Gong

The GONG

Of my childhood rings louder

Its echo hurtles in, faster

Catching up with me

Every night in my dreams

The bicycles, donkey carts

The farmers' open vans

Raced up and down this pebbly road

Leaving behind trails of dust

I sat here, on this anthill

On a market day

Counting people, donkeys

I was a loner then

The mantis as my teddy bear.

"A very good insight into the writer's perception of life - as a child, the woes of African teachers, life and death, religion, prostitution, marriage, witchcraft, love, hatred and existence.

"These poems are genuine and convey the heartfelt experiences of a very sensitive, honest and articulate spirit. You can tell that Christopher is talented.

"Poetry is a concentrated form of expression. It's not for the prosaic or the talkative. Christopher is fortunate to belong to the class of humans who can say a lot in a few words." - Charles Phebi-Agyekum, Author

"Christopher Okemwa is a master of mixing the voice of rapture with despair, an exceptional voice, in many ways unlike the usual voice we hear from Africa, longing to unravel the secrets of life and of love, striving to reach the unreachable, accomplished and lyrical." - Anna Petkova Mwangi

"The Gong is an excellent work that engages the reader. Each poem leads to a journey; a weaving of Stories, Sayings and Truths, each one creating an imprint on the mind. It is an unforgettable experience and a remarkable record of the times which must be shared." - Estella Muyinda