Tribute To General Jacob Kodji (1960-2017) Poem by Francois GUIMATSIA

Leading the war on terror he met his doom,
His helicopter crashed, and we were in gloom.
January 22,2017, was a day of consternation

Thanks to his acclaimed military competency,
Added to his resolve to crush the insurgency,
The general had valiantly defended the nation.

After primary school in Mogodé his village,
He was taught by the author of this homage
In the 80s; great was his faith in education.

A hard-working and high-flying teenager,
He could have become a lawyer or a lecturer;
But the Military Academy was his vocation.

In just 29 years his career path shone bright,
He became a General in 2015 on his own right,
In fair recognition of his selfless abnegation.

May his demise, beyond our angst and pain,
Bea lesson in patriotism for us who remain,
And a huge ransom paid to secure our nation.