Tribute to Wentworth Newland (affectionally known as WENTY) by Zhenreenah
In the heart of Forest Gate – Upton Lane
Shops selling everything – down to rice grain
But stood a shop at the corner call Wenty
Come to buy less and leave with plenty!
It beckoned us all to come and buy food from the Caribbean
Especially for the Jamaican!
Yellow yam, banana and even a mango call East-Indian
With patience and care
He listened and knew the resident hearts
God is standing by – set up the store with no fear
Family & Friends supported him from the start
Behind the counter, with a smile so bright,
Stood the shop owner, WENTY – our guiding light
Customer buying goods, discussing things bout back-a-yard
some sipping coconut water while Wenty working hard
A beacon of community spirit- where customers
grew and grew – they come from far and wide
No time fi Wenty sit dung pan him backside
Get up early to deliver goods to the residents
Nuff food a come from Jamaica nutten absent
Him get bullah, him get ginnep, him get sour sap
Him used to sell meat – now a take-away Shop nah lack
But if it lock – Him selling food at festival and carnival!
A friend to the many who passed through the door
A symbol of kindness we cherished – his serving tactics and more
His shop is a haven, a place to meet old and new friends
natter, chatter, debate, discuss all sort a ting till closing ends
The shelves will never be empty – customers coming to shop
Some come to eat and pay their respect, that will never stop
We know his spirit remains, though we are missing him.
For in every greeting, in every small cheer, His legacy whispers, “I’m
always right here.”
We will remember his laughter, his helpfulness
the wisdom he gave
The community’s pillar, his steadfastness
Though his presence is gone, his impact will stay
In the hearts of the people, day after day
Thank you, dear friend Wenty, for all that you’ve done
Pillar of the community – bringing in unity
For making this place a brighter one
Your spirit endures, in each of us sown
For you were more than a shop owner—our very own
Rest in peace, as your children and family carry the flame
You a go a WENTY – Our love, forever your name
In the heart of our community, your memory will thrive
An Icon, a Legend, your Heritage forever alive.
Written by Zhenreenah ©July 2024.
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