My Life's Story

In Sierra Leone’s embrace, I took my birth,
A journey through time, from my humble hearth.
Born in ‘23, September’s gentle morn,
To Shadrack and Juliana, life was newly born.

My father, a scholar, his pipe and books in hand,
With left handwriting, he’d understand,
Honest Mr. Honesty, at Ollivant he’d dwell,
His pen, Marillia Van, has stories to tell.

My mother’s nimble fingers, a dressmaker’s art,
In stitches and seams, she’d play her part,
Her love and her care, in every gown,
In the fabric of life, her legacy’s bound.

At three, I lost her, my mother so dear,
A childhood scar that I’d always bear.
Then at fourteen, my father took flight,
An orphan I became, in the fading light.

But aunts Rosamond and Susan strong,
Mama Rose’s love, like a soothing song,
With a heart so generous, she’d feed us all,
From cakes to rice bread, we’d stand in thrall.

In Guy Street’s embrace, our laughter would ring,
With treats and treasures, Mama Rose, our queen,
Doughnuts, pancakes, and ginger beer so sweet,
In Mama Rose’s kitchen, joy was complete.

Sundays with liver stew, a morning delight,
With bread from Macauley’s Bakery, oh, what a sight!
Dresses and lace, sewn with care,
Mama Rose’s love, she’d always share.

In Christian homes, our roots took hold,
At Warren Memorial Church, our faith would unfold.
Sunday School, class meetings, and hymns we’d sing,
In the church’s embrace, our spirits took wings.

From Buxton’s halls to Methodist’s grace,
Education was my lifelong chase.
At nineteen, I began my teaching career,
Guiding young minds, removing their fear.

In wedded bliss, a love so true,
Abioseh’s heart, I thought, forever to woo.
On that fateful day, he sailed away,
To the States for knowledge, he couldn’t stay.

In ’57, a blessing so bright,
Her name a testament, of joyous decree,
“God has done great things,” for you and me.

Knitting, crocheting, sewing, my nimble hands would toil,
Crafting treasures, creating smiles to uncoil.
Cooking with flair, Mama Rose’s art I’d acquire,
In the kitchen’s dance, my soul would aspire.

Comic operas, the stage became my friend,
“Dogs of Devon” and tales to transcend.
Teachers’ Dramatic Club, where stories unfold,
In the world of drama, our tales were told.

Passion for teaching, my guiding star,
Imparting knowledge, from near to far.
Nurturing minds, with patience and grace,
In the world of education, I’d find my place.

From Buxton Girls’ School to the physically and mentally challenged’s care,
In Israel and Netherland’s embrace, I’d gain wisdom rare.
With dedication and love, I’d teach each day,
Physically and mentally challenged children, I’d guide their way.

My greatest joy, a silent breakthrough,
Darryl’s first words, a miracle we’d view.
In classrooms and churches, my heart found its home,
In the lives of young souls, my purpose would roam.

Head Teacher’s hat, I’d proudly don,
At CCSL*, my journey would be drawn.
After retirement, my teaching’s flame still burned,
In private tutoring, more knowledge I’d churn.

A life well-lived, in church and in school,
Teaching the golden rule, embracing each rule.
With friends by my side, through trials we’d wade,
In God’s loving arms, my foundation laid.

Oh my God! In ‘99, from the land I love, from thee I flee.
To the Gambia for safety as a refugee.
But through the generosity of these United States,
I’ve lived a life that could only be God’s dictates.

At Knox Presbyterian Church, I’ve found my place,
Serving God’s children with love and grace.
Crafts, Bible School, my heart’s delight,
In God’s vineyard, I’d shine so bright.

So, at ninety, reflecting on life’s vast sea,
With courage and faith, I’d choose to be free.
Through trials and triumphs, my path would be shown,
Life is well-lived, if seeds of love are sown.

In Knox’s embrace, my spirit finds rest,
Though my health may wane, I’m still truly blessed.
With friends near and far, their love’s sweet hymn,
In God’s loving hands, I’ll find serenity’s brim.

For a century lived, with stories untold,
In God’s grace and love, my heart’s been consoled.
As I journey forward, my soul takes flight,
In the embrace of eternity, I’ll find endless light.