NEEMA[1]!
A Poem
By
Kwaku Kusi-Appiah
A life once bound by fragile fate,
Now soars on eagle’s wings, elate.
Sixty orbits of the sun, a milestone rare,
For one with sickle cell, a life beyond compare.
In Ottawa’s vibrant tapestry, she shines so bright,
A twin, a trailblazer, in morning’s first light.
Her story, woven with threads of resilience and might,
Inspires a generation, to seize the day and take flight.
With every workout, she defies the odds,
Her vibrant spirit, a testament to life’s unfolding gods.
Organic foods, a symphony of nourishment and care,
A holistic harmony, that echoes through the air.
In the realm of arts, her music flows like a stream,
Albums born of passion, a soul’s deepest dream.
Family’s love, a sheltering tree, which stands through life’s storm,
A healthcare system, which supports and transforms.
Her journey, a beacon of hope, for those who walk the same,
A shining example, of life’s potential, unchained and reclaimed.
As we celebrate, this milestone achieved with grace,
We honor her spirit, and the life she’s chosen to embrace.
©️ KusiAppiah
[1] The poem, NEEMA, conveys a powerful tribute to a woman who has navigated the complexities of living with sickle cell disease while achieving personal and communal success. It emphasizes her resilience, holistic lifestyle, artistic talents, and the support systems that have enabled her to become a beacon of hope and inspiration.
The poem celebrates the strength, achievements, and inspirational journey of a woman who has turned challenges into triumphs, serving as a guiding light for others in her community and beyond. By weaving together themes of illness, diaspora life, holistic health, and creativity, NEEMA reflects the very real triumphs and trials of African immigrants living with a severe, often stigmatized condition like sickle cell disease. The poem’s celebration of reaching a remarkable milestone, bolstered by supportive healthcare, family bonds, and personal resolve, stands as both a testament to resilience and a blueprint for hope, underscoring that, with adequate support and unyielding spirit, one can transform “fragile fate” into a flourishing life. The message urges recognition and honour of her spirit, advocating for a life lived with grace, determination, and an unwavering commitment to overcoming adversity.
Dr. Kwaku Kusi-Appiah holds a doctorate in political ecology and the environment from Carleton University, where he teaches and conducts research in the domain of political ecology, water access and its intersection with the environment. He also supervises postgraduate students from Algeria, Malawi, and Ghana. His career spans many years of university tutoring and leadership in diversity advocacy, such as serving as senior advisor to the Mayor of Ottawa on diversity issues, revitalizing Black History Ottawa, and contributing to international development projects like providing educational resources to Rwandan schools. He has also served as a visiting professor at Mzuzu University in Malawi, engaging students and NGOs on water and social justice issues. Dr. Kusi-Appiah also co-founded the Canada Education Management Agency to support international education.
Brilliant poem that resonates invariably with anyone who suffers from any illness or cripplling disease. Resilience and God’s favor conquer all. Awesomeness!!! I definitely have to share this with my nephew, a nutrition researcher and scientist @ KNUST. A Prempeh graduate as well..Kwaku you are the epitome of brilliance and I am so proud to have met you.
‘Neema: (a real living and breathing human being) is a pillar in our community, renowned for her dynamism, strength, & exceptional artistic talents. Our connection stems from my personal interest in sickle cell anemia, a disease that affects me directly as I carry a mild trait of the condition, inherited from my West African roots.
As someone involved in Ottawa’s community affairs, particularly those impacting diaspora Indigenous peoples, I’ve had the opportunity to obserbe this journey. Through my ‘research,’ which employs the scientific method used by our ancestors for centuries, I’ve gained valuable insights from SSA sufferers experiences. Despite living with sickle cell anemia their entire lives, Neema and their twin brother have defied the odds, surpassing the disease’s typically poor prognosis.
I’m inspired by their resilience & determination. My observations have highlighted key factors contributing to their remarkable survival: access to quality healthcare, contrasting sharply with the system in the United States, and the power of community support.
My poem is a tribute to Neema, their brother, and the countless individuals worldwide affected by sickle cell anemia, including myself.
It’s an ode to their strength and a celebration of the community that has rallied around them.”