The archive And I die Poem by S.K.B. Lazarus · 1994 The first cryIs struggleI passed through all stagesToil and sweatAchieved and retiredI look myselfIn mirror full lengthIs this me?I asked.Years tellingGrandfather white headSkin wrinklesI waitedIt cameAnd I die.Funeral rituals doneRemains in shroudFor the cemeteryPut in graveSand toppingMy final homeOther thingsThis point beyondNot known S.K.B. […]
The archive Answer to a complaint Poem by Dambudzo Marechera · 1982 How long should your hollerRedeem the arthritis in the street?Your life’s contract mentions noAssurances about meaning or fulfilment. Indeed our list says you do not existTherefore these despairs about the BombDo not exist. We announce in the next reportHow people like you are […]
The archive From ROA to his daughter, Bisi Poem by ROA · 2001 For He that gives you to meGives me the watch-word which says‘Forever yours I will always be’.From ROA to his daughter, Bisi. ROA EDITOR’S NOTE Originally published in PM News on 01 Mar 2001, p. 7. This diplomatic transcription preserves the wording […]
The archive Cloistered bliss Poem by Suleiman Zailani · 1993 Alone and all aloneI sip the raw lifeTaste its sweet and bitter tangAway, indeed awayFrom deceit of varied simulationsOf misguided souls. I relish the vibrance of a buoyant heartInitiated to mounting exuberance —Part and parcel of the soulThrough my porous and receptive soulOf a lonely […]
The archive Sweet love Poem by Umar Bello Katagum · 1992 This I must coughTo say I love andCherish you.When the blue cloudIs pregnant — readyTo descend with rainsOn to our fertile landFor the seeds to germinateAnd grow — basis of ourFood tomorrowMust you linger like a passengerOn transit to unknown destinationOr accept me in […]
The archive Ode for the pilgrims Poem by Abba Gana Shettima · 1993 They traversed to Allah’s sanctuaryAnswering His divine call of gloryFrom lands far and near to the qiblaAlgerians marching against new imperialismSupported by Afghans against MarxismIn partnership with Egyptians against atheismAre brothers to Nigerian unbelievers in secularismAll in alliance with Bosnian muslimsWho are […]
The archive Uba Nguemoo / Ageba kela Poem by Tiv Traditional / Anonymous · 1982 [Tiv traditional poem with line-by-line translation and stanza commentary] Uba NguemooKpehe shor ke kpya kpa doo gaUba NguemooKpehe shor ke kpya kpa doo gaYamuel Yashi a nongo amo shongi. Translation / English rendering:Uba NguemoI’ve divined into my pocketbut the result […]
The archive My love Poem by Ifeanyi Omeni · 1991 When in the heat of my angerI behold the exquisie beauty of your faceA myriad of emotions assail my beingAnd my anger evaporates ina wisp of smokeFor your presence is soothing balmI sacrifice my evil natureAt the altar of your captivating smilesFor your love has […]