(EDITOR’S NOTE: I am compelled to share this brilliantly composed erudite ode to Andrew “Dud” Maynard written by Tyrone “Cap” Sawyer as a Guest Commentary with readers of BAHAMAS CHRONICLE.)
GUEST COMMENTARY: BY TYRONE “CAP” SAWYER
Dud, you lived your life fully, you laughed out loud, you had a lot of fun,
Knowing but not exactly when this fateful day would come.
You cut against the grain and took your blows; you stood each time you fell,
You had faith in abundance, mother’s wit; and a store of jokes to tell.
You could not even dream, along the way, the many legends you would meet,
You, a bright-eyed grassroot boy from St. James Road and Fowler Street.
You joined the Majority Rule Movement early; I guess you felt you had no choice.
You fought hard to find your place; and you fought to find your voice.
Your voice? You found it and you owned it; and to it you listened well
You let it guide each fateful step, as only time would tell.
You mirrored flint-like courage of your mother, as you sought to make her proud.
You fearlessly followed your gut. Your life? You lived out loud!
Now, as you make your final leave, oh Dud, we salute you as you embark,
We pray you find a peaceful resting place: that you make a lasting mark.
May the angels safely guide you to God who made you; may he in mercy draw you nigh
As we fondly wave you on your way, as we bid you sweet “Goodbye!”
Amen!
TYRONE G. SAWYER © 2022
EDITOR’S NOTE: Andrew “Dud” Maynard and I were “kindred warriors” in the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) during the struggle for majority rule in the 1960s who firmly believed that the racist governmental powers-that-be in The Bahamas at the time had to be changed my any means necessary. He was a “Giant of a Man.” May his soul rest in peace.
