Carl Anthony Layne

ODE TO A GREAT MAN It was very a hot Saturday morning at the Jamintel Sports Complex off Molynes Road. Standing tall, with youthful exuberance and such matchless confidence was this man, whom I had never seen before seen in my existence. He was adorned in full yellow athletic gear, like the golden rays of the sun, he glowed, a glow that was so magnificent, it radiated an incandescent radiance, that illuminated those in his presence. Though I didn’t know him, I immediately disliked him. Little did I know that this perceived dislike was the disguise for the inimitable brotherly love between us that would grow to magnitudes of colossal proportions. At the behest of the starters gun and at the end of the 100m finish line he emerged as a well deserved champion on so many varying occasions. We became the fiercest opponents on the track; our seemingly passionate battles was the token that ignited our passion not only on the track, but was the ultimate fusion that would fuse us together as brothers and friends on the battlefield of life. From fiercest opponents we became team mates then friends and brothers in arms. This man, Carl, is my brother, my friend and my confidante in all things. I have observed him conquered many conquerors, stream-rolled esteemed challenges, hurdled every hurdle. He has exemplified unparalleled strength, wisdom and courage. He has mastered talent and skills beyond measures; focussed and purposeful are counted among his treasures. Honesty, honour and humour are counted amongst his attributes. Thought provoking, yet direct in his comments, views and opinions. Creativity and great entertainment can be said of his ingenuity. He had such a unique infectious laughter that would pierce even the darkest of gloom. He exuded a deep inner greatness that unleashed his impassioned larger than life charismatic character. There was nothing that defeated him. His indomitable character surpassed all boundaries and instilled such enormous confidence that we knew without any doubt, whichever giants we faced, would come thunderously crashing to the ground. And oh did the giants fall, the harder they came, the harder they fell. Such was the measure of the man. Such awesome memories. I can recall them all. There is not sufficient time to give ode to the measure of this great man. However, I remember from walkfoot days, to CBR 600 ways, to Lada our first car with unforgettable escapades. The experiences we encountered would shape our lives for a great future. We were an inseparable team, wherever you saw one, you saw the other. From our unspoken communication to knowing each others thoughts with such intricate precision. If ever there was a man so great; this is him. Carl, or as we used to call each other, ‘Black” one of the greatest man I have known. Regardless of his pitfalls, despite his flaws; he was phenomenally phenomenal. He possessed wisdom well beyond his years. His reputation preceded him, his actions were golden. Consistently championing the causes of others; never failing to actions the rights of even perfect strangers. Whatever the plight, he had no fear, nor fright. He was a champion of all champions. Whatever was needed; he consistently heeded. He was that man. Some ingest that great men are born; whilst others confess great men are cultivated. Some are born royal, whilst others exudes royalty. Carl, my brother and my friend was born great and have cultivated colossal greatness and royalty. He indeed was a great man, a man created for all seasons We met as rivals on the field of track, became friends on battle field of life; we stayed as family along life's arduous journey. The stinging rays of death are so sharp it pierces every fibre of our being. Yet, the ugly stench of death is powerless to kill a lifetime of legacies. His breath has been taken away; however, he has left us so many breathless moments, that we shall cherish for numerous moments in time. I can comprehend fully the saying that we live forever. It’s the legacy we leave behind that’s perpetual. What a legacy Carl has created. A legacy which shows us that character is much greater than reputation. The stark realisation is that the road less travelled, is often more travelled than the road more frequently visited. Carl, my brother, my friend, my confidante, and my best man. All I am saying is that you are in death, as you were in life, an inspiration, a champion and a great great man, who has lived a phenomenal life. For your life we are truly grateful. I will miss you, until then, until we meet again. Rest in peace my brother, peace.