Remembering a poet icon

EDITOR: Death comes to every home. The Bible states in Hebrews 9: 27 that there is an appointment for death. Unfortunately, we normally wait until a person is dead to shower praise that could have been done during the lifetime of the person. Also during their lifetime we seldom give them the recognition that they deserve.

Having said that, I take this opportunity to remember the late LINTON MATTHEWS of Petit Bordel. This brother recently passed away and gone to meet his maker. He had a very good funeral service. Br Linty, as he was referred to affectionately, was a poet without much recognition.

He often treasured the opportunity to share his poems at funerals, weddings, church and at crusades. He was a humble and friendly individual, who loved his saviour and faithfully served him.

It is so unfortunate that he passed away so soon, before he was able to have his poems published in a book. We both had embarked on this project, but it was in its infancy. However, while his voice would no longer be heard, his memory would always live on in our hearts as a poet icon.

It is safe to say that he was the most active poet in the North Leeward constituency. Although he was never blessed with academic qualifications and not seen as an intellectual, in my mind Brother Linty was a true poet.

His passing has left a void in poetry that is hard to fill. He is gone and the Lord knows best. We believe that his soul is resting in peace.

Kennard King