“Where do politicians go when they die?,”

he asks with a teenage curiosity,

locking eyes with his father’s.

 

Son,

their bodies & souls are raptured

to heaven — they seat close to God,

fellowship with His angels

& the twenty four elders,

listen to soft hymns,

dance to heavenly rhythms,

eat fresh meals,

drink the best of wines.

 

They’re treated with equal respect

as they have done to their subjects,

adorned with quality robes,

valuable necklaces,

beautiful anklets,

decorated with ribbons of honour.

 

Son,

Whatever they wish they get!

Whatever they seek they find in heaven,

for they were honourable men while on earth,

selfless men who went hungry

just to feed the poor,

went clothless for the same course,

had no roofs under their heads.

 

Noblemen.

Men whose heroisms were

gloriously sang, encomiums

showered on their spirits,

children namesaked in their honour.

 

They served humanity—till death.

They deserve it:

SELFLESSNESS on earth,

HONOUR in heaven.

 

“Father, if politicians go to heaven,

where do pastors go when they die?”

 

About the Author

Olobo Ejile is a poet, writer, and researcher. His writings explores themes of love, grief, trauma, and the fleeting nature of life. Aside from writing, he derives pleasure from singing. His works are recently published (or are forthcoming) in ANA, Fiction Niche, among others. He is a fellow of the 2025 Idembeka Creative Writing Workshop.

Photo Credit: Pinterest