interpreting life
Johan was a pro through and through
When in the booth time it just flew
As he translated from tongue to tongue
Experts and business were his forte
Explaining quite clearly what delegates say
Taking their words and moulding them well
So others could hear what the delegates tell.
In his chair, with his mic, he was 'King of the Hill'
His words were well special, not run of the mill.
His services valued, he travelled the world
His calm collected voice often was heard
Translating ideas, speeches and texts
His services valued and given respect.
His client list grew, and he became famous
Until the day he sat at his desk
Speaking with fervour and taking no rest
He suddenly jolted and let himself go
His client was speaking and trying to explain
The innermost workings of part of the brain
To medical docs and surgical gurus
When Johan stood up and took off his shoes.
In his bare feet he walked onto the floor
He fell on his knees and cried out “No more
Can I continue to translate your words
And your phrases to all of you nerds
Since a youth I‘ve just wanted to be a creator
Not a glorified verbiage waiter.”
Well! The look on their faces was a sight to be seen
As Johan stood up, as if in a dream,
He took off his headset and started to leave
For the first time in my life I really believe
But over the years that's not what I've heard
It’s time to end it all up and start over again
Using my skills and using my brain.
With this he walked out, leaving delegates mute
As out of the room Johan did scoot.
Years they passed by and Johan grew famous
By inventing an app he called Babelamamus
Connected via Bluetooth into your ear
Instantly translating all that you hear.
Johan got rich and became a celeb
But all of that dosh didn’t go to his head.
Starting free schools became his new quest
His demeanour more calm, the man he felt blessed
The first in Benin and then in Accra
All a success, he sure had come far.
And as he looked back over his life,
And of all the years of interpreting strife,
He smiled to himself as if to say
The secret of life is go your own way.
And all over the world young children they cried
But their learning went on thanks to that man
His kindness, his vision but also his plan.
So, if, just like Johan, work gives you misgiving
Why not change lanes and start life fulfilling?