A Poem for my former Boss, Ken Cooper

My Boss, My Father and My Friend

A chance to say respect to my boss
A boss like no other
My aspirations met his expectations
A bond was formed
A bond that leaves an indelible mark
A bond that has changed a life
A bond that has laid a foundation
A foundation hinging a budding career
Turning an engineer into a marketer
A boss who knows his trade
Passionate on the job
Thorough in teaching
Leading by example

A chance to say appreciation to my father
A father chosen without requesting permission
A lesson in humility
An inspiration to his young son
An achiever per excellence
Defying the odds
Climbing the rough ladder to success
In spite of every obstacle
Strong in challenge
Large under pressure
Tolerant in error
Gentle in correction

A chance to voice my love for my friend
Age they say, is nothing but a number
In an old man, I have found friendship
Race is a matter of the mind,
In a white man, I have found kinship
My good friend
Lively as a sterling
Humorous as Baba Sala
In his company, the clock ceases to tick
Never a dull moment
Caring, teaching, showing the way

My boss, my father and my friend
The same one man
The man
Kenneth Hilton Archibald Cooper
East or West, they say, home is the best
After a three-year Nigerian Odyssey
This is the pay-off that will follow his story
He came, he saw, he impacted and he conquered

As you return home Ken,
You live in my heart forever,
This is not a goodbye forever
You are leaving, we will miss you
But we will see again
Thanks for everything.

Much love

Ciao