By Edward Goh Khiam Li
In distant lea, on brackish shore
A Spirit moves in me
That worthless hands should ink a score
Of praise and memory
God help me carve ex nihilo
A torch for all to see
Pray help me tell, with lines so bold
Of a coming victory
A song for you, lifted with grace
On wings to warmer nest
To a High place, to see His face
Your absence makes us less
As bugles sound, a Voice from Eden
Calls you to final rest
Reminding us, the Voice ever even:
This is not a test
But glorious return, what time is served
And all is said and done
Until our day, a Heaven on Earth
In each and every one
Of us we find, our souls being true
Steadfast unto the end
So give our best, that none shall rue
A life in need of mend
So help me Lord, verily to tell
Of him who shaped our world
For him shall toll all our bells
In minds he helped unfurl
Stop me not, this shaking hand
From etching lines of death
In mourning and loss, we give our thanks
For life in every breath
Shed not tears of sorrow and grief
From this day on find peace
Have faith, He keeps in all His fief
For us a better place
Prof John Richardson was former Director of USP (2009 – 2015). He most recently taught Representing War, and was always enthusiastic about mentoring students. He constantly volunteered to lead Brainfood+ groups and was most beloved by his students and colleagues. He was a mentor to many staff and students in USP, and a dear friend to us all.
For more tributes from the USP Community, please refer to Remembering Prof John Richardson.
A third-year English literature major, the poet is currently away on exchange at the University of Toronto (Scarborough). This piece is dedicated to the late Professor Richardson and those pained by his passing.
