Thank you Sir Michael, we honour your deeds

DEAR Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare, you created a path so I can walk today.
With your barefoot, you’ve walked the length and breadth of this land.
You united the land of a thousand tribes, cultures and languages.
You left the comfort of a young man and was seated among the elders.
You gave people hope for tomorrow.
Past and current leaders look to you for inspiration.
You wept when you saw this nation divided.
You smiled when the nation rised up.
The year 1975 wasn’t just the birth of the country but a birth of a leader.
It was not just the raising of the flag, it was the rising of a son, a son God chose for us.
For a people that lived without unity for more than 60,000 years, you becoming the unifying force.
From the highlands to the coast and to the islands, you were the one language that we understood.
I still remember when you spoke during the student protests in 2016.
With tears you said: “The young elites of our country are falling”.
I wondered why you said that.
But I see now that you have gave us hope, taught us hope and showed us the way.
But we failed to get there as a nation.
Your shoes are too big for me to wear.
I remember you were sitting in your seat with tears when they said “you are a stranger in the Parliament House” in 2012.
I could feel the pain because I cried deeply in my heart.
I have never seen someone so passionate, committed and dedicated to a cause. Your determination saw a country united, developed and stood on its feet.
You had a dream that one day, this country shall overcome challenges and walk into the glorious sunset that you have always dreamt about.
Now you’ve gone, leaving us with so many questions.
Did we make you proud?
Did you smile when you breathe the last breath knowing that we got this?
We were at times ignorant.
We didn’t care.
You hope to see the future with us but the sun has sadly set on your path.
We carry the same spirit as you.
The spirit of a strong and mighty warrior.
Your daughters shall shine as the pearls of the sea and rubies.
Your sons shall become conquerors.
Our descendants shall speak of your deeds and honour your memory.
The seed you planted shall multiply in numbers.
The land of paradise does not only refer to the natural environment or the bird.
It is the people, it was you Chief.
You are the Kumul, you are the bird of paradise on the flag.
As long as this flag flies above the hill of hope and glory, we shall remember you.
I realise.
Rest in eternal peace Sir Michael.

Isaac James
Young Man of Honour,
Resident Clinician,
Alotau Provincial Hospital