ODE: "DADDY 23, A PSALM OF KWABENA" BY KWABENA CHURCHILL

My Daddy is my barnacle;  

I shall not fret.  

He makes me lie down in green pastures; 

he leads me beside still waters; 

he restores my broken hope.  

He guides me along the safest paths for his name's sake.  

Even though I walk through the fearsome valley,  

I will fear no evil,  

for you are with me;  

your holding shield and your elevating voice,  

they lift me up.  

You prepare a banquet before me  

in the presence of my naysayers.  

You crown my head with oil;  

my cup overflows with opportunities.  

Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me  

all the days of my life,  

and I will dwell in your house forever, Daddy.  

© KWABENA CHURCHILL-MOMC

- Ghana

The poet persona praises all amazing fathers in the world with a modification of a popular psalm in The Holy Bible, Psalm 23. The voice also respects the fatherly nature of The Almighty God.  The speaker promises to never disappoint these unique fathers.