ODE TO LORD KITCHENER

by

Cyril Paul

February, 2000

Trinbagonians, on the shores of Trinidad

A hero has fallen, now we are sad

Leaving behind a full legacy

Kitchie gave us laughter in sweet melody

That sultry voice on stage in song

We cheered, we raved and sang along

See him down in Skinner’s Park

Molding his camp in fusing the art

Inscribing notes on the hearts of all

Who ventured to Kiaso’s call

His journey in life though steep and long

Stumbling slightly, Kitchie made it a song

“Hurricane” and “The Bee’s Melody”

The pan yards rocked the whole country

Somebody climbed Kitchie’s mango tree

Sucking ripe mango like he greedy

“My  Pussin” and “The Road” in  sixty-three

“Flag Woman” and a gal called “Margie”

But the soul of a nation in seventy-five

Spoke as Winston Spree, a great pannist came alive

Kitchie, you’re a son of the soil

With vision, pride, you’re undaunted and unspoiled

You’re a gift to this nation that is true

Your peers and this nation believe in you

Good-bye, dear friend, you mighty monarch

As you departed, you left a bright spark

Journey in haste to your spiritual crown

Your work on earth has been very well done.