Writer’s Journal
I Cried When Michael Jackson Died
But I didn’t cry for my grandma’s
I still remember vividly when Michael Jackson left this world. But then it was like a dream, I did not believe it. I was in my teens, then in high school. It was on Friday, June 25, 2009. A friend of mine made a caricature of him on our school board. “Longus, see your favorite,” he called for my attention. Longus was my nickname then in high school; my long legs earned me the name. “It’s beautiful,” I said. A friend of mine broke the news in pidgin English: “Michael Jackson wey don die” (Michael Jackson is dead). “Stop playing joor, which kin joke be this na” (What kind of joke is that?), I cried. He said it was true, I was in denial.
The truth was staring at me on TV. News flying around. Oh! No. I succumbed to tears. “He was preparing for a tour, why did he die?” The questions in my head.
Oh! How time flies, today’s your 15th-day remembrance. But it was like you never left. Your news is always everywhere. I watched your music video days ago, with you and Eddie Murphy. I couldn’t help but laugh at how you laughed at his jokes. How polite a gentleman you were. Read the news about your daughter yesterday. How she would be named the Queen of Pop. I didn’t even know she sang. She had your smile, you know. Let’s talk about you, Michael Jackson. Hope you’re resting well. Are you commuting with the angels? Hope they’re treating you nicely. Wherever you are, I hope you’re in peace.
I write to you every year. For fifteen years, oh! How time flies. I just want to say you’re still in my heart. You’re alive to me. Keep resting.
25/06/2023, Tribute to Michael Jackson
It wasn’t a gloomy day. It was bright with a light breeze, just a normal day for us. Men and women going to their places of work, students already in school, shop owners in their shops listening to the radio. I remember vividly when a friend of mine drew an image of you. He called my attention to his image of you. I was filled with happiness. Then a friend broke the news: “MJ is gone.” I could not believe it. I waited patiently till I got home, perturbed, but not obviously. It was all over the news. Reality dawned on me. Nooooo, I cried. I was looking forward to your tour. I didn’t have money, but I just wanted to watch it. Your departure left a void in the music industry. There hasn’t been another King of Pop. June 25 will always be unforgettable. Your music lives on though, and they’re evergreen.
Your devoted fan,
Dolly❤️
