Happy birthday in heaven if there's anything like that...wish you were here.

To what do I owe this gift?

Is it for the times I longed to hear your voice and you did not call?

Or for the longing of the warmth of your embrace through the cold lonely nights

Or for the conversations and laughter we shared, the secret things we said and the things left unsaid but understood nevertheless

For the gifts given-received, your person, your passion, your love, your friendship

For the walks through time together lost in our own world devoid of others

For the quiet dinners, the late night conversations as we feed on the offerings of each other’s life experiences, our hopes, our dreams, our fears and cares

For the throaty laughter resonant in your voice I hear no longer

For my lostness in the comfort of your arms when I am dissolved in tears

For your wise understanding and counsel as you calm my fears

For your presence, a reminder of God’s essence when I lose my emotional sense

No, I am not sure to what I owe your gift to,

This string of pearls

Or is it the dull ache of pain that throbs in my heart

The pain insane that takes me to task

Or is it to my thoughts gone awry, losing their sense of bearing

The tug, the gnaw, the raw, the searing

I am back in my lostness, I have lost all bearing and emotional sense

My eyes glaze despondently

Forlornly, I caress your gift of pearls

• the tears that now adorn my heart

The Bard
January 9 2005

I remember when we would laugh out loud not caring about the who or where just living in the moment. Even now, I can hear you laughing out loud reminding me that I am a Christian. We will laugh out loud again!

I just heard! God, Wole. I've not seen you for like 20 something years but you were my friend and I will forever remember you. Hug aunty K for me on the other side. You two were always inseparable. Love you bro

Where do I start, where do I begin.In 1999 I met you my friend.I didn’t know then it would last for so long.That we would be more than friends through the rights and the wrongs.You started as my tutor for medical school and the years went on and we became more cool.We traveled the states and countries abroad.And no matter the situation you always were odd.I loved you because you were not ashamed, of being yourself my Ojo, better known as Wayne.For events we knew you would always be late, so to those who knew you, we knew not to wait.You would show with a smile, a dip and a corny dance, and a corny joke too if given the chance.You taught me so much about God and my health, all things that helped me to become my better self.I am sad that your gone and that I will not hear, the phrases you coined and repeated through the years.You made such an impact on my family, friends and my life.You lived with such peace and resented any strife.So with this I say that I will miss you my friend.Awaiting the day that we meet again.I long to lock eyes and look up and see, your face and then ask your phrase, “How You Be?”.

Love always Nix

After almost 28yrs of been apart, faith brought us together just last month when I met your sister. Well I thank God i managed to speak with you unbeknown to Me it would be our last time. Sleep well my brother till we meet again

Inquisitive!
Ubiquitous!!
Loquacious!!!
Wole (Wayne) was a friend and mentee. I saw him last physically almost 30years ago. I still have fond memories of him being extremely inquisitive of all subjects. I spoke to him recently in December when a whatshapp platform of WOSEM Reunion home and in Disapora was opened. Thank you Gbenga (Tunji) Akinola  for all you have done.