocean, 

rich dunes, and even rocky mountains; 

fully illuminated.

The magnificent fruits of his undying labor; 

gracefully celebrated.

And when evenings come, 

We'll long for his charisma.

"Hage, 'Hagile', 'Hage lo-lo', ek het planne gehad vir die naweek."

But by the look of things, we won't feel it as much.

A nation lost a pillar.

Children, a father.

Like sheep without a shepherd, we quietly stand.

Holding hands in circles, giving honor.

Hope deferred, and our hearts left bitter.

But though he sank, our mantles will rise.

His fight ended, but ours has just begun.

With dust-tucked feet, 

We will march fearlessly on the ground that swallowed him.

Our eyes, fixed on the prize.

Monica Geingos, as tears bridge your eyelids' kiss.

And your heart throbs with the pain of a thousand needles.

Blessed are you to have captured a king's heart among the daughters of all peoples.

Though he left us, he never left you.

His perfume, like a stain, will remain on the fabric of your soul.

And his voice forever echo on the walls of your heart. 

So, 'Omake',

For 'Ou Hage'.

A gentle giant,

Humble and defiant.

Robert Frost said it too:

So dawn goes today.

Nothing gold can stay.

Mourn, oh children of the brave.

Hold not back honor from your leader.

Because, though he sank, our mantles will rise.

His fight ended, but ours has just begun.