By John Ngong Kum (winner, EduArt Bate Besong award for Poetry 07)
I have combed the country
looking for where to rest
and forget the scarlet screams
of people scrubbing hard but never rising to smile
I have pleaded with the muse
to release and let me die
but you came with antidotes
stood them before me smiling
and challenged me to try them
I looked into your bright eyes
beheld fresh genuine passion
and gathered the antidotes
You and eduart offered
to keep the fire burning,
the fire to fire us
through this jungle of warped mines
I am here this blessed day
not to shout as poets often do
I am here this God-given day
to laugh the laugh of after birth
and say thank you eduart
midwife of elephant pregnancies
Buea, July 18th 2008
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