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Read Letitia Wright's heartbreaking poem for Chadwick Boseman

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

From Harper's BAZAAR

Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther co-stars are among the many people across the world mourning the late actor, following his death at the weekend.

Boseman's family confirmed on 29 August that the 43-year-old had passed away following a four-year battle with colon cancer. The news came as a shock to so many, as Boseman kept his illness private and continued working while undergoing treatment. His diagnosis was not even known when Boseman was elevated to a career-high, playing King T'Challa in the 2018 Marvel movie.

On Monday, more of Boseman's co-stars from the record-breaking film shared their grief and shock at his passing, including British actress Letitia Wright, who played Boseman's sister Shuri in the film.

In a video shared to her Instagram page, Wright can be heard emotionally reciting a poem she has written for her 'brother', friend and co-star in which she reflects on his bravery, the memories they shared together filming Black Panther and the grief she is now experiencing.

Here is the poem in full:

It is written, there is nothing new under the sun. But the sun stood still that morning, refusing to shine.

Dark clouds surrounding, confusion setting in. Tears flowing, rivers so deep

I didn't know this is what I was waking up to, my brother, an angel on earth, departed.

A soul so beautiful, when you walked into a room, there was calm.

You always moved with grace and ease. Every time I saw you, the world would be a better place.

Words can't describe how I feel, how we all feel, that losing you was forced upon us, to accept this as a new reality.

I wish I got to say goodbye.

I messaged you a couple times, but I thought you were just busy. I didn't know you were dealing with so much.

But against all the odds, you remained focused on fulfilling your purpose with the time handed to you.

And I'll never forget the day that I met you, before I got on the plane to L.A. for my first meeting with you God told me that you were my brother and that I am to love you as such and I always did, and I always will.

But now, my heart is broken. Searching for old message of exchange cards filled with your handwriting and memories of you holding my hand as if it was for eternity.

I thought we had more time, and many more years to come, for more laughter and for more moments of me picking on you on set.

Leaning my head on your shoulders in the front room as Ryan gave us notes.

I thought this would be forever, this hurts.

I'm trusting God to heal all wounds.

It is also written that all things are made new, there is light in the darkness. Streams of living water flow, giving new life.

And all that's left now is for us to allow all the seeds that you have planted on the earth to grow, to blossom, to become even more beautiful.

You're forever in my heart.

Photo credit: Kevin Tachman - Getty Images
Photo credit: Kevin Tachman - Getty Images

After Wright finishes reciting the poem - in which her voice can be heard breaking with emotion at several points - a video of Wright and Boseman in a helicopter shows before a message appears, 'Rest in perfect peace'.

Ahead of her video tribute, Wright had acknowledged Boseman's death when the news broke, writing on Twitter: “this hurts”.

Boseman's other fellow Black Panther co-stars have also been paying tribute with Michael B Jordan writing a lengthy note on Instagram, saying he would be "dedicating the rest of my days to live the way you [Boseman] did."

View this post on Instagram

I’ve been trying to find the words, but nothing comes close to how I feel. I’ve been reflecting on every moment, every conversation, every laugh, every disagreement, every hug…everything. I wish we had more time. One of the last times we spoke, you said we were forever linked , and now the truth of that means more to me than ever. Since nearly the beginning of my career, starting with All My Children when I was 16 years old you paved the way for me. You showed me how to be better, honor purpose, and create legacy. And whether you’ve known it or not…I’ve been watching, learning and constantly motivated by your greatness. I wish we had more time. Everything you’ve given the world … the legends and heroes that you’ve shown us we are … will live on forever. But the thing that hurts the most is that I now understand how much of a legend and hero YOU are. Through it all, you never lost sight of what you loved most. You cared about your family , your friends, your craft, your spirit. You cared about the kids, the community, our culture and humanity. You cared about me. You are my big brother, but I never fully got a chance to tell you, or to truly give you your flowers while you were here. I wish we had more time. I'm more aware now than ever that time is short with people we love and admire. I’m gonna miss your honesty, your generosity, your sense of humor, and incredible gifts. I’ll miss the gift of sharing space with you in scenes. I’m dedicating the rest of my days to live the way you did. With grace, courage, and no regrets. “Is this your king!?” Yes . he . is! Rest In Power Brother.

A post shared by Michael B. Jordan (@michaelbjordan) on Aug 31, 2020 at 4:47pm PDT

Danai Gurira, Angela Bassett and Boseman's Avengers co-stars including Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans and Brie Larson also paid tribute.

View this post on Instagram

How do you honor a king? Reeling from the loss of my colleague, my friend, my brother. Struggling for words. Nothing feels adequate. I always marveled at how special Chadwick was. Such a pure hearted, profoundly generous, regal, fun guy. My entire job as Okoye was to respect and protect a king. Honor his leadership. Chadwick made that job profoundly easy. He was the epitome of kindness, elegance, diligence and grace. On many an occasion I would think how thankful I was that he was the leading man I was working closely with. A true class act. And so perfectly equipped to take on the responsibility of leading the franchise that changed everything for Black representation. He made everyone feel loved, heard and seen. He played great, iconic roles because he possessed inside of himself that connection to greatness to be able to so richly bring them to life. He had a heroic spirit, and marched to the beat of his own drum; hence his excellence as an artist and the incredible courage and determination as he faced life’s challenges; while still guiding us all. He was zen and sweet and funny (with the very best laugh), attentive, and truly, truly, good. I can’t even wrap my mind around this loss. A loss resonating in my own heart as well as around the globe. The children he inspired, my heart aches for them, to lose their hero just as they finally found him. I am so thankful to have taken the Black Panther journey with him. To have known him, spent time in his light and leadership and to call him forever a friend. Lala Ngoxolo Kumkani.

A post shared by Danai Gurira (@danaigurira) on Aug 30, 2020 at 4:26pm PDT

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