With sadness we mourn the recent loss of Jean-Pierre Basilic Dantor Franck Étienne d’Argent, known as Frankétienne. Frankétienne was a Haitian writer, poet, playwright, and painter. He is recognized as one of Haiti’s leading writers and playwrights in both French and Haitian Creole, and is “known as the father of Haitian letters”.
In his memory, last week The Children’s Academy paused to read a poem penned in his honor by HP Co-Director, Merline Engle. We share the English translation below. Soon the school will honor him by planting a Mapou Tree – a symbol of lasting strength – on the campus.
An Eternal Mapou
Your words and your courage still guide our way,
Through storms and trials, come what may.
Like the Wozo, you bend but always rise again with greater force,
You stood firm and remained strong, never losing your source.
Your roots run deep, your light still shines,
A beacon bright through darkened times.
Through ink and voice, you paved the way,
For those still fighting to be free today.
You taught us well: pa janm sispann danse,
To laugh, to rise, to forge our chance.
To rise from fire, from ash anew,
To dream, to reach, to dare pursue.
You ran your race with boundless grace,
Leaving print time can’t be erased.
Now, wise Mapou, standing tall,
You bloom beyond, yet guide us all.
But here on Earth, your soul remains,
In every heart where fire reigns.
At The Children’s Academy, you’ll rise,
In every promise, in every child’s eyes.
Frankétienne, soar high, stand proud,
Your voice, your flame, still speaks aloud.
Rest in glory, rest in peace,
Your spirit lives, it will not cease.
Haiti Partners
PO Box 7882
Delray Beach, FL 33482
Email: hello@haitipartners.org
Phone: (772) 539-8521
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