SANA-Tribute Poem by Yanamlyn Yana

Sana,

the sun did not rise as it used to

it knew it won’t shine on you

the heavens above mourned heavily

its tears rushing down streams

sweeping away all in its way

the clouds are low today

as if they want to get a glimpse of you

laying in your bed

to make sure it truly is true

that you are no more

Sana,

you fought for your people

the Melanesian people of PNG

it did not take years

for you to be granted self governance status

they may say it was given on a golden plate

but I say not one will ever comprehend sleepless nights

you endured to make sure we were free people

Sana,

free people do not ask for freedom

they claim it

and you did

bringing together thousand tribes

to co-exist with each other

Sana,

we are free people

do not worry

rest well Melanesia Warrior

know that we are free

as our ancestors were

as our forefathers were

Sana,

this is our land

of high mountains

of swaying palms

and coral seas

in its fullest splendor

people are in awe

as to ask ‘where did this paradise emerge from’

Sana,

the spirits of the land, the sea and the mountains

of our great great ancestors

as they watched you when your Mama gave birth to you

as they watched you when you grew up

as they watched you when you fought for us

as they watched you when you stood on the Independence Hill

and as now they watch you

when you are taken to the sky above

by the Great Mighty Spirit of God

Sana,

as a Kwila you stood

strong and firm, immovable

Now as a Kumul you fly

Fly so high proudly

Into your heavenly home

Sana,

be rest assured

that your legacy lives on

Sana,

THE MELANESIAN DREAM LIVES ON!

The poem, originally written by Yanamlyn Yana on 26 February 2021, the day Sir Michael Somare passed on.

Note: I do not own the right to the photo.