My African Prince Poem by Raimi Babatunde

Fatherhood is a choice
A choice of the wise
It gives a voice
To a lineage of grace
The continuance of a generation
Almost wiped out in obscurity

My father, my Hero
My Hero, my Strength
My Rock, my Defence
My Teacher, my Mentor
My first Priest and Life Coach

A life without you is incomplete
It creates a vacuum
Like a molting magma
In a volcanic eruption
Before it crystallizes into igneous rock
Your place is immeasurable

As a Lion to a Lioness in heat
You approached like Romeo
Asked that she be your Juliet
The co-pilot of your plane
Declared your manifesto with assurance
She said "Yes" to Prince Charming
An African Prince

Life without you is incomplete
Of what value is a sea without fishes?
Your presence evokes discipline
You advocated the African Culture
A culture of respect, diligence and hardwork
That which brought you to prominence

How relevant is a father figure?
Ask the street boys of Oshodi
What exactly do Dad's do
Ask the Slay Queens on Allen Avenue
For single Mums divorce, death or choice
The answer in the deepest part of their heart

That you fathered a child
Does not make you a father
Maybe a sperm donor!
Fatherhood comes with a price
Encapsulated as responsibility to your family
Loyalty and commitment to your vows
Separated only by death

With a father
The burden is lightened
My fears turn cheers
My father, my Chief Security Officer
You led by example
Advocating the dignity of labour
Surely, you are my numero-uno!

Dear African Dad
You struggled that i may live
Tilled that i may feed
Worked that i may be educated
Then my understanding was shallow
But now i know and appreciate you more

You might not drive a Bentley
But you drive me to success
You might not be Aliko Dangote
But you are my richest
To those who sees you a non-entity
You are my celebrity

The "koboko" marks remains indelible
Those "Ifoti" put me in check
You never spared the rods
That i might be an African Exemplary
Your tutelage remains my greatest assets
Thank you Daddy, for being you!

A minister of unlimited resources
Never ever forget your root
The vehicle in which you rode
To become a brand in your field
If you want yours sustained
Honour your parents
HIS covenant will HE not break

Let the warriors ready their dane guns
Twenty one gun salutes
To the world's greatest Dad
The force behind my Masquerade
My African Prince
In whom i am well pleased
And "Yes", My Daddy rocks!