Grief...

We live, we love, and as life goes on we lose the ones we love.
When they pass we are told that we should cherish and dwell on the good memories and times we had with them ....

.......so my question to you all is....

Why then do we take pictures at funerals?

Too Much Love

...a loving sister told her sister, when you go to school i shall miss ya:

a tin of 'cerelac' she did buy
to wish her little sister a fitting goodbye

with hugs and smiles they did part
each loving sister playing her part

off to school the younger did go
over a terrible rough road she did go

the 'box-room' key she did entreat
to treat herself to a treat

the tin she did open
her mouth stood open

the foil in the tin was torn in half
the contents of the tin stood at half

nestled in the tin there was a letter
the younger began to read every letter

her big sister in the letter did say,
I’m sorry 'sis' don't know what to say

hope when you read this you are alright
i had to make sure the 'cerelac' was all right

Alone Inside

I'm alone inside
But not for long
The crown has gathered
To hear my song

The lights are lit
The mood is set
The people await
With bated breath

The curtains are drawn
Necks are strained
Performance performed
They call my name

The lights are dimmed
The cheers have died
The people have left
I'm alone inside

The Saga of a 'Returnee'

he sits in the corner completely blank
he creases his brow, deep in concentration
the result; beads of perspiration
he stares straight ahead into the emptiness that is his mind
his brain is parched, ideas no he longer finds
his heart is hollow, passion has left
in exasperation he exhales his breath
he raises his head and wipes his brow
through the fields and wilderness he must plough
for now his (writers)block must become his brick
until the passion and ideas return fast and thick

It must be done!

i sit alone, i ponder and plot
i ponder about the things i am not
i plot on how to achieve my aims
life is much more then brilliance and brains
ingenuity is a must, cunning too
i continue to ponder on what i must now do
life is not race yet we still compete
i must run and run until i no longer feel my feet

Life

2-7
parents take you to weddings but not funerals.
why?
they want to show you to their friends and they do not want to expose you to death .

7-14
parents take you to weddings and funerals
why?
they don't know what to do with you and they think you are old enough to deal with death.

14-18
parents take you to weddings and funerals
why?
they do not know what else to do with you because they cannot leave you home alone

18-22
parents take you to weddings and funerals
why?
they want you to browse the market (yes at both weddings and funerals)

23-30
you go to weddings and funerals
why?
because you want to (the search) and because close friends start losing relations.

31-40
you go to weddings and funerals
why?
for the very same reasons set out above

40 -60
you go to weddings and funerals
why?
because your kids are getting married and you friends are dying.

60 - 80
you go to weddings and funerals
why?
.....................

Black and White - Battle of the Colours

I read on 20savvy's blog about the upcoming Disney movie with black princess from new orleans and the controversy that it has caused. apparently she is supposed to kiss a frog. so?

snow white lived with seven dwarfs - (thats kinky), Goldilocks was a thief; won't even get started on Rapunzel and do take note that all wicked step-mothers have been of caucasian persuasion (i mean in Disney movies ).

personally i think that the world needs to lighten up just a little bit. there have been serious issues which have been addressed which were not appropriate. like the poster for the immigration reforms in switzerland , which shows three white sheep kicking a black sheep against a backdrop of the Swiss flag. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6980766.stm) .

there have been too many black vs white battles

i don't think that this needs to be another.

I want to add a poem i heard when i was about 9 years old. my brother read it to me. at the time i thought it was funny and i still do. increase the peace and enjoy!

Being Coloured !

Being Coloured:

When I was born...I was BLACK.

When I grew up...I was BLACK.

When I am sick...I am BLACK

When I go out in the sun...I am BLACK.

When I go out in the cold...I am BLACK.

When I die...I am BLACK.

BUT YOU WHITE FOLK :

When you are born...You are PINK.

When you grow up...You are PEACH.

When you are sick...You are GREEN.

When you go out in the cold...You are BLUE.

When you are scared... You are WHITE.

When you go out in the sun...You are RED.

When you die...You turn PURPLE.

And you have the nerve to call me "COLOURED"!

Author unknown

I Confess

i confess, i told a lie

reaction changes nothing

the mortal sin stains the fabric of my existence

punishment and pain a welcome comfort

i scrape and thirst for that which is your disapproval for in it i shall find solace

i confess, i told a lie

the existence of which i am, is broken

purity contaminated

i shall no longer drink with conviction, dine with belief

innocence and joy are lost to my beatific heart

i confess, i told a lie

but can you do the same, Confess?

the hyprocritical shadow engulfs your being

gossip and scuttlebutt in your scuzzy niches of twisted ethics

i no longer need your acceptance

I confess , i told a lie

but for that i am free

INconvenience store

a 'convenience store' in Ghana is a somewhat of a misnomer. you pop into one aiming to buy one or two necessary supplies; some soap, deodorant, some juice and a gauze maybe. lets just say, for the sake of argument you get everything you need. you get to the counter , put down your cash and the 'convenience store' clerk looks down at it and says, 'i don't have change'.

at this point i believe you have three options
1. buy something you don't need
2. put something you do need back on the shelf
3. just leave everything on the counter and leave.

1, 2 and 3 = INconvenient.

Ghana Moments: Spoken Word

i love my country. i love it for its promise, i love it for its flaws, i love the fact that we have a history and a future that are the envy of the whole of Africa (this Africa does include south Africa. hehehe). the one thing however i love most about Ghana is its people. kind and hospitable. those are the words which are often used to describe my fellow country men. but what are words that my fellow country use to describe? the Ghanaian English language is a joy to behold and even though some of the statements that are made by Ghanaians are atrocious they bring a smile to my lips and to my heart. below are a few of my favourite expressions, phrases and sayings.

The last end (situational description)

The last corner (situational description)

The last show (the last major event/scene in a movie)

you can't me ( you're no match for me)

no any body (nobody)

its not the best (inappropriate)

blowman (hero)

since since (a long time ago)

tomorrow next (day after tomorrow)

yesterday's back (day before yesterday)

wrong mistake (double jeopardy)

return back (double jeopardy)

repeat again (double jeopardy)

i trust my leg (no known English equivalent - help me out)

tankas (town council)

what are yours?

Cuties to Custody (Part 4): The Question!

...sullen and sultry and with a exaggerated limp

he walks out his cell 'playing' the wimp

in her arms he falls feigning fatigue

she is taken in, an provides for his needs

she fluffs his pillow and puts him to bed

she gently strokes his balding head

hes content with the success of his ploy, his lie

she tells him she loves him and caresses his thigh

he closes his eyes and drifts off to sleep

but is woken abruptly by the question, whose Angelique?

Cuties to Custody (Part 3): Custody

his shirt is taken , his belt is as well

and ever so politely ushered into his cell

he patiently waits while they place the call

he awaits his spouse, time slows to a crawl

she finally appears, in her robe and in tears

his heart stops pumping, shes calmed his fears

the officer recounts at length and with fervour

the driver stands by, an amused observer

a bag is opened, and a palm is greased

(two 'bribes' in one night , today i shall feast)....

Cuties to Custody (Part 2): The Plan

his wife such conduct will not entertain

he drives round campus , wracking his brain

an idea comes to him as quick as a flash

he shakes his head, his Benz he will not crash

he ponders on what; what to do, what to do?

he hatches three plans but settles for number 2

he parks his Benz in the cold quiet night

the law enforcement logo is ablaze with light

he walks on in and there he confers

the situation is critical he minces not his words...

Cuties to Custody -Part 1

his wife cursorily he has set aside

a flimsy excuse he bore with pride

at 11 he is expected at home

tonight he has a valid licence to roam

the drink as a rule he does not use

the women however do make him drool

to campus he does his new Benz take

anxious girls follow in his wake

his time with youth he does enjoy

but time grows old, past 1, oh boy!

a 'timely' meeting!

i'm strolling down the canopied road. the trees provide a welcome break from the heat which continually slapped my closely shaven head. i watch my feet as i walk, a pastime which i engage in when boredom just won't leave me alone. its a bad habit i picked up from american students on campus, shuffling around with their heads between my knees so that they don't make eye contact. (hehehehe - hilarious).

anyway, for a second i escape from my self indulging habit and raise my head to ensure that no surprise awaits me during the next 30 of so steps. as i raised my head i noticed a 'sister' at the end of the canopied tunnel . she looked very chic as she walked towards me. hair all shiny (fresh perm) bright white laces on her yellow sneakers (brand new), big loopy earrings (way-too-much) and an ego i could feel enveloping me from 20 meters away.

boredom decided to 'bounce', i levelled my chin and pulled my 'oh-yeah-you-want-me' swagger from my swagger safe. i was determined to engage this young lady in conversation.

i approached her, she approached me; nose in the air (snob!). just as she passed i enquired , 'excuse me, could you tell me what time it is please?' she eyed me from head to toe and with an indignant toss of her hair she glanced at he shiny time piece and answered, .....3:75.

i said..... or rather exclaimed, thank you and smiled broadly. i looked at my feet and giggling to my self proceeded to exit the canopy. to experience the 3 hour, 75 minute old afternoon.

Nature in Love

day by day, the leaves dance on the kisses of the wind

the branches hold them firm , like jealous lovers

the trees sway with gentle movements of a forgotten dance

nature partakes in wild romance

The Female Stalker

i'm watching him, does he know?

oh i want to squeeze his buns! My beau!

i think of him so much it should be a crime

i even slept under his window one time

i have to duck, wow, that was close

i was just able to hide, by the skin of my nose

i pick up my cell and then i call him

his gentle voice on the other end makes me grin

i follow him to work, my leader of the gentry

he looks so mature, my loving hearts' sentry

i imagine him and i having so much fun

oh, he must be late, hes started to run

i marvel, i gaze, i fantasize and i crave

pictures of passion, my knees start to cave

the warm summers day befitting ambiance does provide

one day you'll be groom and i'll be bride

Stalked

someone is watching, i know they are

someone is following, i should feel like a star

but i don't, in fact i'm very disturbed

the fact that i'm an object has left me perturbed

i peer out of the window at the pitch black night

the phone rings behind me, i jump up with fright

the voice on the other end is silent, non-existent

the beat of my heart is now more persistent

i walk to work looking over my shoulder

all this worry is making me look older

i am being observed, by whom i know not

my pacey walk turns into a trot

i ponder, i pace, i fear and i dread

unkind images of my fate dance in my head

the warm summer day seems such a dispiriting place

some sick individual is invading my space

The Fear of Man

The joys of life include a girl

who comforts you when you drink and hurl

who cares for you and strokes your hair

who consents and offers here derriere

who cooks and cleans

who irons and steams

who ensures the tips of your shoes do gleam

who laughs at all your sordid jokes

who ignores those cheeky prods and pokes

who tolerates your nasty friends

but always to your needs does tend

BUT!

The bane of life

includes a wife

who never lets you go the bar

who disallows you from going far

who never lets you 'cop a feel'

who beats you with her high shoes' heel

who lounges and splurges

who gives your blood pressure surges

who never laughs and never smiles

who has an expression like she just drank bile

who never wants to play the host

and turns your 'mojo' to a ghost

Samaritan or Sucker?

This weekend passed without serious incident (sigh of relief). There were no illogical attendants and no irrational drivers on the road, save for yours truly. Despite the tranquility of my weekend there was a parenthetical point of note that I want to share with you all.

On Saturday night, as I was leaving the hospitable atmosphere of Walker's XL Pizza on the Pig Farm junction in Accra, I was approached by a man. He was unkempt, short and wore a melancholic expression upon his weathered face. He asked me for a minute of my time to which I obliged. He proceeded to pour out his story in the most mournful manner I had ever witnessed (and i have witnessed quite a few). As he recounted his ordeal tears welled up in his eyes and he began to sob profusely.

Briefly, he told he was from Benin, a victim of theft and stranded in Accra. He told me of how he had asked others for a little money so that he may find something to 'chop' and how he was promptly told to 'Go chop your mother.'

I'm human, I was touched, I opened my wallet . He thanked me, showered me with blessings and ran, joy in each stride, holding his 'alms' aloft in such a manner that warmed my 'giving' heart.

As I drove home I reflected on what had just 'gone-down.' The more I thought about it the more I questioned, was I a Samaritan or a Sucker, Eleemosynary or an Eejit .

(Fast-forward to Sunday afternoon - Results are in, I have been reliably informed that I am a Sucker.. I was defrauded, bamboozled, hoodwinked, led by the nose, played false, juggled, diddled, swindled, conned, tricked, had, hustled, deceived and I've learnt my lesson)

Friday Night

Friday Night has come around

He beeps his horn twice to get my attention

I give my old friend a look of disinterest

He smiles at me, a smile I know oh to well

Oh, the trouble we get into, tonight might be jail

All the same I grab my jacket and hop in the car

the night has started, he lights his cigar.

Ghana Moments: Fear of the Big Man

This transpired when a parking attendant at the airport noticed i was in possession of a parking ticket as well as a long term parking pass and asked me to hand over the ticket without giving me reason, i refused:

a favour asked, i was happy to oblige

to the airport i went to go to heat a ride

i merrily approached the mean silver machine

whose shine dirt had dulled and it no longer gleamed

my thoughts were cut short by an approaching attendant

he opened his mouth and of teeth he had remnants

beside the car he stood and peered inside

i held the parking pass aloft smiling with pride

he said 'aha a ticket have you'

(he actually didn't say that but the import is true)

i replied in the affirmative with a puzzled look

he said give it to me like an anxious crook

i shook my head, why should i yield

i held the ticket close, its fate i sealed

release this card i do not dare

it was not mine to give to me that was clear

hand it over or your car i shall clamp

a threat! i relaxed and smiled, i had won, I'm the champ

this car right here which your so eager to arrest

it belongs to a BIG man, i do not jest

if you like, if you dare , your welcome to try

clamp this car, i bid you good-bye

his mouth closed then opened and he sheepishly said

do what you want, an retired to his shed

I Close My Eyes

a world unforgiving, malicious at heart

people once moulded together, now broken apart

days never ending and always beginning

men of the cloth preaching against sinning

children of the dawn lost in the morn

the human race all forlorn

ball of confusion no longer fiction

'approach armageddon!', repetitive diction

spun and interwoven are greed and sloth

abundant resources exist now in plots

blotches of brown cover the fields

we no longer exclaim 'abundant yield!'

silence creeps up to take its place

a world full of pride, now fully disgraced

Friend or Foe

smiles all around

pats on his back do abound

frank talks from hearts do flow

but can he trust them

friend or foe?

His Lover

he looked at her beautiful face

he greeted her with a warm embrace

he had missed his lover so

his little angel with the vibrant glow

she had so much to show him

he wanted so much to know

he lay on the sofa and kicked off his shoes

she just sat and stared, she didn't move

he adored her so much, she was such a tease

but he knew how to turn her on with the greatest of ease

he held his love tool and counted to three

then he turned on his TV, and smiled with glee.

My Pet, Traffic

in the wee hours of the morning i creep past his cage

in the afternoon from my office window i catch his fleeting gaze

in the evening after work he waits patiently at my door

now i have to walk him home, a job i abhor!

Nothing More, Nothing Less

he knew her from way back when

a time when man and woman were friends

holding hands, intentions the best,

loving the moment

nothing more , nothing less

he had memories of her from not long ago

a time when man and woman rocked too and fro

savouring each others kiss, and their sweet caress

experiencing the moment

nothing more , nothing less

it just so happened that he met her today

in a time where men and women revelled in foul play

casting aside all acts of caution; stroking chests, burying flesh

living the moment

nothing more, nothing less

it is very possible he'll find her next year

in a time when men and women their lives must engineer

place their feet on the ground and give more than their best,

for that moment expects;

nothing more, nothing less

My Drive to Work

the twitter of the early bird echoes in the dark,

the sun still sleeps

as i sit in the car, the engine roars;

broken silence.

the evening of the night meets the morning of the day as i bounce over the bumpy road

the rough even surface of the coal tar surface continually rumbles under the touch of my tyres

i think of the family i miss, i sing of love,i dream of hope, as i wait the coming of the green lantern

my hands work the wheel

left , right, hold, left, right, hold

i see the office,

i park the car,

i feel the sun,

my day has begun.

Lost in Literal Translation

This weekend I went up to Akosombo for a mini-reunion of sorts with some class mates of mine. We went walk about after eating a heavy communal kenkey breakfast during which quips and zingers came whizzing out of kenkey free, and sometimes full mouths piercing the egos of the participants of the breakfast meeting.

While trudging in the middle of the road in the quiet town the Dobson Club House came into view on the horizon. We had a laugh reminiscing about the days when we dared not enter the building and decided to assert our 10 year old freedom. 'Glamorously' adorned in shorts, tracksuit bottoms, t'-shirts and 'challey wete' and looking every bit the part of rouge students we scoffed at the 'No Bathroom Slippers Allowed' sign posted firmly on the door.

Laughing heartily we entered the once forbidden den where our teachers used to engage in the vices they could not show to the 'young and innocent'. A harsh 'Hey!' caused a hushed silence, the voice proceeded, 'Why did you open the door down?' in bewilderment we stared at the elderly man standing in the open doorway, and then it dawned on us, 'Aden na w'ebue epo no ato ho?' , literally translated, 'Why did you open the door down?'

Smiling to ourselves while fighting down the fits of laughter welling up inside us nobody owned up to leaving the door 'down'.

Political Prisoner

I'm a political prisoner I'm locked in a cell

I can't see the bars but i feel them

I'm a political prisoner my life is hell

I'm not to speak to other inmates about the jail

I'm a political prisoner, I gave a speech

A speech that placed me out of reach

I'm a political prisoner , I said 'I do'

Now i must go, my wife has cooked stew.

Me and my BIG mouth!

its getting late, i mean really late!

i should have been home by now. damn my date!

all i wanted was but one little kiss,

it was in her possession, property that she would not miss.

she ran and i followed , she paused an i swallowed

this was it i said, this must be it

like a movie fast-forwarded to the juicy bit

i leant in with expectation

pouted lips were ready, why the hesitation?

i heard her laugh and opened my eyes

why are you laughing? i said with surprise

she paused and smiled, her eyes dancing with delight

she said, I want more than just a little kiss tonight.

Mind Your Own Business

What I do is of no concern to you

Leave me alone go pick someone else's bone

Bother me not , look not in my pot

Have you quite finished?

Now mind your own business

Cape Coast Castle: Echoes of the Past

Smiling he went in knowing not what to expect

He had heard stories and had felt some regret

He walked the courtyard and saw the cells

The suffocating enclosures where women dwelled

He walked the halls and went down to the dungeon

The place where men were made less than men in seclusion

Out in the open he breathed for the first time

Happy to be out of the century old filth and grime

Dysphoric he came out knowing not what to expect

One thing he did know, he would never forget

The Show Must Go On

the lights are lit
the mood is set
the people await
with bated breath

the curtains are drawn
necks are strained
performance performed
they call my name

the lights are dimmed
the cheers have died
the people have left
i'm alone inside

Obama-American Commando in Ghana

What do Commando and Obama's visit have in common?

The Event:The movie premier of Commando

The Year :1985

The Content: An action flick, where Arnold Schwarzenegger riddles the posh villa of an ousted dictator with bullets killing what appears to be over one hundred men and gets just a scratch......or two.

The Event:The official visit of the aMERICAN president , Hussein Obama

The Year : 2009

The Content: A reality show , where Hussein Obama riddles the minds of twenty million Ghanaians as to his intentions for the country and gives a promise......or two.

'Correlation?', you ask....

Both are utterly unbelievable plots put together to entertain the world!

Are You Receiving Me?....Over!

Bursting Bladder

Public Pee Pot

Sweet Release

Place of peace

Hello?..... Kwame?

Disbelief!

Good Morning To You!

the alarm goes off and he groans

he stumbles out of bed and trips and falls

the floor approaches with such speed hes in awe

he hits the floor and is bruised black and blue

he says to himself, 'good morning to you'

he steps into the shower and opens the faucet

he is hit with an icy blast that makes him yelp

he fiddles with the faucet for a little support

it replies with verve, a blast so true

scalded he says to himself, 'good morning to you'

he approaches his office with a scowl on his face

as he opens the door he drops his file

he bends to retrieve the tasks he has set

his head and the door bid each other adieu

he says to himself, 'good morning to you'

behind his desk he laments to himself

and in the distance he hears a shout

joy and enthusiasm abundant in voice

he counted to ten and as if he knew

on the count of ten he heard, 'good morning to you!'

Its Raining!

Cats and Dogs!

Men and Women!

Fruits and Vegetables!

Calories and Cholesterol!

Marriage Proposals and Political Promises! .....oops, same difference.

Slurp!

Why do I grin?

Why do I giggle?

Because her bottom just gave me a wiggle!

Why do I smile?

Why do I chuckle?

How did I manage to pull a muscle!

Why am I dizzy?

Why do I sway?

What has come over me today?

I'll leave you to guess......It's plain to see! ;)

Its whom, not what has come over me.