(For Mola Charles Menyoli)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I will shower your name with blessings
And cover your path with flowers and perfume
I will ask all the chirping birds of Gods air
To fetch their golden harps in wait
And all Mile 17 Park Boys with their strident voices
To converge like one man at the motor park
And with one voice, proclaim your holy name
You are God, you are Lord, and you are the most high.
I won’t forget Fakoship`s stevedorings
Because I don’t want you to fume
And also because to Mola Menyoli I must be fair
With God, Fakoship will not lapse
For he alone will forestall all its vices
And never will he let anyone be another Clark
Lord, yesterday, today and tomorrow, you are same
Our only wish is to be nigh and high.
Copyright 2009
___________________________________________
FOOTNOTE
I wrote this poem on New Year`s eve, that is the 31st of December 2009 while dining at LADY L Restaurant in Limbe. Suddenly I thought about Pa Mola Charles Menyoli, the boss of FAKOSHIP, with whom I hadn`t met for about five years. Interestingly, a few minutes after I finished writing the poem and was still sitting at LADY L, I saw him pass in his vehicle. This was remarkable, I thought.Why see him only when I had just written a poem for him?
Pa Menyoli is one of the Cameroonians whom I hold in very high esteem.He once gave me a rousing reception at his Buea residence some ten years ago when I was on a mission in Cameroon from Britain which at the time, was my base. Apart from that, Mola Menyoli is a man with a kind heart. He is done a lot in terms of giving something back to the community. Those who know him, know that about him.
TMA
jeudi 31 décembre 2009
mercredi 30 décembre 2009
CHANGE AT THE TOP
Tikum Mbah Azonga
You talk of change?
What change?
Change of the guard
Or change at the top?
Has the bottom not fallen out
Like some old wine in new wine skins ?
Or new wines in old wine skins?
Aren’t we just going round in circles?
After so many years of change
It’s back to Square One at full range
If you doubt me, ask the coast guard
All he has is champagne to pop
Every male has been subdued by the political rout
Children with distended stomachs live like urchins
Heaped on them and their mothers are our leaders` sins
All fish have lost their left ventricles.
Copyright 2009
You talk of change?
What change?
Change of the guard
Or change at the top?
Has the bottom not fallen out
Like some old wine in new wine skins ?
Or new wines in old wine skins?
Aren’t we just going round in circles?
After so many years of change
It’s back to Square One at full range
If you doubt me, ask the coast guard
All he has is champagne to pop
Every male has been subdued by the political rout
Children with distended stomachs live like urchins
Heaped on them and their mothers are our leaders` sins
All fish have lost their left ventricles.
Copyright 2009
THE LEFT HANDED CHILD
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I am a left hander and I admit it
Freely, democratically and willingly
Without coercion or duress or peer pressure
I didn’t beg for it, neither did I buy it
God made it so and he knows why
In his infinite wisdom.
But what haven’t I suffered from mankind
Insults, beatings, torture, persecution and execution
For no crime other than that I used what God gave
Who is man to question God?
How can a root question the top of the tree?
Copyright 2009
I am a left hander and I admit it
Freely, democratically and willingly
Without coercion or duress or peer pressure
I didn’t beg for it, neither did I buy it
God made it so and he knows why
In his infinite wisdom.
But what haven’t I suffered from mankind
Insults, beatings, torture, persecution and execution
For no crime other than that I used what God gave
Who is man to question God?
How can a root question the top of the tree?
Copyright 2009
GOD`S FOUNDATION STONE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
God is a God of love
He is a good God
He is the light that shineth
For those buried in the depths of despair
And the abyss of condemnation.
Through his love
And in his name as God
Even the voiceless and the sightless from Elizabeth
Can still rise and shine with greatest repair
We call that, laying the foundation.
copyright 2009
God is a God of love
He is a good God
He is the light that shineth
For those buried in the depths of despair
And the abyss of condemnation.
Through his love
And in his name as God
Even the voiceless and the sightless from Elizabeth
Can still rise and shine with greatest repair
We call that, laying the foundation.
copyright 2009
MY BOOK OF PSALMS
(For Emmanuel, the able Assistant of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon Education Secretary)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I have talked about kindness
But not secrecy
I have written about freedom
But not neglect
I have read about husbandmen
But not sour vineyards.
Today the virtue I seek most to harness
Is walking in the footsteps of the Lord`s advocacy
Because what I seek is his kingdom
As an education staff, he to me is the only one to elect
Because he died for all men
So, why can`t we be his life guards?
copyright 2009
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I have talked about kindness
But not secrecy
I have written about freedom
But not neglect
I have read about husbandmen
But not sour vineyards.
Today the virtue I seek most to harness
Is walking in the footsteps of the Lord`s advocacy
Because what I seek is his kingdom
As an education staff, he to me is the only one to elect
Because he died for all men
So, why can`t we be his life guards?
copyright 2009
GOD`S SUNFLOWER
(To Susan, the faithful secretary of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon Treasurer)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I`m an intelligent girl. Yes, I am
And I have no qualms about it
Isn`t it a God-given gift?
So to him at all times
And in all places, be the glory.
I`m never in reverse, nor in recess, nor in Oldham
I`m simply the sunflower not to forfeit
Here at the Synod Office there is no rift
The church ensures God`s work is first
That`s why with him behind me, I`ll never be sorry.
copyright 2009
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I`m an intelligent girl. Yes, I am
And I have no qualms about it
Isn`t it a God-given gift?
So to him at all times
And in all places, be the glory.
I`m never in reverse, nor in recess, nor in Oldham
I`m simply the sunflower not to forfeit
Here at the Synod Office there is no rift
The church ensures God`s work is first
That`s why with him behind me, I`ll never be sorry.
copyright 2009
STORM IN A TEA CUP
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I’m not hiding
No! Why would I?
I have nothing to hide
Absolutely no skeletons in the cupboard
I’m the open book
That can be read by anybody.
If you started off on the wrong foot
Please, don’t take it out on me
I’m not the Urban Council
Let alone Hysacam
Too many bird droppings in my backyard already
So how can I start hatching new eggs now?
Copyright 2009
I’m not hiding
No! Why would I?
I have nothing to hide
Absolutely no skeletons in the cupboard
I’m the open book
That can be read by anybody.
If you started off on the wrong foot
Please, don’t take it out on me
I’m not the Urban Council
Let alone Hysacam
Too many bird droppings in my backyard already
So how can I start hatching new eggs now?
Copyright 2009
MON DIEU ET MOI
(A Claudia)
J` étais à l` église hier
Seule, toute seule
Non pour prier, mais pour affirmer
J`affairmais ma foi en Dieu
Cette croyance inébranlable et incontournable
Dieu, tu es savoir; tu es pouvoir
Tu es tout.
Même en pleine crise
Grâce à ta forte presence je suis serein et fier
Sachant bien que tu es là pour soigner
Je ne craigns ni le Procureur, ni le feu
Ma seule bête noire c`est l`impôt libératoire
Cette machine infernale en dents de scie
Pour survivre je sais que je dois tout t`avouer.
Copyright 2009
J` étais à l` église hier
Seule, toute seule
Non pour prier, mais pour affirmer
J`affairmais ma foi en Dieu
Cette croyance inébranlable et incontournable
Dieu, tu es savoir; tu es pouvoir
Tu es tout.
Même en pleine crise
Grâce à ta forte presence je suis serein et fier
Sachant bien que tu es là pour soigner
Je ne craigns ni le Procureur, ni le feu
Ma seule bête noire c`est l`impôt libératoire
Cette machine infernale en dents de scie
Pour survivre je sais que je dois tout t`avouer.
Copyright 2009
GOD`S LIVING SIGN
(For Claudia)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
What a blessing, in deed!
On this blessed day of our Lord
I call this a miracle from above
This day on which the white turtle
Perched on my little head
Like the apostles` tongue of fire.
I know the apostles` creed
Even without riding a ford
So, when Sister Irene thinks I have a stock
I tell her: "No, Grande Soeur, it`s only the throttle."
For have I suddenly become some lad
Or a cheap hand for hire?
copyright 2009
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
What a blessing, in deed!
On this blessed day of our Lord
I call this a miracle from above
This day on which the white turtle
Perched on my little head
Like the apostles` tongue of fire.
I know the apostles` creed
Even without riding a ford
So, when Sister Irene thinks I have a stock
I tell her: "No, Grande Soeur, it`s only the throttle."
For have I suddenly become some lad
Or a cheap hand for hire?
copyright 2009
ECHANGE DE ROLES
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Quand j`étais ministre
Tu étais mon valet, n`est-ce pas?
Aujourd`hui que tu es ministre
Et moi, simple planton
Tu oses prendre des airs?
Dans cette vie, n`est illustre
Que ccelui qui est au plus bas.
Lorsque tu seras au pupître
Comme pensionnaire
Je jure que tu ne pourras plus te taire.
Copyright 2009
Quand j`étais ministre
Tu étais mon valet, n`est-ce pas?
Aujourd`hui que tu es ministre
Et moi, simple planton
Tu oses prendre des airs?
Dans cette vie, n`est illustre
Que ccelui qui est au plus bas.
Lorsque tu seras au pupître
Comme pensionnaire
Je jure que tu ne pourras plus te taire.
Copyright 2009
LA VIE EN AMONT
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je suis très convivial
Alors, n`aie pas peur
J`ai été recu en audience par le premier ministre
Et c`est moi qui ai rédigé le discours de monseigneur
Donc tu vois que moi
Je ne suis pas n`importe qui.
Si tu n`es pas plein de vitalité
C`est-à-dire, quasi quotidiennement
Tu prends ta bouilli
Sans la simplifier
Tu ne peux pas arriver à Mvolyé
D`ailleurs même, tu sais grimper ?
Ou sais-tu seulement manger et boire ?
Et tu dis que tu es un homme ?
copyright 2009
Je suis très convivial
Alors, n`aie pas peur
J`ai été recu en audience par le premier ministre
Et c`est moi qui ai rédigé le discours de monseigneur
Donc tu vois que moi
Je ne suis pas n`importe qui.
Si tu n`es pas plein de vitalité
C`est-à-dire, quasi quotidiennement
Tu prends ta bouilli
Sans la simplifier
Tu ne peux pas arriver à Mvolyé
D`ailleurs même, tu sais grimper ?
Ou sais-tu seulement manger et boire ?
Et tu dis que tu es un homme ?
copyright 2009
THE TASK AT HAND
(For Peter Esoka)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
You can get it
Yet, you can take it out right now
If you really want
But first, let Peter come through
And deliver today`s dlose of reflection
Peter and us are now like finger and nail
With maleya in the background
And the tune that made them
Shoot to fame spectacularly
What more can you ask for?
Meanwhile, Ecobank is celebrating proximity
And the weighing bridge is announced
Jumping little girls and boys in green
Stoop along the road
And write their names in the shifting sand
And yellow petrol l procession
Is that what you want?
Just that?
And you think you`ve had your fair share
When you can go the whole way
And pick up the jackpot
Come on!
You can get it
If you believe you can.
copyright 2009
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
You can get it
Yet, you can take it out right now
If you really want
But first, let Peter come through
And deliver today`s dlose of reflection
Peter and us are now like finger and nail
With maleya in the background
And the tune that made them
Shoot to fame spectacularly
What more can you ask for?
Meanwhile, Ecobank is celebrating proximity
And the weighing bridge is announced
Jumping little girls and boys in green
Stoop along the road
And write their names in the shifting sand
And yellow petrol l procession
Is that what you want?
Just that?
And you think you`ve had your fair share
When you can go the whole way
And pick up the jackpot
Come on!
You can get it
If you believe you can.
copyright 2009
LA BOUCLE D`OREILLE D`OR
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Farice est bell et souriante
L`AS des AS
Et la crème de la crème
C`est elle l`Etoile Filante de la Dolce Vita
Elle a nettement le vent en poupe
Pour quiconque veut encore dorer son blason
C`est la à la pure vérité
Et c`est la ma vérité.
L`or sûrement, l`argent rarement, mais surout pas l`amiante
Notre Farice n`est pas la fille d`en face
Mais elle dédie de loin tout ce qui es barème
Que ce soit à Douala ou en Europe
Mon seul espoir est que vivement elle se pointe à l`horizon.
Car c`est là la vérititable preuve de la durabilité
Ainsi, loin d`être amorphe, je dirai haut et fort mes quatre vérités.
Copyright 2009
Farice est bell et souriante
L`AS des AS
Et la crème de la crème
C`est elle l`Etoile Filante de la Dolce Vita
Elle a nettement le vent en poupe
Pour quiconque veut encore dorer son blason
C`est la à la pure vérité
Et c`est la ma vérité.
L`or sûrement, l`argent rarement, mais surout pas l`amiante
Notre Farice n`est pas la fille d`en face
Mais elle dédie de loin tout ce qui es barème
Que ce soit à Douala ou en Europe
Mon seul espoir est que vivement elle se pointe à l`horizon.
Car c`est là la vérititable preuve de la durabilité
Ainsi, loin d`être amorphe, je dirai haut et fort mes quatre vérités.
Copyright 2009
WAS IST LOS?
For Nkwawir Mainemo, my Bamenda German teacher
(By Tikum Mbah Azonga)
Guten tag!
Ich komme, bitte!
Ich bin das rad
Ich habe ein wagen in Deutschland
Und Monica
Ich wohne ein Einfamilienhaus mit Garden
Das auto bleibt stechen
Kaputt!
Und du?
Woher kommst du?
Das haus ?
Unser haus ?
Wo ?
Und das rad?
Du bist hier in Molyko
Du hast meine schwester
Di familie
Di frau
Das zimmer
Und die
Bitte !
Copyright 2009
(By Tikum Mbah Azonga)
Guten tag!
Ich komme, bitte!
Ich bin das rad
Ich habe ein wagen in Deutschland
Und Monica
Ich wohne ein Einfamilienhaus mit Garden
Das auto bleibt stechen
Kaputt!
Und du?
Woher kommst du?
Das haus ?
Unser haus ?
Wo ?
Und das rad?
Du bist hier in Molyko
Du hast meine schwester
Di familie
Di frau
Das zimmer
Und die
Bitte !
Copyright 2009
SHAY WALA
(For Nicole Doudou, my Ngaoundere Fulfulde teacher)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Kai!
Mi hota
Wala hi!
Mi hota
Mi don hado
Shay wala
Debo wala
Shede wala
Wai, ayi ai am-na?
Ngam jume?
Hado
Shay timi
Hato
O nyali jam
A nya mi
A yali shay
A timi.
Do sadi
Ayi ai am
Wala
Toyi malum am?
Mi don yi`di malum am
Mi hota
Mi mari sembe
Mi foti huwugo
Ta`etchi ta`
Midon rena
Allah reni !
Wusoko miyeti.
Iisaa wakkani kam.
copyright 2009
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Kai!
Mi hota
Wala hi!
Mi hota
Mi don hado
Shay wala
Debo wala
Shede wala
Wai, ayi ai am-na?
Ngam jume?
Hado
Shay timi
Hato
O nyali jam
A nya mi
A yali shay
A timi.
Do sadi
Ayi ai am
Wala
Toyi malum am?
Mi don yi`di malum am
Mi hota
Mi mari sembe
Mi foti huwugo
Ta`etchi ta`
Midon rena
Allah reni !
Wusoko miyeti.
Iisaa wakkani kam.
copyright 2009
mardi 29 décembre 2009
MALAIKA, KUJA
(For Mwalimu William Ndege, my London Swahili teacher)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Malaika
Jambo!
Habari!
Sasa, siko Kenya
Mimi Cameroon
Kwa sababu nimekasinka
Malaika, samahani. Una piga ni
Kwa nini?
Hii ni nini?
Vipi?
Ningali mgojwa
Na mahindi yangali mabichi
Kwa nini, malaika?
Nani nyumbe kubwa
Nani koti, ingawa nyekunda
Nani jogoo nyeusi
Nani maharagwe
Biskuti
Bia
Mkate
Siagi.
Sasa, ninakula samaki chungu
Jana, nilikula samaki chungu
Baadaye, nitakula samaki chungu.
Malaika, nina swali:
Kwa nini?
Hapana!
Malaika
Ninakupenda
Nisaidie, tafadhali!
Nina.
Kuja!
Jana
Kesho
Kesho kotwa
Jumamosi
Jumapili
Au Jumatatu.
Kuja!
Copyright 2009
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Malaika
Jambo!
Habari!
Sasa, siko Kenya
Mimi Cameroon
Kwa sababu nimekasinka
Malaika, samahani. Una piga ni
Kwa nini?
Hii ni nini?
Vipi?
Ningali mgojwa
Na mahindi yangali mabichi
Kwa nini, malaika?
Nani nyumbe kubwa
Nani koti, ingawa nyekunda
Nani jogoo nyeusi
Nani maharagwe
Biskuti
Bia
Mkate
Siagi.
Sasa, ninakula samaki chungu
Jana, nilikula samaki chungu
Baadaye, nitakula samaki chungu.
Malaika, nina swali:
Kwa nini?
Hapana!
Malaika
Ninakupenda
Nisaidie, tafadhali!
Nina.
Kuja!
Jana
Kesho
Kesho kotwa
Jumamosi
Jumapili
Au Jumatatu.
Kuja!
Copyright 2009
OFF ON A LIMB
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I`m out at last
Out in this whole wide world
And walking tall and free
And taunting the wanton lilies.
If it wasn`t for the haunted flag
I would have gone out again
Like Maye Sunsaye
Just to test the celebrity waters.
copyright 2009
I`m out at last
Out in this whole wide world
And walking tall and free
And taunting the wanton lilies.
If it wasn`t for the haunted flag
I would have gone out again
Like Maye Sunsaye
Just to test the celebrity waters.
copyright 2009
THE LONG WAIT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I have waited long enough
In fact for too long
Far too long
The last birds have flown
And the flags are at half mast.
Life here is very tough
And nowhere
Nowhere do I hear a love song
Only the hapless age-old gong
If I knew my baby had grown
Would I still be an outcast?
copyright 2009
I have waited long enough
In fact for too long
Far too long
The last birds have flown
And the flags are at half mast.
Life here is very tough
And nowhere
Nowhere do I hear a love song
Only the hapless age-old gong
If I knew my baby had grown
Would I still be an outcast?
copyright 2009
WHY I RUN
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I hear a voice
It is loose and unleashed
Yesterday it was muffled and gagged
Today, it`s a shadow of its old self.
I want to make a choice
To show the world I`m unabashed
That even if I`m tagged
I can`t be exposed on the shelf.
copyright 2009
I hear a voice
It is loose and unleashed
Yesterday it was muffled and gagged
Today, it`s a shadow of its old self.
I want to make a choice
To show the world I`m unabashed
That even if I`m tagged
I can`t be exposed on the shelf.
copyright 2009
MY LAST STANCE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
For God`s sake,what does that mean?
Shall we for ever walk backwards
One step forward, two steps backward?
Or shall we, for once just jump?
I may not be the best father
But I honestly hope I`m not awkward
Although I may look lime a coward
Nowhere on me can you find a lump.
copyright 2009
For God`s sake,what does that mean?
Shall we for ever walk backwards
One step forward, two steps backward?
Or shall we, for once just jump?
I may not be the best father
But I honestly hope I`m not awkward
Although I may look lime a coward
Nowhere on me can you find a lump.
copyright 2009
ONE WAY TICKET
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
She hasn`t returned
She hasn`t even written
I`m now surprised
Becaause she left with only her handbag.
She asked for the tray that was burned
In order to spite her kitten
But today, look how her teeth are priced
That`s why we brought out the sand bag.
copyright 2009
She hasn`t returned
She hasn`t even written
I`m now surprised
Becaause she left with only her handbag.
She asked for the tray that was burned
In order to spite her kitten
But today, look how her teeth are priced
That`s why we brought out the sand bag.
copyright 2009
TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Nobody comes closer now
Not even you
So stand back from the porch
And let the lead sink.
colyright 2009
Nobody comes closer now
Not even you
So stand back from the porch
And let the lead sink.
colyright 2009
MISSING BONE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I know a bone when I see one
And I mean every word of that
That`s why when I sniff at a cone
I rush for my fur hat.
copyright 2009
I know a bone when I see one
And I mean every word of that
That`s why when I sniff at a cone
I rush for my fur hat.
copyright 2009
MY SOLEMN RIGHT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I have the right to sneeze
But what I won`t do is freeze
But if my joystick sinks
Then I`ll put on my cuff links.
copyright 2209
I have the right to sneeze
But what I won`t do is freeze
But if my joystick sinks
Then I`ll put on my cuff links.
copyright 2209
THE TOOTHLESS DOG
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I must strike a balance
And by all means, not later than today
Go and tell him that
Tell him to stop his slander
I have been there before
I have seen it all before
So let him silence that his choir
Let him stop behaving like a lout
Let him come clean and cut.
For a yes or a no
That man would sell his soul
Has he ever cared about anyone?
Let alone himself?
Even when I was at the bank
I heard his so-called sound bites
His velvet sights and sounds
But I tell you what?
He is nothing buy a toothless dog.
copyright 2009
I must strike a balance
And by all means, not later than today
Go and tell him that
Tell him to stop his slander
I have been there before
I have seen it all before
So let him silence that his choir
Let him stop behaving like a lout
Let him come clean and cut.
For a yes or a no
That man would sell his soul
Has he ever cared about anyone?
Let alone himself?
Even when I was at the bank
I heard his so-called sound bites
His velvet sights and sounds
But I tell you what?
He is nothing buy a toothless dog.
copyright 2009
A BRIDGE TOO FAR
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
This is the Dreamland girl`s sister
She knows all about pudding at Easter
So if you think you`re the next bishop
Never again will the nuns come to shop.
copyright 2009
This is the Dreamland girl`s sister
She knows all about pudding at Easter
So if you think you`re the next bishop
Never again will the nuns come to shop.
copyright 2009
COLLECT CALL
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Did you call for him
Or did he call for you?
Or am I barking up the wrong tree?
Would you mind telling me, Miss World?
copyright 2009
Did you call for him
Or did he call for you?
Or am I barking up the wrong tree?
Would you mind telling me, Miss World?
copyright 2009
lundi 28 décembre 2009
TRABAJA DE DIOS
Por Tikum Mbah Azonga
Trabajo con el padre
No es mi padre, esposa de mi madre
Pero es el padre de la iglesia
El padre religioso.
Trabajo con elm, juntos todos los dias
En la oficina
Trabajamos en la armonia
Sin diferencia, sin opinion
Sin introduccion al trabajo
Trabajamos con niños y con chicos
Con muchachos y muchachas.
El padre no quiere
Beber o comer
Dice que no le gustan bebida y comida
Dice que no tiene hambre
Y no tiene sed.
Pero creo que no conoce el impacto
Cuando dijo:"Padre, quiero comer!"
Me dice :"Hijo mio, mira
En este mundo
La comida que importa
No es la comuida humana
Nio, de ninguna manera
Es la comida de dios.
Si no te gusta este comida
Es decir que no quires nada
Entonces, ¡ Ya basta!"
Trabajo con el padre
No es mi padre, esposa de mi madre
Pero es el padre de la iglesia
El padre religioso.
Trabajo con elm, juntos todos los dias
En la oficina
Trabajamos en la armonia
Sin diferencia, sin opinion
Sin introduccion al trabajo
Trabajamos con niños y con chicos
Con muchachos y muchachas.
El padre no quiere
Beber o comer
Dice que no le gustan bebida y comida
Dice que no tiene hambre
Y no tiene sed.
Pero creo que no conoce el impacto
Cuando dijo:"Padre, quiero comer!"
Me dice :"Hijo mio, mira
En este mundo
La comida que importa
No es la comuida humana
Nio, de ninguna manera
Es la comida de dios.
Si no te gusta este comida
Es decir que no quires nada
Entonces, ¡ Ya basta!"
ESCROC QUE TU ES
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je ne serai pas dupe
Alors, saches que tu perds ton temps
Tu dis que tu as faim
Pourquoi ne pas avoir sauf aussi?
Tu as peur?
Peureux!
Comment peux-tu pecher à la loupe?
Tu es fou
Ou n'as-tu rien d'autre à faire?
Alors, viens travailler dans mon champ
Ou mieux encore, dans la cuisine de ma femme.
Peureux!
Copyright 2009
Je ne serai pas dupe
Alors, saches que tu perds ton temps
Tu dis que tu as faim
Pourquoi ne pas avoir sauf aussi?
Tu as peur?
Peureux!
Comment peux-tu pecher à la loupe?
Tu es fou
Ou n'as-tu rien d'autre à faire?
Alors, viens travailler dans mon champ
Ou mieux encore, dans la cuisine de ma femme.
Peureux!
Copyright 2009
REBEL WITH A CAUSE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I won't stand here and watch this
I refuse to be a party to it
I won't be an eye witness to man's inhumanity to man
Stand by while God's world spins on its axis
And while robust women with enough breast
Push sopping and rotten bits of bread without butter
Into the numb mouths of babies left for too long
Far too long out in the rain and cold?
I' m out of it even if you take me for a novice
Why should I - why on earth should I sit
Then get up and curse the tree as if I wasn’t human?
What about the man with axes?
One must decide whether one's on the trough or the crest
Since I’ve been my own hunter
Rather than maim, I’ll prolong
My greatest wish is to return to the fold.
copyright 2009
I won't stand here and watch this
I refuse to be a party to it
I won't be an eye witness to man's inhumanity to man
Stand by while God's world spins on its axis
And while robust women with enough breast
Push sopping and rotten bits of bread without butter
Into the numb mouths of babies left for too long
Far too long out in the rain and cold?
I' m out of it even if you take me for a novice
Why should I - why on earth should I sit
Then get up and curse the tree as if I wasn’t human?
What about the man with axes?
One must decide whether one's on the trough or the crest
Since I’ve been my own hunter
Rather than maim, I’ll prolong
My greatest wish is to return to the fold.
copyright 2009
THE NATION AS AN ASSET
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
This article is an adaptation of an earlier one I broadcast on the Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) National Radio Station on the 30th of August 2002. The paper was broadcast as a spontaneous reaction to the political and economic state of play in the country at the time. It is one of many I broadcast on the same channel between 2002 and 200, on the early morning prime time national and world news broadcast.
==============================================
The Oxford Advanced learner’s Dictionary defines the word, "politics", as " matters concerned with acquiring and exercising power within a group of an organization’’. However, like with any other exercise or activity, political action can be evaluated and assessed. Such an action would serve either as a thermometer or a barometer. Stock can then be taken so that the necessary adjustments are made.
But as experience has shown, we do not always go that far. We do not go the extra mile. Only too often, our newspapers, political leaders and parties get so bogged down, they hang on too unscrupulously and stringently to preconceived ideas and ideological prejudices that when some changes comes, they either do not perceive them or they knowingly choose to ignore them and thus cling on to old glory. It’s like throwing the baby with the bath water, more or less.
Few newspapers and political leaders seemed to have realized that if so many foreign dignitaries such as the Chinese President and his wife visit our country as opposed to another country, then there is something in us that is attracting them. It would appear as though for our newspapers and political leaders, anything that is news must necessarily be negative and derogatory about the country or the regime in place. One may then beg the question: what is news? In response to that question we shall refer to one of the most quoted definitions of news in the world, which maintains that "man bites dog is news and dog bites man is not news". So, news has to do with the unusual, the new, the novel, the strange, the odd, and the curious. But it also has to do with the remarkable and the praiseworthy. That premise, again, presupposes flexibility and an open mind. The essential ingredient of objectivity must not be sacrificed; otherwise it would be tantamount to dropping the substance for the shadow.
We recall that last week, a top official of the International Monetary Fund,(IMF), indicated that Cameroon had made progress in its economic battle having registered a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 4.6% in 2001, with further progression expected next year. The country’s economic reforms of the last five or six years have largely born fruit with the economic growth rate standing at around 5%, which is quite impressive. The other side of the coin is that despite these signs of recovery, Cameroonians are still not quite reaping the fruits. The fall outs are not filtering down to the grassroots, thus leaving the country in a situation where the few rich get richer and the silent majority gets poorer. Nonetheless, the progress made is also undeniable. Yet, our newspapers either ignored the upbeat part of the story or attempted to shut up the IMF official while he was in the country. If the opposition did its homework well, it would have found enough loopholes to wrong foot both the government and the IMF. But it did not. One lesson the opposition must learn in order to grow up is to rise above petty politics and concentrate on issues rather than personalities. Unless it gets that far, it will end up by only groping in the dark and going round in circles.
Politics is a dynamic game. It changes, the stakes change, situations change and people change.
copyright 2009
This article is an adaptation of an earlier one I broadcast on the Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) National Radio Station on the 30th of August 2002. The paper was broadcast as a spontaneous reaction to the political and economic state of play in the country at the time. It is one of many I broadcast on the same channel between 2002 and 200, on the early morning prime time national and world news broadcast.
==============================================
The Oxford Advanced learner’s Dictionary defines the word, "politics", as " matters concerned with acquiring and exercising power within a group of an organization’’. However, like with any other exercise or activity, political action can be evaluated and assessed. Such an action would serve either as a thermometer or a barometer. Stock can then be taken so that the necessary adjustments are made.
But as experience has shown, we do not always go that far. We do not go the extra mile. Only too often, our newspapers, political leaders and parties get so bogged down, they hang on too unscrupulously and stringently to preconceived ideas and ideological prejudices that when some changes comes, they either do not perceive them or they knowingly choose to ignore them and thus cling on to old glory. It’s like throwing the baby with the bath water, more or less.
Few newspapers and political leaders seemed to have realized that if so many foreign dignitaries such as the Chinese President and his wife visit our country as opposed to another country, then there is something in us that is attracting them. It would appear as though for our newspapers and political leaders, anything that is news must necessarily be negative and derogatory about the country or the regime in place. One may then beg the question: what is news? In response to that question we shall refer to one of the most quoted definitions of news in the world, which maintains that "man bites dog is news and dog bites man is not news". So, news has to do with the unusual, the new, the novel, the strange, the odd, and the curious. But it also has to do with the remarkable and the praiseworthy. That premise, again, presupposes flexibility and an open mind. The essential ingredient of objectivity must not be sacrificed; otherwise it would be tantamount to dropping the substance for the shadow.
We recall that last week, a top official of the International Monetary Fund,(IMF), indicated that Cameroon had made progress in its economic battle having registered a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 4.6% in 2001, with further progression expected next year. The country’s economic reforms of the last five or six years have largely born fruit with the economic growth rate standing at around 5%, which is quite impressive. The other side of the coin is that despite these signs of recovery, Cameroonians are still not quite reaping the fruits. The fall outs are not filtering down to the grassroots, thus leaving the country in a situation where the few rich get richer and the silent majority gets poorer. Nonetheless, the progress made is also undeniable. Yet, our newspapers either ignored the upbeat part of the story or attempted to shut up the IMF official while he was in the country. If the opposition did its homework well, it would have found enough loopholes to wrong foot both the government and the IMF. But it did not. One lesson the opposition must learn in order to grow up is to rise above petty politics and concentrate on issues rather than personalities. Unless it gets that far, it will end up by only groping in the dark and going round in circles.
Politics is a dynamic game. It changes, the stakes change, situations change and people change.
copyright 2009
GOOD GOVERNANCE AS A NATIONAL PRIORITY
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
This article is an adaptation of an earlier one I broadcast on the Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) National Radio Station on the 12th of June 2003. The paper was broadcast as a spontaneous reaction to the political and economic state of play in the country at the time. It is one of many I broadcast on the same channel between 2002 and 200, on the early morning prime time national and world news broadcast.
==============================================
If Cameroon had been one of the developed countries of the world, then the governance programme would be at the very core of the election campaign. In fact, it would be common to hear politicians underscore in their rhetoric, for instance, that the elections would be fought and won on three key issues: governance, governance and governance.
The focus on governance is by no means overstated for the programme as it was conceived, takes into account the much needed partnership between the states, and within each state, the private sector and the civil society. Seen from that angle, the state therefore relinquishes its outmoded and counter productive role of nanny, thus enabling a balanced development process to be put in place. In recent years, good governance has not only become a far cry but increasingly also a prerequisite for international borrowing and lending, notably with leading donors such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This is just as well because the precondition is likely to make long-lasting dictatorial Third World leaders to sit up, or at least get pricked.
The governance programme is intended to create an environment propitious for economic activity, which implies an intensification of the fight against poverty. Through it, capacity building of the civil society is expected to be reinforced. This is expected to come about via the prioritization of economic concertation by groups such as the inter-ministerial committee which in the case of Cameroon is extended to the private sector and is presided over by the Prime minister, Head of Government.
But as things stand, political parties do not appear to have made the programme much of an issue, although it must be said that it is within the general context of the election race. So for the time being, the programme looks very much like the sole concern of the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM). Perhaps the opposition parties are standing aloof in the hope that the CPDM will swim in its own blood. However, if that is what the other parties think, then they may be unwittingly preparing a time bomb that will explode when they take power.
To all purposes and intents, good governance could have made an incredibly useful battle horse for any political tendency that was stronger at pulling the blanket to its own side of the bed, so to speak. In fact, if well implemented, the good governance programme could pervade all of Cameroonian society. In essence, positive changes would be noticed in areas such as the administrative machinery, a reformed judiciary mechanism, a culture of responsibility in the management of state institutions, victory over corruption and the irreversible putting of the state before one’s personal interests, as well as commendable moves in the direction of decentralization.
Copyright 2009
This article is an adaptation of an earlier one I broadcast on the Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) National Radio Station on the 12th of June 2003. The paper was broadcast as a spontaneous reaction to the political and economic state of play in the country at the time. It is one of many I broadcast on the same channel between 2002 and 200, on the early morning prime time national and world news broadcast.
==============================================
If Cameroon had been one of the developed countries of the world, then the governance programme would be at the very core of the election campaign. In fact, it would be common to hear politicians underscore in their rhetoric, for instance, that the elections would be fought and won on three key issues: governance, governance and governance.
The focus on governance is by no means overstated for the programme as it was conceived, takes into account the much needed partnership between the states, and within each state, the private sector and the civil society. Seen from that angle, the state therefore relinquishes its outmoded and counter productive role of nanny, thus enabling a balanced development process to be put in place. In recent years, good governance has not only become a far cry but increasingly also a prerequisite for international borrowing and lending, notably with leading donors such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This is just as well because the precondition is likely to make long-lasting dictatorial Third World leaders to sit up, or at least get pricked.
The governance programme is intended to create an environment propitious for economic activity, which implies an intensification of the fight against poverty. Through it, capacity building of the civil society is expected to be reinforced. This is expected to come about via the prioritization of economic concertation by groups such as the inter-ministerial committee which in the case of Cameroon is extended to the private sector and is presided over by the Prime minister, Head of Government.
But as things stand, political parties do not appear to have made the programme much of an issue, although it must be said that it is within the general context of the election race. So for the time being, the programme looks very much like the sole concern of the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM). Perhaps the opposition parties are standing aloof in the hope that the CPDM will swim in its own blood. However, if that is what the other parties think, then they may be unwittingly preparing a time bomb that will explode when they take power.
To all purposes and intents, good governance could have made an incredibly useful battle horse for any political tendency that was stronger at pulling the blanket to its own side of the bed, so to speak. In fact, if well implemented, the good governance programme could pervade all of Cameroonian society. In essence, positive changes would be noticed in areas such as the administrative machinery, a reformed judiciary mechanism, a culture of responsibility in the management of state institutions, victory over corruption and the irreversible putting of the state before one’s personal interests, as well as commendable moves in the direction of decentralization.
Copyright 2009
samedi 26 décembre 2009
MOROCCAN KING COMES CALLING
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
This article is an adaptation of an earlier one I broadcast on the Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) National Radio Station on the 16th of November 2004. The paper was motivated by the visit to Cameroon of the king of Morocco. It is one of many I broadcast on the same channel between 2002 and 2005, on the early morning prime time national and world news broadcast.
---------------------------------------------------
For three days running today, tomorrow and Friday, the royal palace of the kingdom of Morocco will be located here in Cameroon and all honours due the king will be paid to him there.
Thanks to the King’s visit, Cameroonians can now have direct contact with a country, Morocco, known in the Arabic language as Al-Mamlaka Al-Maghiribiya a relationshipwhich so far has been long distance mainly through football encounters, or through the dwindling number of Cameroonian students in Moroccan institutions. It will, of course, also be recalled that Cameroon’s first and former President, Ahmadou Ahidjo was a man well known in Morocco.
True, King Mohamed VI was in Cameroon in 2001 for the France-Africa Summit. But that was not a one-to one visit in the sense that he was only one of numerous Heads of State who converged on Yaounde for the summit. This time around, Cameroonians will be able to reserve a hilarious welcome for the King, knowing that the visit is special and specific. Already, CRTV has broadcast special programmes on the Kingdom of Morocco, as a prelude to the visit. In addition to being received by Cameroonian’s Head of State, Paul Biya, King Mohamed VI will be received at the National Museum by Culture Minister of State, Ferdinand Leopold Oyono, and Paul Biya. On the fringes of the visit, the Moroccan delegation will hold working sessions with their Cameroonian counterparts.
If anyone sees a parallel between the name the king bears and that of the Moslem Prophet Mohamed, this is no coincidence. Mohamed VI is no ordinary king. He is said to be a descendant of Prophet Mohamed, through the prophet’s daughter Lava Fatima Zora. The 23rd king of the Alaovite dynasty whose reign started in the 17th century, the king was born in Rabat, the capital of Morocco, on August 21st forty one years ago. On July 30th, 1999, he succeeded his late father, King Hassan II who in his lifetime had painstakingly groomed him to be the next king. The king has a string of qualifications. Logically he is a Leo astrologically, which makes him a daring leader who does what he believes is right for his people. That means he will be able to face the future with steel-like steadfastness.
Morocco and Cameroon have a lot in common. Their economies are heavily agricultural with oil production serving as the icing on the cake. But whereas Morocco has developed its tourism industry to the extent that its contribution to national revenue is significant, Cameroon is still groping in the dark. Like Cameroon’s economy, Morocco’s has taken some knocks, for example, it has also been applying economic structural adjustment measures since 1983, with assistance from international donors such as the International Monetary Fund {IMF}. This has led to a reduction in the budget deficit and has attracted foreign investment. The economy is therefore an area in which both countries can profitably compare notes.
Like Cameroon, Morocco has an extensive coast-line which makes fishing a significant activity. Morocco may want to step up trade with Cameroon for in 1996 to 1997 for instance, trade figures showed that the Kingdom was not amongst the first 15 importers of Cameroonian goods, neither was it among the first 15 exporters of goods to Cameroon. Another activity Cameroon can successfully undertake is that of supplying English Language teachers to Morocco which is French speaking country, Cameroon can export English language teachers to the Kingdom of Morocco. In a world that is increasingly global, Rabat needs such a tonic.
As His Royal Highness king Mohamed II touches down in Yaounde late this afternoon, we say to him in the Arabic language ‘Ahlan wa sahlan, shukran jazi lan’’, which means, ‘’Welcome, thank you very much’’.
© 2009
This article is an adaptation of an earlier one I broadcast on the Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) National Radio Station on the 16th of November 2004. The paper was motivated by the visit to Cameroon of the king of Morocco. It is one of many I broadcast on the same channel between 2002 and 2005, on the early morning prime time national and world news broadcast.
---------------------------------------------------
For three days running today, tomorrow and Friday, the royal palace of the kingdom of Morocco will be located here in Cameroon and all honours due the king will be paid to him there.
Thanks to the King’s visit, Cameroonians can now have direct contact with a country, Morocco, known in the Arabic language as Al-Mamlaka Al-Maghiribiya a relationshipwhich so far has been long distance mainly through football encounters, or through the dwindling number of Cameroonian students in Moroccan institutions. It will, of course, also be recalled that Cameroon’s first and former President, Ahmadou Ahidjo was a man well known in Morocco.
True, King Mohamed VI was in Cameroon in 2001 for the France-Africa Summit. But that was not a one-to one visit in the sense that he was only one of numerous Heads of State who converged on Yaounde for the summit. This time around, Cameroonians will be able to reserve a hilarious welcome for the King, knowing that the visit is special and specific. Already, CRTV has broadcast special programmes on the Kingdom of Morocco, as a prelude to the visit. In addition to being received by Cameroonian’s Head of State, Paul Biya, King Mohamed VI will be received at the National Museum by Culture Minister of State, Ferdinand Leopold Oyono, and Paul Biya. On the fringes of the visit, the Moroccan delegation will hold working sessions with their Cameroonian counterparts.
If anyone sees a parallel between the name the king bears and that of the Moslem Prophet Mohamed, this is no coincidence. Mohamed VI is no ordinary king. He is said to be a descendant of Prophet Mohamed, through the prophet’s daughter Lava Fatima Zora. The 23rd king of the Alaovite dynasty whose reign started in the 17th century, the king was born in Rabat, the capital of Morocco, on August 21st forty one years ago. On July 30th, 1999, he succeeded his late father, King Hassan II who in his lifetime had painstakingly groomed him to be the next king. The king has a string of qualifications. Logically he is a Leo astrologically, which makes him a daring leader who does what he believes is right for his people. That means he will be able to face the future with steel-like steadfastness.
Morocco and Cameroon have a lot in common. Their economies are heavily agricultural with oil production serving as the icing on the cake. But whereas Morocco has developed its tourism industry to the extent that its contribution to national revenue is significant, Cameroon is still groping in the dark. Like Cameroon’s economy, Morocco’s has taken some knocks, for example, it has also been applying economic structural adjustment measures since 1983, with assistance from international donors such as the International Monetary Fund {IMF}. This has led to a reduction in the budget deficit and has attracted foreign investment. The economy is therefore an area in which both countries can profitably compare notes.
Like Cameroon, Morocco has an extensive coast-line which makes fishing a significant activity. Morocco may want to step up trade with Cameroon for in 1996 to 1997 for instance, trade figures showed that the Kingdom was not amongst the first 15 importers of Cameroonian goods, neither was it among the first 15 exporters of goods to Cameroon. Another activity Cameroon can successfully undertake is that of supplying English Language teachers to Morocco which is French speaking country, Cameroon can export English language teachers to the Kingdom of Morocco. In a world that is increasingly global, Rabat needs such a tonic.
As His Royal Highness king Mohamed II touches down in Yaounde late this afternoon, we say to him in the Arabic language ‘Ahlan wa sahlan, shukran jazi lan’’, which means, ‘’Welcome, thank you very much’’.
© 2009
THE LEGACY OF DEATH
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
This article is an adaptation of an earlier one I broadcast on the Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) National Radio Station on the 26th of November 20024. The paper was motivated by the death of Archbishop Andre Wouking of Yaounde and Statesman Sadou Daoudou of Ngaoundere. It is one of many I broadcast on the same channel between 2002 and 2005, on the early morning prime time national and world news broadcast.
---------------------------------------------------
There is a saying that when an aged person passes away it is a library that has been consumed by what one might call voracious flames. That theory is lent credence by the many aphorisms that make elderly people, let alone elderly statesmen, temples of knowledge or wisdom, for is it not said that what an old man can see sitting down, a young person cannot see standing on the top of a tree? And so it is that today, in Cameroon, we are mourning the demise of two libraries, namely Archbishop André Wouking and the Politician Alhadji Sadou Daoudou. Yet, the two men are not the only ones who have departed from this world. We all remember others who preceded them such as the other archbishop Jean Zoa and the politicians Solomon Tandeng Muna, John Ngu Foncha and Dr E.M.L Endeley.
The question is, when these public figures die and are mourned, and time passes, to what extent are they still remembered, if not only occasionally and sporadically, more or less, as an after thought? Yet, they could have helped us to remember them on a longer term. How this can be done is through memoirs which the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, defines as “ an account written usually by somebody in public life of their life and experiences’’.
Famous world people who have had such records published include Margaret Thatcher, Nelson Mandela and General De Gaulle and Winston Churchill, to name those. Back here in Cameroon, memoirs have been written by people such as Garga Haman Adji, Ndeh Ntumazah, Nemerius N. Mbile, Christian Tobie Kuo and Samuel Eboua. Even so, the written legacy does not necessarily have to be in the form of memoirs. In fact any publication whatsoever is still useful. That is why today, we still avidly read the books ‘’To Every Son of Nso’’ and ‘’The Genuine Intellectual’’ by the late Dr. Bernard Nsokika Fonlon. It is in that same category that we would place, the books ‘’Communal Liberalism’’ by Paul Biya and ‘’Politics a Call to Serve” by Paul Enyi Atogho. Incidentally, an article published in a journal many years ago by the literary man and educationist Patrick Sam Kubam has made its mark so indelibly that today and in years to come, hardly can any scholar talk about the history of Anglophone literature in Cameroon without citing that article. So, as we can see, it is important to write and share experiences. That is why today, many centuries after Shakespeare died, we still read his books and act his plays as if they were written only yesterday.
Even so, one cannot help wondering why most of our public leaders still do not write. One possible reason could be that some people view writing as a daunting experience. But it does not have to be so. In fact many people think they need to be fully prepared before they write, but they could in fact start by just making random jottings. Besides, help could be sought from others in the writing process. People who have something to write but for some reason can not do so themselves, can always seek the services of the ghost writer or a writer who will publish the work as his or her own.
Whatever is the case, it must be remembered that the longest journey begins with the first step. Over and above everything, our leaders owe it to posterity to leave something behind. They must not create a vacuum as they leave us.
© 2009
This article is an adaptation of an earlier one I broadcast on the Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) National Radio Station on the 26th of November 20024. The paper was motivated by the death of Archbishop Andre Wouking of Yaounde and Statesman Sadou Daoudou of Ngaoundere. It is one of many I broadcast on the same channel between 2002 and 2005, on the early morning prime time national and world news broadcast.
---------------------------------------------------
There is a saying that when an aged person passes away it is a library that has been consumed by what one might call voracious flames. That theory is lent credence by the many aphorisms that make elderly people, let alone elderly statesmen, temples of knowledge or wisdom, for is it not said that what an old man can see sitting down, a young person cannot see standing on the top of a tree? And so it is that today, in Cameroon, we are mourning the demise of two libraries, namely Archbishop André Wouking and the Politician Alhadji Sadou Daoudou. Yet, the two men are not the only ones who have departed from this world. We all remember others who preceded them such as the other archbishop Jean Zoa and the politicians Solomon Tandeng Muna, John Ngu Foncha and Dr E.M.L Endeley.
The question is, when these public figures die and are mourned, and time passes, to what extent are they still remembered, if not only occasionally and sporadically, more or less, as an after thought? Yet, they could have helped us to remember them on a longer term. How this can be done is through memoirs which the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, defines as “ an account written usually by somebody in public life of their life and experiences’’.
Famous world people who have had such records published include Margaret Thatcher, Nelson Mandela and General De Gaulle and Winston Churchill, to name those. Back here in Cameroon, memoirs have been written by people such as Garga Haman Adji, Ndeh Ntumazah, Nemerius N. Mbile, Christian Tobie Kuo and Samuel Eboua. Even so, the written legacy does not necessarily have to be in the form of memoirs. In fact any publication whatsoever is still useful. That is why today, we still avidly read the books ‘’To Every Son of Nso’’ and ‘’The Genuine Intellectual’’ by the late Dr. Bernard Nsokika Fonlon. It is in that same category that we would place, the books ‘’Communal Liberalism’’ by Paul Biya and ‘’Politics a Call to Serve” by Paul Enyi Atogho. Incidentally, an article published in a journal many years ago by the literary man and educationist Patrick Sam Kubam has made its mark so indelibly that today and in years to come, hardly can any scholar talk about the history of Anglophone literature in Cameroon without citing that article. So, as we can see, it is important to write and share experiences. That is why today, many centuries after Shakespeare died, we still read his books and act his plays as if they were written only yesterday.
Even so, one cannot help wondering why most of our public leaders still do not write. One possible reason could be that some people view writing as a daunting experience. But it does not have to be so. In fact many people think they need to be fully prepared before they write, but they could in fact start by just making random jottings. Besides, help could be sought from others in the writing process. People who have something to write but for some reason can not do so themselves, can always seek the services of the ghost writer or a writer who will publish the work as his or her own.
Whatever is the case, it must be remembered that the longest journey begins with the first step. Over and above everything, our leaders owe it to posterity to leave something behind. They must not create a vacuum as they leave us.
© 2009
mercredi 23 décembre 2009
THE FOOTBALL KING
To all Shesans
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I saw Song today
I don`t mean, Daniel
No, I`m talking about Rigobert
So, it`s not the journalist
It`s the footballer.
I saw the football king today
It was in Bassaland
His nativeland, where his navel was buried
Like that of Roger Milla
I saw him in Sanaga Maritime Division
Along the Yaounde-Douala highway
As we drove to Douala
Song was smiling broadly
From ear to ear
Beaming
On a roadside poster.
He wore his legendary dreadlocks
Like a man who had just been told
He had been admitted into heaven
With the privilege of getting there
Without having to die first
Yes, more or less like Tony Banks
When he learned Tony Blair
Leader of the just come back New Labour
Had appointed him Sports Minister.
You ask why I call Song Rigobert
`The Football King`
You want to know why not Eto`o
Or Milla
Or Pele
And you say if Song is good
I could call him something else
Not the King
Well, of all the above
Song is the tallest and the most stout and the most handsome
He looks like a swash buckling soldier
So he can defend you against any enemy
Even Idi Amin, if he were to return.
Song is a Foot king in his own right
If you`re still doubting
Remember that those others are kings
Only because they shone as part of a team.
Thrust into the football pitch alone
All, all alone
Like the lone mariner on the high seas
They would not play
There would be none to play with
And none to play against
Worse still, there would be no linesman
No referee
No match delegate
No spectator
So even as the greatest world kings
They would be null and void
Nought
Zero
Toothless dogs.
They would lose the match
And lose woefully
Not through forfeiture
But through an unscorred lone goal.
And wouldn`t that be a shame!
copyright 2009
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I saw Song today
I don`t mean, Daniel
No, I`m talking about Rigobert
So, it`s not the journalist
It`s the footballer.
I saw the football king today
It was in Bassaland
His nativeland, where his navel was buried
Like that of Roger Milla
I saw him in Sanaga Maritime Division
Along the Yaounde-Douala highway
As we drove to Douala
Song was smiling broadly
From ear to ear
Beaming
On a roadside poster.
He wore his legendary dreadlocks
Like a man who had just been told
He had been admitted into heaven
With the privilege of getting there
Without having to die first
Yes, more or less like Tony Banks
When he learned Tony Blair
Leader of the just come back New Labour
Had appointed him Sports Minister.
You ask why I call Song Rigobert
`The Football King`
You want to know why not Eto`o
Or Milla
Or Pele
And you say if Song is good
I could call him something else
Not the King
Well, of all the above
Song is the tallest and the most stout and the most handsome
He looks like a swash buckling soldier
So he can defend you against any enemy
Even Idi Amin, if he were to return.
Song is a Foot king in his own right
If you`re still doubting
Remember that those others are kings
Only because they shone as part of a team.
Thrust into the football pitch alone
All, all alone
Like the lone mariner on the high seas
They would not play
There would be none to play with
And none to play against
Worse still, there would be no linesman
No referee
No match delegate
No spectator
So even as the greatest world kings
They would be null and void
Nought
Zero
Toothless dogs.
They would lose the match
And lose woefully
Not through forfeiture
But through an unscorred lone goal.
And wouldn`t that be a shame!
copyright 2009
THE NAME GAME
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I don`t know what to say
So, don`t ask me
All I know is he gave
He was here
He came and he left it.
Yes, that may not be your pay
But why ask me?
Don`t you know what`s in a name?
Anything, as long as it`s near
Unless you think it`s a bottomless pit.
copyright 2009
I don`t know what to say
So, don`t ask me
All I know is he gave
He was here
He came and he left it.
Yes, that may not be your pay
But why ask me?
Don`t you know what`s in a name?
Anything, as long as it`s near
Unless you think it`s a bottomless pit.
copyright 2009
DANCING KINGS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It`s not a race
So, slow down
Hold your horses
There`s time for everything
Besides, by rushing
You can simply fudge things.
It`s not because you`re wearing lace
Let alone a frown
As long as you don`t join forces
Your life will be only a fling
No fishing, no musings, no wrenching
Just because you decided to grow wings.
copyright 2009
It`s not a race
So, slow down
Hold your horses
There`s time for everything
Besides, by rushing
You can simply fudge things.
It`s not because you`re wearing lace
Let alone a frown
As long as you don`t join forces
Your life will be only a fling
No fishing, no musings, no wrenching
Just because you decided to grow wings.
copyright 2009
POLICE D`ASSURANCE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Ils se faufilent
Mais moi je veux qu`ils se profilent
Entre toi et moi
Il n`y a pas de distance
C`est la proximité
La police de proximité.
C`est lui le chef de file
Voilà pourquoi il file
Mais même sur le toît
Comme le premier oiseau d`aisance
On va le prendre sans aisance
Il n`y aura donc ni convivialité
Ni loyauté.
copyright 2009
Ils se faufilent
Mais moi je veux qu`ils se profilent
Entre toi et moi
Il n`y a pas de distance
C`est la proximité
La police de proximité.
C`est lui le chef de file
Voilà pourquoi il file
Mais même sur le toît
Comme le premier oiseau d`aisance
On va le prendre sans aisance
Il n`y aura donc ni convivialité
Ni loyauté.
copyright 2009
MY SHARE OF THE CROSS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I have died a thousand deaths
Yet I live
What haven`t I gone through?
I`ve been through thick and thin
I`ve been insulted and reproached
Slandered, disqualified and ostracized
Spat on and humiliated.
Even so, I stand tall
And stand firm
I hold my ground
After all, what`s one fall?
Jesus fell, not once
Nor twice
But thrice.
So who am I to moan?
copyright 2009
I have died a thousand deaths
Yet I live
What haven`t I gone through?
I`ve been through thick and thin
I`ve been insulted and reproached
Slandered, disqualified and ostracized
Spat on and humiliated.
Even so, I stand tall
And stand firm
I hold my ground
After all, what`s one fall?
Jesus fell, not once
Nor twice
But thrice.
So who am I to moan?
copyright 2009
MBOKA NA BISO
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Mbote na yo?
Sango nini?
Sango te?
O yebi te.
O yebi te lingala?
Mpo na nini?
Ela! Ela! Ela!
Ba Tata! Ba Maman!
Ba yebi que lelo
Tata President
Tata mokonzi monene
A lobi nga mboka na biso
Ezali malamu te
Mboka ezali mingi mabe.
Awa sikoyo
Tata President
A lingi que
"Mboka ezali lisa nga bo moko
Tata bo, moko
Maman bo, moko
Mwasi bo, moko
Mokonzi bo, moko.
copyright 2009
Mbote na yo?
Sango nini?
Sango te?
O yebi te.
O yebi te lingala?
Mpo na nini?
Ela! Ela! Ela!
Ba Tata! Ba Maman!
Ba yebi que lelo
Tata President
Tata mokonzi monene
A lobi nga mboka na biso
Ezali malamu te
Mboka ezali mingi mabe.
Awa sikoyo
Tata President
A lingi que
"Mboka ezali lisa nga bo moko
Tata bo, moko
Maman bo, moko
Mwasi bo, moko
Mokonzi bo, moko.
copyright 2009
PRINCE EDWARD OF BRITAIN AND PRESIDENT BIYA OF CAMEROON
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
This article is an adaptation of an earlier one I broadcast on the Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) National Radio Station on the 9th of June 2004. The paper was broadcast on the occasion of the visit to Cameroon of Prince Edward of Britain. It is one of many I broadcast on the same channel between 2002 and 200, on the early morning prime time national and world news broadcast.
----------------------------------------------
Perhaps the most striking thing about Prince Edward’s trip to Cameroon is that he hit the ground running, so to speak. This is because as soon as he arrived he pulled off his princely shoes, donned his rain boots and went straight to the Mefou National Park. This is the site where orphaned primates are rehabilitated jointly by the German World Aid Fund and the Ministry of the Environment and Forests. This is done with the assistance of the Bristol Zoo in Great Britain.
The Prince’s activities in Cameroon also included a visit to the Centre for the Rehabilitation of Handicapped Persons (PROMHANDICAM}. The Centre which has been receiving financial aid from the British High Commission in Yaounde was established in 1975 for the education of blind young people. The prince also visited Government High School, Ekounou within the framework of his being Chairman of the International Council. As such he was at the institution to fellowship with the youths and give them moral support and the assurance that he is one of them. At the British Council, the prince watched the Children’s Election Project, an initiative jointly funded by the British and Canadian High Commissions. It is aimed at initiating young Cameroonians into the practice of democracy and the electoral process. The project also seeks to consolidate civic responsibility, leadership and team work among youths.
Such being a snapshot of the princely visit to Cameroon, no one can doubt that the trip was a useful one for our country. But then, there is also a political interpretation to it. Firstly, it is an implicit lesson to those Cameroonians in London who demonstrated violently against Cameroonian President Paul Biya`s stopover in Britain, that Cameroonians must solve their own problems by themselves and not spill them over on foreign streets. And in any case, the British government also has its own security system and diplomats who serve to keep it informed of what goes on in Cameroon. That is why Prince Edward warmed up to Cameroon so soon after Paul Biya`s British visit.
The next point is that the prince’s trip served to convey Britain’s position on the ongoing debate about the configuration of the Cameroon map. Just like previous visitors of the British royal family to Cameroon, Edward viewed Cameroon as a single country under one flag, and not in terms of Anglophone Cameroon on one hand and Francophone Cameroon on the other hand. This point is important because such a stance flies in the face of the political school of thought that holds that the Anglophone part of Cameroon is a separate entity to which Yaounde has no right and no authority.
Whatever is the case, perhaps this is the opportunity for Cameroon and Britain to review relations which have so far not been exactly what they ought to be. A typical example is the fact that some British people do not seem to know that their country has a colonial past in Cameroon. They seem to view the country as a purely Francophone one. That is why when a Cameroon visits Britain, he is asked questions such as: “Oh, so you come from Cameroon? So you speak French?” Some still talk of Cameroon as “the Cameroons”, as if they do not know that officially, the two components reunited.
So far, Britain has systematically lagged behind in terms of trade with Cameroon. For instance, in 1997, Britain ranked as the eleventh importer of Cameroonian goods, coming after Gabon, South Korea and Holland. Britain has an acute shortage of manpower, notably in the areas of nursing and secondary school teaching. Fortunately for Britain, Cameroon has unemployed qualified staff in those areas who would gladly relocate to Britain. But the truth is that such an arrangement is unlikely, at least for the time being, because Britain will insist that such personnel be retrained in Britain before they are given jobs. Again, since the said potential employees do not have that kind of training yet, they will be denied a visa at the British High Commission on the grounds that they have not been offered a job in Britain prior to their seeking to go there.
As the prince’s visit adequately provides an opportunity for the two countries to settle these differences, it is in their interest to grab it and do what is necessary.
© 2009
This article is an adaptation of an earlier one I broadcast on the Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) National Radio Station on the 9th of June 2004. The paper was broadcast on the occasion of the visit to Cameroon of Prince Edward of Britain. It is one of many I broadcast on the same channel between 2002 and 200, on the early morning prime time national and world news broadcast.
----------------------------------------------
Perhaps the most striking thing about Prince Edward’s trip to Cameroon is that he hit the ground running, so to speak. This is because as soon as he arrived he pulled off his princely shoes, donned his rain boots and went straight to the Mefou National Park. This is the site where orphaned primates are rehabilitated jointly by the German World Aid Fund and the Ministry of the Environment and Forests. This is done with the assistance of the Bristol Zoo in Great Britain.
The Prince’s activities in Cameroon also included a visit to the Centre for the Rehabilitation of Handicapped Persons (PROMHANDICAM}. The Centre which has been receiving financial aid from the British High Commission in Yaounde was established in 1975 for the education of blind young people. The prince also visited Government High School, Ekounou within the framework of his being Chairman of the International Council. As such he was at the institution to fellowship with the youths and give them moral support and the assurance that he is one of them. At the British Council, the prince watched the Children’s Election Project, an initiative jointly funded by the British and Canadian High Commissions. It is aimed at initiating young Cameroonians into the practice of democracy and the electoral process. The project also seeks to consolidate civic responsibility, leadership and team work among youths.
Such being a snapshot of the princely visit to Cameroon, no one can doubt that the trip was a useful one for our country. But then, there is also a political interpretation to it. Firstly, it is an implicit lesson to those Cameroonians in London who demonstrated violently against Cameroonian President Paul Biya`s stopover in Britain, that Cameroonians must solve their own problems by themselves and not spill them over on foreign streets. And in any case, the British government also has its own security system and diplomats who serve to keep it informed of what goes on in Cameroon. That is why Prince Edward warmed up to Cameroon so soon after Paul Biya`s British visit.
The next point is that the prince’s trip served to convey Britain’s position on the ongoing debate about the configuration of the Cameroon map. Just like previous visitors of the British royal family to Cameroon, Edward viewed Cameroon as a single country under one flag, and not in terms of Anglophone Cameroon on one hand and Francophone Cameroon on the other hand. This point is important because such a stance flies in the face of the political school of thought that holds that the Anglophone part of Cameroon is a separate entity to which Yaounde has no right and no authority.
Whatever is the case, perhaps this is the opportunity for Cameroon and Britain to review relations which have so far not been exactly what they ought to be. A typical example is the fact that some British people do not seem to know that their country has a colonial past in Cameroon. They seem to view the country as a purely Francophone one. That is why when a Cameroon visits Britain, he is asked questions such as: “Oh, so you come from Cameroon? So you speak French?” Some still talk of Cameroon as “the Cameroons”, as if they do not know that officially, the two components reunited.
So far, Britain has systematically lagged behind in terms of trade with Cameroon. For instance, in 1997, Britain ranked as the eleventh importer of Cameroonian goods, coming after Gabon, South Korea and Holland. Britain has an acute shortage of manpower, notably in the areas of nursing and secondary school teaching. Fortunately for Britain, Cameroon has unemployed qualified staff in those areas who would gladly relocate to Britain. But the truth is that such an arrangement is unlikely, at least for the time being, because Britain will insist that such personnel be retrained in Britain before they are given jobs. Again, since the said potential employees do not have that kind of training yet, they will be denied a visa at the British High Commission on the grounds that they have not been offered a job in Britain prior to their seeking to go there.
As the prince’s visit adequately provides an opportunity for the two countries to settle these differences, it is in their interest to grab it and do what is necessary.
© 2009
mardi 22 décembre 2009
THE GIRL CHILD IN CAMEROON
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
This article is an adaptation of an earlier one I broadcast on the Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) National Radio Station on the 24th of December 2003. The paper was written on the occasion of the handing over, by the Cameroon government, of awards to girls who had done well in secondary school leaving examinations. The paper is one of many I broadcast on the same channel between 2002 and 2005, on the early morning prime time national and world news broadcast.
Surely, no one in his or her right thinking mind would make disparaging remarks about general education as it relates to Cameroon. In fact, long before technical education became institutionalized in the country, general education had taken the lead and made remarkable strides.
Examples abound: the nation’s first colleges were general education oriented. They included St. Joseph’s College, Sasse, the Cameroon Protestant College in Bali and the Queen of the Holy Rosary College in Okoyong, to name a few. Those were the institutions that trained the early cream of the cream of Cameroon Anglophone leaders of the country, apart from the very early leaders who systematically came from Teacher Training Colleges. Some personalities who fall in the latter category are John Ngu Foncha, Solomon Tandeng Muna and Augustine Ngom Jua. The rare more “enlightened” ones such as Dr EML Endeley and his brother Endeley the Paramount Chief of the Bakweris opted for other professions such as medicine and law respectively. Those who walked the corridors of the pioneer secondary schools included Simon Achidi Achu and Peter Mafany Musonge.
Today, though, the scenario has changed because of the large number of colleges that have sprung up all over the country. The government deserves credit for this large number of institutions. However it also deserves to be reprimanded for getting in the habit of creating schools on paper and then allowing parents and the community at large to find and install the infrastructure, a task which is usually onerous. Even so, the number of technical colleges that exist in the country is alarmingly low, compared with that of general education colleges.
It is within such a context that the recent best fem ale awards were made in Yaounde, the national capital. Due recognition, of course, goes to the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Catherine Bakang Mbock whose ministerial department organized the event on the one hand, and to First Lady Chantal Biya who spread her motherly wings over it. The 150 recipient sample which was chosen from a population that included three of the country’s ten provinces, were thus compensated for hard work, and above all, excellence in their various disciplines. At a deeper level, the recognition was yet another battle won in the war to free the Cameroonian girl child from the well known shackles of illiteracy, early and forces marriages, genital mutilation and gender discrimination.
The award winners have now become the centre of attraction – an elevation which will continue as they grow older and take their place in society. A year from now, perhaps even five or ten years, observers will want to know what for example, became of that girl named Maison Kiyeh Julie-Laure who broke records by obtaining ‘A’ Grades in up to 11 ‘O’ Level subjects at one sitting. It is noteworthy that Technical Education and Professional Training Minister Louis Bapes Bapes, stood alongside his National Education counterpart, Joseph Owona, during the award ceremony.
In view of the slow progress made by technical and professional education compared with general education, government really must rethink its educational policy. In a fast changing world, the nation is in dire need of middle level professionals. It needs nurses and midwives, not just doctors; it needs building site foremen, not just architects; it needs agricultural overseers, not just agronomists; it needs veterinary technicians and nurses, not just veterinary doctors. The country needs electricians, radio and television technicians, not just engineers and manufacturers of radios and television sets.
We should remember that every year throughout the country, hundreds and perhaps thousands of ‘A’ Level and degree holders in technical education literally swamp colleges searching for jobs with there clearly being more job seekers than posts to be filled. On the other hand, the comparatively few technical schools that are in place end up by not having enough teachers to fill existing posts.
To solve this problem, the state must go further and open more technical colleges. Parents for their part must realize that technical education is rewarding because it can lead to job creation and financial autonomy. Industry should also assist in propping the sector, for at the end of the day, the industrial sector is one of the biggest consumers of skilled labour in the country.
Copyright 2009
This article is an adaptation of an earlier one I broadcast on the Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) National Radio Station on the 24th of December 2003. The paper was written on the occasion of the handing over, by the Cameroon government, of awards to girls who had done well in secondary school leaving examinations. The paper is one of many I broadcast on the same channel between 2002 and 2005, on the early morning prime time national and world news broadcast.
Surely, no one in his or her right thinking mind would make disparaging remarks about general education as it relates to Cameroon. In fact, long before technical education became institutionalized in the country, general education had taken the lead and made remarkable strides.
Examples abound: the nation’s first colleges were general education oriented. They included St. Joseph’s College, Sasse, the Cameroon Protestant College in Bali and the Queen of the Holy Rosary College in Okoyong, to name a few. Those were the institutions that trained the early cream of the cream of Cameroon Anglophone leaders of the country, apart from the very early leaders who systematically came from Teacher Training Colleges. Some personalities who fall in the latter category are John Ngu Foncha, Solomon Tandeng Muna and Augustine Ngom Jua. The rare more “enlightened” ones such as Dr EML Endeley and his brother Endeley the Paramount Chief of the Bakweris opted for other professions such as medicine and law respectively. Those who walked the corridors of the pioneer secondary schools included Simon Achidi Achu and Peter Mafany Musonge.
Today, though, the scenario has changed because of the large number of colleges that have sprung up all over the country. The government deserves credit for this large number of institutions. However it also deserves to be reprimanded for getting in the habit of creating schools on paper and then allowing parents and the community at large to find and install the infrastructure, a task which is usually onerous. Even so, the number of technical colleges that exist in the country is alarmingly low, compared with that of general education colleges.
It is within such a context that the recent best fem ale awards were made in Yaounde, the national capital. Due recognition, of course, goes to the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Catherine Bakang Mbock whose ministerial department organized the event on the one hand, and to First Lady Chantal Biya who spread her motherly wings over it. The 150 recipient sample which was chosen from a population that included three of the country’s ten provinces, were thus compensated for hard work, and above all, excellence in their various disciplines. At a deeper level, the recognition was yet another battle won in the war to free the Cameroonian girl child from the well known shackles of illiteracy, early and forces marriages, genital mutilation and gender discrimination.
The award winners have now become the centre of attraction – an elevation which will continue as they grow older and take their place in society. A year from now, perhaps even five or ten years, observers will want to know what for example, became of that girl named Maison Kiyeh Julie-Laure who broke records by obtaining ‘A’ Grades in up to 11 ‘O’ Level subjects at one sitting. It is noteworthy that Technical Education and Professional Training Minister Louis Bapes Bapes, stood alongside his National Education counterpart, Joseph Owona, during the award ceremony.
In view of the slow progress made by technical and professional education compared with general education, government really must rethink its educational policy. In a fast changing world, the nation is in dire need of middle level professionals. It needs nurses and midwives, not just doctors; it needs building site foremen, not just architects; it needs agricultural overseers, not just agronomists; it needs veterinary technicians and nurses, not just veterinary doctors. The country needs electricians, radio and television technicians, not just engineers and manufacturers of radios and television sets.
We should remember that every year throughout the country, hundreds and perhaps thousands of ‘A’ Level and degree holders in technical education literally swamp colleges searching for jobs with there clearly being more job seekers than posts to be filled. On the other hand, the comparatively few technical schools that are in place end up by not having enough teachers to fill existing posts.
To solve this problem, the state must go further and open more technical colleges. Parents for their part must realize that technical education is rewarding because it can lead to job creation and financial autonomy. Industry should also assist in propping the sector, for at the end of the day, the industrial sector is one of the biggest consumers of skilled labour in the country.
Copyright 2009
SECRET DE POLICHINNELLE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
C’est une petite histoire de vol
Et voilà !
D’ailleurs, qui l’ignore ici bas ?
La race humaine l’a tant chantée
Les oiseaux l’ont tant soufflée
Les curés l’ont tant prêché
Les politiciens l’ont tant martelée
Et à domicile, les parents l’ont tant fouettée
Et les enfants l’ont tant pleurée.
Et aujourd’hui, subitement
Et sans crier gare
Tu me poses la question
La même question
Maintenant
Aujourd’hui
Hier
Demain
Eh bien ! Je ne sais pas !
Vas demander au Président de la République.
Copyright 2009
C’est une petite histoire de vol
Et voilà !
D’ailleurs, qui l’ignore ici bas ?
La race humaine l’a tant chantée
Les oiseaux l’ont tant soufflée
Les curés l’ont tant prêché
Les politiciens l’ont tant martelée
Et à domicile, les parents l’ont tant fouettée
Et les enfants l’ont tant pleurée.
Et aujourd’hui, subitement
Et sans crier gare
Tu me poses la question
La même question
Maintenant
Aujourd’hui
Hier
Demain
Eh bien ! Je ne sais pas !
Vas demander au Président de la République.
Copyright 2009
L'ENNEMI DANS LA MAISON
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je ne suis pas un voleur
Non, pas du tout
D'ailleurs si j'en étais un
Tu le saurais
Le voleur, ça ne se cache pas
Ça se sait
Ça se voit
Le voleur est partout
Ce n’est pas du vent
Le voleur est visible, concret, touchable, palpable
Il est chez moi
Il est chez toi
Il est chez lui
Il est chez elle
Il est chez nous
Il est chez vous
Iles t chez eux
Il est chez elles.
Le voleur c’est moi
C’est toi
C’est lui
C’est elle
C’est nous
C’est vous
Ce sont eux
Ce sont elles
C’est tout le monde.
Copyright 2009
Je ne suis pas un voleur
Non, pas du tout
D'ailleurs si j'en étais un
Tu le saurais
Le voleur, ça ne se cache pas
Ça se sait
Ça se voit
Le voleur est partout
Ce n’est pas du vent
Le voleur est visible, concret, touchable, palpable
Il est chez moi
Il est chez toi
Il est chez lui
Il est chez elle
Il est chez nous
Il est chez vous
Iles t chez eux
Il est chez elles.
Le voleur c’est moi
C’est toi
C’est lui
C’est elle
C’est nous
C’est vous
Ce sont eux
Ce sont elles
C’est tout le monde.
Copyright 2009
DU TIC-AU-TAC
(A Charles ATEBA EYENE)
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Non !
Non et non !
Je dis bien, non !
Ce n’est donc pas bon
Tu me prends pour un con
Juste pour une affaire de bons ?
Et tu prétends que c’est bon ?
Moi, je suis très éthique
Pour ce que cela implique
Mais je suis loin d’être ethnique
Traitez-moi de malheureux critique
Ou encore d’apprentis mythique
Mais le jour où je serai éclectique
Je ne serai plus elliptique.
Copyright 2009
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Non !
Non et non !
Je dis bien, non !
Ce n’est donc pas bon
Tu me prends pour un con
Juste pour une affaire de bons ?
Et tu prétends que c’est bon ?
Moi, je suis très éthique
Pour ce que cela implique
Mais je suis loin d’être ethnique
Traitez-moi de malheureux critique
Ou encore d’apprentis mythique
Mais le jour où je serai éclectique
Je ne serai plus elliptique.
Copyright 2009
NATIVITY TIME FEVER
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Christmas is here
And here with a bang
The streets here in Yaounde are jammed
And everyone is in a hurry
In a mad rush
It’s a race
A rat race
Some kind of race for time
But isn’t it just a few hundred kilometers to nowhere?
All the men dream of is beer
They tank it regardless of the big bang
That’s why daily we’re crammed
So we either unearth or we bury
The unlikely two will fight the thrush
Just because of this so-called modern craze
And just because everyone wants to save face
But then when the bells chime
Shall we remember that Christ is everywhere?
Copyright 2009
Christmas is here
And here with a bang
The streets here in Yaounde are jammed
And everyone is in a hurry
In a mad rush
It’s a race
A rat race
Some kind of race for time
But isn’t it just a few hundred kilometers to nowhere?
All the men dream of is beer
They tank it regardless of the big bang
That’s why daily we’re crammed
So we either unearth or we bury
The unlikely two will fight the thrush
Just because of this so-called modern craze
And just because everyone wants to save face
But then when the bells chime
Shall we remember that Christ is everywhere?
Copyright 2009
EYEBALL-TO-EYEBALL
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I don’t like winged animals
They’re too petty for me
They sniff at the wrong times
And snore when they don’t have to
Their hair is always messy and disheveled
They are unkempt and unshaven
And carry about red roundish eyeballs in the wrong sockets
They do that all the time
That’s why my parish priest at Bolifamba is fond of saying
The Lord is good all the time
All the time the Lord is good.
Copyright 2009
I don’t like winged animals
They’re too petty for me
They sniff at the wrong times
And snore when they don’t have to
Their hair is always messy and disheveled
They are unkempt and unshaven
And carry about red roundish eyeballs in the wrong sockets
They do that all the time
That’s why my parish priest at Bolifamba is fond of saying
The Lord is good all the time
All the time the Lord is good.
Copyright 2009
MAN AT THE WAR FRONT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I left it in the virgin orchard
I did so myself
Not by proxy
Nor by remote control
I put it away personally
Out of harm’s way
So that tomorrow
When my son grows up
And starts counting the colours of the rainbow
He can also stoop and conquer
And bring home all his men
Complete with their overalls and sweat shoes.
copyright 2009
I left it in the virgin orchard
I did so myself
Not by proxy
Nor by remote control
I put it away personally
Out of harm’s way
So that tomorrow
When my son grows up
And starts counting the colours of the rainbow
He can also stoop and conquer
And bring home all his men
Complete with their overalls and sweat shoes.
copyright 2009
NOT A FARTHOM MORE, NOT A FARTHOM LESS
(For Alice)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Am I sure?
Even for a farthing
I’d stand clear of them
And call a spade a spade
So, as you can see
I’m cock sure.
I’m not a crook
Crooks put the cart before the horse
And call it expertise
As if they were the World Bank.
No, I’m a gentleman
Gentlemen see a man going the wrong way
And at once put him back on the right track
Even if they have to accompany Alice to Wonderland.
copyright 2009
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Am I sure?
Even for a farthing
I’d stand clear of them
And call a spade a spade
So, as you can see
I’m cock sure.
I’m not a crook
Crooks put the cart before the horse
And call it expertise
As if they were the World Bank.
No, I’m a gentleman
Gentlemen see a man going the wrong way
And at once put him back on the right track
Even if they have to accompany Alice to Wonderland.
copyright 2009
LA PLUME DE MONSIEUR LE MAIRE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Dieu merci
Ça s'est bien passé
Si c'était l'échec, qu'aurais fait?
Heureusement que ça s'est bien passé
Moi coincé comme je suis
Entre le marteau et l'enclume.
Un plat de rôti farci
Et un morceau de poisson braisé
C'est tout ce que Monsieur l'Abbé demande
Et c'est pour ça qu'il était ordonné
Moi je ne fuis pas; c'est toi qui fuis
Par ce que Monsieur le Maire t'accuse d'avoir volé sa plume.
copyright 2009
lundi 21 décembre 2009
CANON FOR THE FODDER
(For Awah)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I’m so confused
I don’t know what to do
I don’t know what to say
Even love birds perched on a cypress
Can still pick and choose
But not me, at least for now.
I’m not an Iraqi bomb infused
At all times I say as I do
So any necklace that goes astray
Shall be carted off to the Gothic Press
But for the canon gone loose
Well, that’s just meant for the cow.
Copyright 2009
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I’m so confused
I don’t know what to do
I don’t know what to say
Even love birds perched on a cypress
Can still pick and choose
But not me, at least for now.
I’m not an Iraqi bomb infused
At all times I say as I do
So any necklace that goes astray
Shall be carted off to the Gothic Press
But for the canon gone loose
Well, that’s just meant for the cow.
Copyright 2009
dimanche 20 décembre 2009
NEW BOOK ON LABOUR LAW FOR CAMEROON
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
<Dr. Michael Akomaye Yanou, a practicing advocate and Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Buea in Cameroon, has published a book entitled Labour Law Principles and Practice in Cameroon. The book which is over 200 pages long is the first of its kind to be published in the English Language in Cameroon, a country where French and English are both used as official languages.>
___________________________________________
The author chose the University of Buea as the venue for showcasing the book to the public, a decision which is supported not only by the fact that that is where he teaches law, but because out of the eight state universities in the country, Buea is the one that was conceived and is run in the purely Anglo/Saxon tradition.Perhaps the figure 8 has a special significance here because the date the author chose for the activity was the 8th of December 2009.
Among those who turned out to support him at the launch in the sumptuous Amphi 250 were the Vice Chancellor of the University of Buea, Professor Vincent P.K. Titanji, Former Vice Chancellor Professor Cornelius Mbifung Lambi and the Dean of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, Dr. Martha Tumnde née Njikam.
Dignitaries from outside of the University included Kama James Shona, General Manager of the company, Ashuka, which does maritime transport, Buea Appeal Court Vice President Justice Mbeng Martin, Fako High Court President Justice Nkengla Joseph, and Human Rights Activist Tanyi Tiku. The Nigerian Consul General in Buea was represented.
The blurb of the book describes it as an exhaustive review that matches analysis of principles with basic procedures of labour law. According to the same source, «the author draws from solid academic research as well as a wide ranging experience in legal practice in Cameroon and Nigeria to present a coherent and practical elaboration of the topics covered in the book».
The reviewer at the launch was none other than Barrister Tumnde Peter who for years served as professional godfather to the author, and therefore knew him well. Barrister Tumnde is incidentally husband to the Dean of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, Dr Tumnde Martha nee Njikam, who is herself a jurist, having once headed the Department of Law of the university.
Drawing heavily from his over thirty years in legal practice, Barrister Tumnde praised Dr. Yanou for a job well done. He called the work a «direct response to the gaping need we’ve had in labour law here«. He recalled that before the publication of the book, works on Labour law in the Queens language only came from abroad, yet although they bore similarities with the case of Cameroon, these similarities were sometimes deceptive. He was happy that in Dr. Yanou s book, discussions are authoritative and drawn from Cameroonian law and continental law. He challenged those who can do so, to translate the book into French so that it can be accessible to Francophone colleagues. He expressed the hope that «people like Yanou will make the Supreme Court sit up. »
The Head of the Department of Law, Dr Jonie Fonyam Banyong lauded Dr Yanou for the brilliant piece of job he had done and urged learned colleagues to help the author «do it again.|» To the author he said he knew he could and should perform another hat trick.
Describing the book as a piece of awareness creation, the author said he wrote it as a result of a challenge he faced in the field. «Law should be about justice for a dismissed man and not just the money he is given on being dismissed», he said.
The kick off for the launch proper was taken by Ashuka transportation boss Kama James Shona with the sum of one million FCFA. The Vice Chancellor Professor Titanji came in with 50 000 FCFA, Justice Nkengla with 20 000 FCFA, the Nigerian Consulate s representative with 300 000 FCFA and Human Rights Activist Tanyi Tiku with 25 000 FCFA. Numerous other invitees including colleagues and students of Dr Yanou purchased copies.
The foreword of the book is written by Professor Ephraim Ngwafor a renowned law don, former university rector and former cabinet minister, and the preface by Fonkwe Joseph Fongang who is a Supreme Court Judge.
If there are any criticisms to be made about the book, they concern the form rather than the substance, in other words the lay out and presentation of the work. For a book of such significance, an index at the back would have been quite useful in pointing the way and guiding the reader. Secondly, the publisher’s details and copyright text are tucked away at the bottom of the acknowledgments page which follows the preface, instead of being displayed in the front pages as is the custom in publishing. The book has no illustrations such as photographs, diagrams, tables, graphs or charts which would have brightened up the pages. Otherwise, the book is worth its weight in gold. It should be bought not only by legal practitioners and jurists but just anyone and everyone.
Dr Yanou holds a PhD in Law from Rhodes University in the Republic of South Africa where he has gone down in records as the first candidate to obtain the PhD in this field within only two years. He is a one time winner of the Visiting Research Fellowship of the Centre of African Studies at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. Dr Yanou has been called to the Bar of Cameroon and Nigeria and has published extensively in local and international journals.
<For further details, contact Barrister and Advocate,Dr Michael Yanou at: Yanou and Partners, Biaka Street, Upper Bonduma, P.O. Box 164, Buea, South West Region, Republic of Cameroon. Tel (237) 7541 7755 or (237) 77569476 or (237) 3307 6956 and Email
© 2009
<Dr. Michael Akomaye Yanou, a practicing advocate and Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Buea in Cameroon, has published a book entitled Labour Law Principles and Practice in Cameroon. The book which is over 200 pages long is the first of its kind to be published in the English Language in Cameroon, a country where French and English are both used as official languages.>
___________________________________________
The author chose the University of Buea as the venue for showcasing the book to the public, a decision which is supported not only by the fact that that is where he teaches law, but because out of the eight state universities in the country, Buea is the one that was conceived and is run in the purely Anglo/Saxon tradition.Perhaps the figure 8 has a special significance here because the date the author chose for the activity was the 8th of December 2009.
Among those who turned out to support him at the launch in the sumptuous Amphi 250 were the Vice Chancellor of the University of Buea, Professor Vincent P.K. Titanji, Former Vice Chancellor Professor Cornelius Mbifung Lambi and the Dean of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, Dr. Martha Tumnde née Njikam.
Dignitaries from outside of the University included Kama James Shona, General Manager of the company, Ashuka, which does maritime transport, Buea Appeal Court Vice President Justice Mbeng Martin, Fako High Court President Justice Nkengla Joseph, and Human Rights Activist Tanyi Tiku. The Nigerian Consul General in Buea was represented.
The blurb of the book describes it as an exhaustive review that matches analysis of principles with basic procedures of labour law. According to the same source, «the author draws from solid academic research as well as a wide ranging experience in legal practice in Cameroon and Nigeria to present a coherent and practical elaboration of the topics covered in the book».
The reviewer at the launch was none other than Barrister Tumnde Peter who for years served as professional godfather to the author, and therefore knew him well. Barrister Tumnde is incidentally husband to the Dean of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, Dr Tumnde Martha nee Njikam, who is herself a jurist, having once headed the Department of Law of the university.
Drawing heavily from his over thirty years in legal practice, Barrister Tumnde praised Dr. Yanou for a job well done. He called the work a «direct response to the gaping need we’ve had in labour law here«. He recalled that before the publication of the book, works on Labour law in the Queens language only came from abroad, yet although they bore similarities with the case of Cameroon, these similarities were sometimes deceptive. He was happy that in Dr. Yanou s book, discussions are authoritative and drawn from Cameroonian law and continental law. He challenged those who can do so, to translate the book into French so that it can be accessible to Francophone colleagues. He expressed the hope that «people like Yanou will make the Supreme Court sit up. »
The Head of the Department of Law, Dr Jonie Fonyam Banyong lauded Dr Yanou for the brilliant piece of job he had done and urged learned colleagues to help the author «do it again.|» To the author he said he knew he could and should perform another hat trick.
Describing the book as a piece of awareness creation, the author said he wrote it as a result of a challenge he faced in the field. «Law should be about justice for a dismissed man and not just the money he is given on being dismissed», he said.
The kick off for the launch proper was taken by Ashuka transportation boss Kama James Shona with the sum of one million FCFA. The Vice Chancellor Professor Titanji came in with 50 000 FCFA, Justice Nkengla with 20 000 FCFA, the Nigerian Consulate s representative with 300 000 FCFA and Human Rights Activist Tanyi Tiku with 25 000 FCFA. Numerous other invitees including colleagues and students of Dr Yanou purchased copies.
The foreword of the book is written by Professor Ephraim Ngwafor a renowned law don, former university rector and former cabinet minister, and the preface by Fonkwe Joseph Fongang who is a Supreme Court Judge.
If there are any criticisms to be made about the book, they concern the form rather than the substance, in other words the lay out and presentation of the work. For a book of such significance, an index at the back would have been quite useful in pointing the way and guiding the reader. Secondly, the publisher’s details and copyright text are tucked away at the bottom of the acknowledgments page which follows the preface, instead of being displayed in the front pages as is the custom in publishing. The book has no illustrations such as photographs, diagrams, tables, graphs or charts which would have brightened up the pages. Otherwise, the book is worth its weight in gold. It should be bought not only by legal practitioners and jurists but just anyone and everyone.
Dr Yanou holds a PhD in Law from Rhodes University in the Republic of South Africa where he has gone down in records as the first candidate to obtain the PhD in this field within only two years. He is a one time winner of the Visiting Research Fellowship of the Centre of African Studies at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. Dr Yanou has been called to the Bar of Cameroon and Nigeria and has published extensively in local and international journals.
<For further details, contact Barrister and Advocate,Dr Michael Yanou at: Yanou and Partners, Biaka Street, Upper Bonduma, P.O. Box 164, Buea, South West Region, Republic of Cameroon. Tel (237) 7541 7755 or (237) 77569476 or (237) 3307 6956 and Email
© 2009
WHAT I SEE
(For Linonge)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I like that
And that's not flattery
It's the truth, the whole truth
And nothing but the truth
What I like is its symmetry
Its conception, its execution
Its final disposition
That Rome-like dome
The apostolic summit
And the papal staff.
But was there a VAT
And to boot a flat battery
I'd at once call Ruth And tell her the truth
Forget about the dysentery
What matters is the validation
But by no means, extermination
That's why when at home
I live like a hermit
And wait for the sacred staff.
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I like that
And that's not flattery
It's the truth, the whole truth
And nothing but the truth
What I like is its symmetry
Its conception, its execution
Its final disposition
That Rome-like dome
The apostolic summit
And the papal staff.
But was there a VAT
And to boot a flat battery
I'd at once call Ruth And tell her the truth
Forget about the dysentery
What matters is the validation
But by no means, extermination
That's why when at home
I live like a hermit
And wait for the sacred staff.
MY OWN WISH
(For Patricia)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
If I could see you again
If only I could see you again
And hear your voice once more
Then I'd not die again
I'd live for ever more
That's my most fervent wish
My most ardent prayer.
You may think I'm vain
But what do I stand to gain
Unless I rise and come to the fore
As Vice Principal, I'm quite sane
But never will I gore
If anything, I'll fish
So that in the end I can be God's key player.
copyright 2009
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
If I could see you again
If only I could see you again
And hear your voice once more
Then I'd not die again
I'd live for ever more
That's my most fervent wish
My most ardent prayer.
You may think I'm vain
But what do I stand to gain
Unless I rise and come to the fore
As Vice Principal, I'm quite sane
But never will I gore
If anything, I'll fish
So that in the end I can be God's key player.
copyright 2009
THE SLIPPERY BOY
(For Melvis and Nadine)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Take his number
But don't go for the plunder
Our choice is ideal enough already
So don't make it crack up
If he refuses to give you the number
Tell him you'll deport him to Law
If he gives you the number
Tell him he'll have a white horse for Christmas.
That boy's a joker
I know that because I'm a rambler
All he wants is to make us his bevvy
But I bet you he'll flop
He's nothing less than an armed robber
The day he gets into my claw
I'll simply go out of my way and clubber
To avoid me, he must start offering holy mass.
copyright 2009
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Take his number
But don't go for the plunder
Our choice is ideal enough already
So don't make it crack up
If he refuses to give you the number
Tell him you'll deport him to Law
If he gives you the number
Tell him he'll have a white horse for Christmas.
That boy's a joker
I know that because I'm a rambler
All he wants is to make us his bevvy
But I bet you he'll flop
He's nothing less than an armed robber
The day he gets into my claw
I'll simply go out of my way and clubber
To avoid me, he must start offering holy mass.
copyright 2009
THE TWO-LETTER WORD
(For Felicia)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Thank you
Or as we say in Baforchu, "miyaka"
That's all I can say for now
This life is so full of surprises
I can't tell what next I'll meet on the way
That's why it's never good to say,"never"
For who knows what the next minute holds in store
Except God, of course
The omnipresent, the omniscient, the omnipotent.
Let's then rise and sing the song for two
Whether we're in New York or Muyuka
Let's each make a solemn vow
That henceforth we'll dump our vices
And for the Almighty alone, make hay
Let's not pretend to be clever
I know my cat's pore
As a journalist and Capricorn, I strive to stay the course
That's why in the end when I depart God will be present.
copyright 2009
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Thank you
Or as we say in Baforchu, "miyaka"
That's all I can say for now
This life is so full of surprises
I can't tell what next I'll meet on the way
That's why it's never good to say,"never"
For who knows what the next minute holds in store
Except God, of course
The omnipresent, the omniscient, the omnipotent.
Let's then rise and sing the song for two
Whether we're in New York or Muyuka
Let's each make a solemn vow
That henceforth we'll dump our vices
And for the Almighty alone, make hay
Let's not pretend to be clever
I know my cat's pore
As a journalist and Capricorn, I strive to stay the course
That's why in the end when I depart God will be present.
copyright 2009
JESUS AS THE MEANING OF LIFE
(For Grace of PESH, PCC Synod Office, Buea, Cameroon)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Life is a struggle
And that's a fact
From the beginning to the end
Each person must therefore carry his cross
And walk the full length of the journey
There are no short cuts
And no helpers
That's the price to pay
For being a free tenant on God's earth
And freely breathing his air.
Life is also one big bubble
The bible has that for an act
But are we so down-trodden, my friend?
Then how about Jesus' mighty cross
Which could not be sold for money
Nor reduced by here-and-there cuts?
Yet for us he paid the ultimate price from birth
So, when we talk, let's also be fair.
copyright 2009
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Life is a struggle
And that's a fact
From the beginning to the end
Each person must therefore carry his cross
And walk the full length of the journey
There are no short cuts
And no helpers
That's the price to pay
For being a free tenant on God's earth
And freely breathing his air.
Life is also one big bubble
The bible has that for an act
But are we so down-trodden, my friend?
Then how about Jesus' mighty cross
Which could not be sold for money
Nor reduced by here-and-there cuts?
Yet for us he paid the ultimate price from birth
So, when we talk, let's also be fair.
copyright 2009
MUSINGS FROM LOURDES
(For Karine)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Just take the chance
Do it, do it now! Jump!
What have you got to lose?
If you miss the target
The landing pad will cushion you
If you hit it right, you win the jackpot
How do I know that?
Well, I know it because I work at Lourdes.
Do you remember Cyrus Vance?
That little American who was ready to take or lump?
Well, I dread finding his missing hose
For what you see is what you get
We Pisceans may very well be nothing new
But we always steer clear of the rot
That's why even when lying on the mat
We do well and everywhere to remember Our Lady of Lourdes.
copyright 2009
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Just take the chance
Do it, do it now! Jump!
What have you got to lose?
If you miss the target
The landing pad will cushion you
If you hit it right, you win the jackpot
How do I know that?
Well, I know it because I work at Lourdes.
Do you remember Cyrus Vance?
That little American who was ready to take or lump?
Well, I dread finding his missing hose
For what you see is what you get
We Pisceans may very well be nothing new
But we always steer clear of the rot
That's why even when lying on the mat
We do well and everywhere to remember Our Lady of Lourdes.
copyright 2009
THIS MAVERICK OF A MAN
(For Jessie)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Is he real?
Or is he a Chinese-made version?
He doesn't cease to amaze me, you know?
He spells his name backwards
And walks on his hands
He swims backwards and sings non-stop
He can lick his nose with his own tongue
That's who he is.
This mans talks about compatibility with zeal
And when it comes to the three Water Signs, it's another version
If you want to know
I love to hear him use words.
Although he doesn't work in Lands
He has stacked enough bows and slings
He vows if he loses his Soul Mate, he changes his name to Jang Tong
And that's the way it is.
copyright 2009
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Is he real?
Or is he a Chinese-made version?
He doesn't cease to amaze me, you know?
He spells his name backwards
And walks on his hands
He swims backwards and sings non-stop
He can lick his nose with his own tongue
That's who he is.
This mans talks about compatibility with zeal
And when it comes to the three Water Signs, it's another version
If you want to know
I love to hear him use words.
Although he doesn't work in Lands
He has stacked enough bows and slings
He vows if he loses his Soul Mate, he changes his name to Jang Tong
And that's the way it is.
copyright 2009
LIFE AS A RAINBOW
(For Ngochi)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Life is so wonderful
One is simply spoilt for choice
Not knowing where to begin
Or where to stop
It's all one full circle
That simply goes round and round
Nothing like the coiled snake
No, just one complicated maze
One complex labyrinth.
However,to the Almighty, I'm thankful
For he alone has the voice
By far more than the Jewish Beghin
That's why his world is not a flop
Whether one is on a bicycle
Or on a merry-go-round
Life is elusive and we must all sweep and rake
But if you are like Jones in the Lower Bokova daze
Then it's time to pick up the bible and go to Corinth.
copyright 2009
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Life is so wonderful
One is simply spoilt for choice
Not knowing where to begin
Or where to stop
It's all one full circle
That simply goes round and round
Nothing like the coiled snake
No, just one complicated maze
One complex labyrinth.
However,to the Almighty, I'm thankful
For he alone has the voice
By far more than the Jewish Beghin
That's why his world is not a flop
Whether one is on a bicycle
Or on a merry-go-round
Life is elusive and we must all sweep and rake
But if you are like Jones in the Lower Bokova daze
Then it's time to pick up the bible and go to Corinth.
copyright 2009
MEN AS TOYS
(For Atem)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I wonder what he means
That I'm as pretty as a magpie
But magpies chatter
Or did he mean, "a flower"?
But flowers are a nine day wonder
They're bright, resplendent and charming today
But tomorrow, they're dour, crest fallen and dull
So what does he mean?
Right now, I feel weak at the knees
Just because I didn't pry
But whatever is the matter
I'll stand my ground like a Roman soldier.
Why even listen to slander?
As my own boss, I can hold sway
Men are all liars anyway. They speak, and then mull.
That's why I believe in the golden mean.
copyright 2009
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I wonder what he means
That I'm as pretty as a magpie
But magpies chatter
Or did he mean, "a flower"?
But flowers are a nine day wonder
They're bright, resplendent and charming today
But tomorrow, they're dour, crest fallen and dull
So what does he mean?
Right now, I feel weak at the knees
Just because I didn't pry
But whatever is the matter
I'll stand my ground like a Roman soldier.
Why even listen to slander?
As my own boss, I can hold sway
Men are all liars anyway. They speak, and then mull.
That's why I believe in the golden mean.
copyright 2009
THE VERSE AS A COMPANION
(For Weriwoh)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Poetry is a nice thing for you
It may not be food or drink
But certainly it's substance
For every standard bearer
Whether in Washington or at the Vatican
A litre of poetry a day
Will serve as needed tonic
Elixir, panacea.
If you want your due
In order to keep away from the brink
Then dig in your heels and bolster your stance
It's better if you're an insurer
Because insurance is a sure water can
For the depressed, it's the saving ray
For the ultra modern, it's the ultrasonic
For the Senior Citizen,it's the sovereign overseer.
copyright 2009
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Poetry is a nice thing for you
It may not be food or drink
But certainly it's substance
For every standard bearer
Whether in Washington or at the Vatican
A litre of poetry a day
Will serve as needed tonic
Elixir, panacea.
If you want your due
In order to keep away from the brink
Then dig in your heels and bolster your stance
It's better if you're an insurer
Because insurance is a sure water can
For the depressed, it's the saving ray
For the ultra modern, it's the ultrasonic
For the Senior Citizen,it's the sovereign overseer.
copyright 2009
ALL THE WAY TO FUNDONG
(For Sub Divsional Delegate Chongwain)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
How do you put it
All together or under one roof?
And what about the classroom decoration?
What colours and what refrains do you pile?
Are we comparing notes?
Or are we trading by batter?
When I saw the candle lit
I knew that was proof enough
Then the big sky opened up in confirmation
A loud voice spoke but did not revile
Son, you have enough votes
You are Fundong Sub Delegate and here's your platter.
copyright 2009
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
How do you put it
All together or under one roof?
And what about the classroom decoration?
What colours and what refrains do you pile?
Are we comparing notes?
Or are we trading by batter?
When I saw the candle lit
I knew that was proof enough
Then the big sky opened up in confirmation
A loud voice spoke but did not revile
Son, you have enough votes
You are Fundong Sub Delegate and here's your platter.
copyright 2009
UNIQUE GIFT FROM GOD
(For Azah)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I'm very pretty
And I thank God for that
Although beauty is visual and physical
It's also profound,spaceless and divine.
Unless the Almighty designs it
Then it's all papered-over cracks
And padded window dressing
That's why every Sunday at Small Mankon
I join my folks at mass
So that together we can praise him
Honor him, worship him and adore him.
copyright 2009
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I'm very pretty
And I thank God for that
Although beauty is visual and physical
It's also profound,spaceless and divine.
Unless the Almighty designs it
Then it's all papered-over cracks
And padded window dressing
That's why every Sunday at Small Mankon
I join my folks at mass
So that together we can praise him
Honor him, worship him and adore him.
copyright 2009
THE MALE PREDATOR
(For Effenge)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Love not he who does not love at first sight
For such a man is a thief at midnight
His tongue hangs out like the snake's
And his tail wags like that of a Cuban bull dog
Stroke his bottom and you will see it's fake.
If you spot him anywhere
Stop and make way for him
Because if he touches you, like Lot's wife
You'll turn into a pillar of salt.
Above all, never tell him you work in Bokwoango
For if he signs you with the magic wand
You'll simply vanish into thin air.
copyright 2009
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Love not he who does not love at first sight
For such a man is a thief at midnight
His tongue hangs out like the snake's
And his tail wags like that of a Cuban bull dog
Stroke his bottom and you will see it's fake.
If you spot him anywhere
Stop and make way for him
Because if he touches you, like Lot's wife
You'll turn into a pillar of salt.
Above all, never tell him you work in Bokwoango
For if he signs you with the magic wand
You'll simply vanish into thin air.
copyright 2009
VESSELS WITHOUT PASSENGERS
(For Linda)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It's difficult to think it out
Yes, but don't take my word for it
At a time when every editor wants a straight lead
What on earth does it matter
If anyone is snuffed out?
When we started this bout
Everyone knew we were fit
Why then are we now forced to plead?
If they still want to deport us to Bata
Then, can they stand the rout?
copyright 2009
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It's difficult to think it out
Yes, but don't take my word for it
At a time when every editor wants a straight lead
What on earth does it matter
If anyone is snuffed out?
When we started this bout
Everyone knew we were fit
Why then are we now forced to plead?
If they still want to deport us to Bata
Then, can they stand the rout?
copyright 2009
MOTEMA NA NGAI
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Mwasi na ngai
Wapi yo, chéri na ngai
Yaka awa
Oyebi nga na lingi yo
Na lingi yo mingi, mingi.
Pesa ngai motema na yo
Kamata ngai sikoyo
Na leli
Ngai na leli
Na leli yo
Na leli mpo o zali te awa.
Wapi yo?
Mokili ezali mabe
Ezali malamu te
Mwasi kitoko na ngai, yaka awa
Yaka , zonga, zonga
Na zali mboka.
Maboko likolo
Melisi mingi
O tikala malamu.
copyright 2009
Mwasi na ngai
Wapi yo, chéri na ngai
Yaka awa
Oyebi nga na lingi yo
Na lingi yo mingi, mingi.
Pesa ngai motema na yo
Kamata ngai sikoyo
Na leli
Ngai na leli
Na leli yo
Na leli mpo o zali te awa.
Wapi yo?
Mokili ezali mabe
Ezali malamu te
Mwasi kitoko na ngai, yaka awa
Yaka , zonga, zonga
Na zali mboka.
Maboko likolo
Melisi mingi
O tikala malamu.
copyright 2009
samedi 19 décembre 2009
NATURAL LOVE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
(For Esther)
The beauty of natural love
I tell you, my friend
Is the most sublime thing I've ever known
It's slimy, slick, slippery.
If because you teach in Deido
You post your letter with no stamp
Then you've erred, and too soon
For historians hold that natural love is like honey
It spells its name backwards.
copyright 2009
(For Esther)
The beauty of natural love
I tell you, my friend
Is the most sublime thing I've ever known
It's slimy, slick, slippery.
If because you teach in Deido
You post your letter with no stamp
Then you've erred, and too soon
For historians hold that natural love is like honey
It spells its name backwards.
copyright 2009
A PEN OF VIOLET AND CRIMSON
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
(For Voilet)
I will send it to your box
To your email
To your world
To your universe
To your God
I will send it to all of them
Leaving no stone unturned
So that in the end
When the chickens come home to roost
And the curtains are drawn
Everyone will have a tale to tell.
No, I won't come wearing socks
In case you think I'm on bail
I'll remember all the things heard
Even if I'm in reverse
I won't quiver like a pod
So that if ever I have to go to Bethlehem
It won't be for just a life bout
Nor will it be for the mail returned
But in case you think I've gone round the bend
And that I haven't read Proust
Then the South West Technical Committee needs a prawn
To win me back, send the colour violet and a bell.
copyright 2009
(For Voilet)
I will send it to your box
To your email
To your world
To your universe
To your God
I will send it to all of them
Leaving no stone unturned
So that in the end
When the chickens come home to roost
And the curtains are drawn
Everyone will have a tale to tell.
No, I won't come wearing socks
In case you think I'm on bail
I'll remember all the things heard
Even if I'm in reverse
I won't quiver like a pod
So that if ever I have to go to Bethlehem
It won't be for just a life bout
Nor will it be for the mail returned
But in case you think I've gone round the bend
And that I haven't read Proust
Then the South West Technical Committee needs a prawn
To win me back, send the colour violet and a bell.
copyright 2009
MY OWN TRODDEN PATH
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
(For Chwinui)
I'm a nurse
And proud to be one
Nursing for me is not just a profession
Far from it, it's a vocation
I can't wait to get to the field
For that's where my mettle will be tested
The taste of the pudding surely lies in the eating
So whether I'm your beauty queen
Or just my humble self
I thank God for every blessed day.
Oil stains are not necessarily a curse
Even when we are not together as one
As a nurse I administer the injection
That's why on this day of desolation
As Barrister Akwen Achu leaves the fold
I'm sure that in God she will be rested
Because in dying Christ died for the living
I'm neither a novice nor a dean
Neither am I the last book on the shelf
That's why at all times I want to make hay.
copyright 2009
(For Chwinui)
I'm a nurse
And proud to be one
Nursing for me is not just a profession
Far from it, it's a vocation
I can't wait to get to the field
For that's where my mettle will be tested
The taste of the pudding surely lies in the eating
So whether I'm your beauty queen
Or just my humble self
I thank God for every blessed day.
Oil stains are not necessarily a curse
Even when we are not together as one
As a nurse I administer the injection
That's why on this day of desolation
As Barrister Akwen Achu leaves the fold
I'm sure that in God she will be rested
Because in dying Christ died for the living
I'm neither a novice nor a dean
Neither am I the last book on the shelf
That's why at all times I want to make hay.
copyright 2009
ADVICE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Speak up and speak well
If you feel a lump in your throat, cough
But for God's sake, don't swell
For this world is very rough.
copyright 2009
Speak up and speak well
If you feel a lump in your throat, cough
But for God's sake, don't swell
For this world is very rough.
copyright 2009
WE ZULU MEN
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
No, we're not Boar men
We are ordinary Zulu men
We have one objective
It's never in life to be subjective.
copyright 2009
No, we're not Boar men
We are ordinary Zulu men
We have one objective
It's never in life to be subjective.
copyright 2009
DEAR PROFESSOR
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I have called for reinforcement
Now that our focus is the catchment
If for once the professor will listen
Then at last our well will glisten.
copyright 2009
I have called for reinforcement
Now that our focus is the catchment
If for once the professor will listen
Then at last our well will glisten.
copyright 2009
RED CARD
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I stopped him, yes
I halted him in his tracks
Because I knew what he was in for
The new moon was up
And the axeman already wielded his weapon.
That's why I stopped the fool
You know, only fools go where angels fear to tread
Today, look at what he would have got
The entire sky on his head
And at what cost!
copyright 2009
I stopped him, yes
I halted him in his tracks
Because I knew what he was in for
The new moon was up
And the axeman already wielded his weapon.
That's why I stopped the fool
You know, only fools go where angels fear to tread
Today, look at what he would have got
The entire sky on his head
And at what cost!
copyright 2009
PRESENT NEEDS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I'm a rounded pin ball
Too pinned down to fall
People may think the bishop is too far
Too bad. What I need now is just tar.
copyright 2009
I'm a rounded pin ball
Too pinned down to fall
People may think the bishop is too far
Too bad. What I need now is just tar.
copyright 2009
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It's not a matter of simple interest
That's just a pretext, a smokescreen
So if you lay your trump card on the table
You can start counting your days.
copyright 2009
It's not a matter of simple interest
That's just a pretext, a smokescreen
So if you lay your trump card on the table
You can start counting your days.
copyright 2009
THE DIE IS CAST
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The bells have tolled
The hour has come
So pick up your belongings
Stand up firmly, like a man
And accept your fate.
here's no turning back.
copyright 2009
The bells have tolled
The hour has come
So pick up your belongings
Stand up firmly, like a man
And accept your fate.
here's no turning back.
copyright 2009
HEAD COUNT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
All is not lost
Not at all
After baptism, communion, confirmation and last oil
There is still roll call
So for now, stop at the gate
And be counted
That's what matters.
copyright 2009
All is not lost
Not at all
After baptism, communion, confirmation and last oil
There is still roll call
So for now, stop at the gate
And be counted
That's what matters.
copyright 2009
THICK BLOOD
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Your nectar is your nectar
No amount of sweetening can change the fact
But when it comes to cleaning up the act
Even the Chief of Muea inquire about the matter.
copyright 2009
Your nectar is your nectar
No amount of sweetening can change the fact
But when it comes to cleaning up the act
Even the Chief of Muea inquire about the matter.
copyright 2009
SWAPPED ROLES
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We talk a lot
And listen little
We ought to listen a lot
And talk little.
copyright 2009
We talk a lot
And listen little
We ought to listen a lot
And talk little.
copyright 2009
BEWARE OF THEM
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
People wherever they are
Are a blessing
But if they trun against you
For whatever reason
You become a dead branch worth axing.
copyright 2009
People wherever they are
Are a blessing
But if they trun against you
For whatever reason
You become a dead branch worth axing.
copyright 2009
SQUARE PEG
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I'm equipped enough to do the job
But to do it well I need a cob
If you know you have what it takes
Then together, let's fight off the fakes.
copyright 2009
I'm equipped enough to do the job
But to do it well I need a cob
If you know you have what it takes
Then together, let's fight off the fakes.
copyright 2009
WRONG FOOT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
He left on tip toe
Not knowing his precious shirt was behind
When he returned for it, still on tip toe
He found a mad man with a snake on his hind.
copyright 2009
He left on tip toe
Not knowing his precious shirt was behind
When he returned for it, still on tip toe
He found a mad man with a snake on his hind.
copyright 2009
OMINOUS SIGNS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It didn't make sense to me
Although I was the first to arrive
I had expected to see damsels brandishing the key
Instead I saw a princess escaping from a bee hive.
copyright 2009
It didn't make sense to me
Although I was the first to arrive
I had expected to see damsels brandishing the key
Instead I saw a princess escaping from a bee hive.
copyright 2009
FRUITLESS JOURNEY
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
She quit early in the morning
That was when we were still in mourning
Today that the dust has settled
She has come back claiming to be saddled.
copyright 2009
She quit early in the morning
That was when we were still in mourning
Today that the dust has settled
She has come back claiming to be saddled.
copyright 2009
MEN AS LOVERS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Men are wolves
Yes, that's what they are
They'll do anything to win your love
Once you let them in
Then drop you as if you were sour tart.
copyright 2009
Men are wolves
Yes, that's what they are
They'll do anything to win your love
Once you let them in
Then drop you as if you were sour tart.
copyright 2009
LIFE AS A TEACHER
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I hae seen things in my life time
Babies who talked before they walked
Birds which landed before flying
And young men rushing to taste before their fathers.
Even so, I have done it all but mime
I have also been persecuted and stalked
I know about being flogged screaming and kicking
What I haven't done is address my father from rafters.
copyright 2009
I hae seen things in my life time
Babies who talked before they walked
Birds which landed before flying
And young men rushing to taste before their fathers.
Even so, I have done it all but mime
I have also been persecuted and stalked
I know about being flogged screaming and kicking
What I haven't done is address my father from rafters.
copyright 2009
THE NAME, JESUS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I love Jesus
But I don't hate my father
One gave me life with a capital 'L'
And the other, life with a small 'l'
All of them letters of the same alphabet.
Without them I would be nought
Nothing, or perhaps just a half something
Like the star far up in the sky
They are the macrocosm, and I the microcosm
They decreased so that I could increase.
copyright 2009
I love Jesus
But I don't hate my father
One gave me life with a capital 'L'
And the other, life with a small 'l'
All of them letters of the same alphabet.
Without them I would be nought
Nothing, or perhaps just a half something
Like the star far up in the sky
They are the macrocosm, and I the microcosm
They decreased so that I could increase.
copyright 2009
COMPLICITY
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Let us together rise
Let us pull a fast one on the leader
Let me tend the shrine
And you hide his horn
When he comes out for a drink
You will cry out
“My Lord! The gods have decided otherwise
No horn! No drink!”
Then will he die of thirst
And the people will be avenged.
© 2009
Let us together rise
Let us pull a fast one on the leader
Let me tend the shrine
And you hide his horn
When he comes out for a drink
You will cry out
“My Lord! The gods have decided otherwise
No horn! No drink!”
Then will he die of thirst
And the people will be avenged.
© 2009
THE GREAT SPEECH
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
(For Jessie Atogho Ekukole)
By every account
Words were not what he lacked
But they came out poorly
At the wrong place and at the wrong time.
So he sweated like a failed mass boy
His scarlet face clacked and clattered ceaselessly
His large feet now as heavy as lead
And his mouth filled with sputum and venom.
© 2009
(For Jessie Atogho Ekukole)
By every account
Words were not what he lacked
But they came out poorly
At the wrong place and at the wrong time.
So he sweated like a failed mass boy
His scarlet face clacked and clattered ceaselessly
His large feet now as heavy as lead
And his mouth filled with sputum and venom.
© 2009
SECRET AGENDA
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
You don’t know what he’s up to
The kingfisher is watching the king
As soon as His Majesty gets up
He will rush and perch on the throne..
© 2009
You don’t know what he’s up to
The kingfisher is watching the king
As soon as His Majesty gets up
He will rush and perch on the throne..
© 2009
TRAPPED
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I know what I’m doing
When he finishes his speech and sits
I will rise as if going to ease myself
Then, within minutes
I’ll return
With the bloodstained under garment
As proof of his infidelity
If he denies it
I’ll ask him to swear on the bible
I f he admits it
I’ll ask the congregation to forgive him.
© 2009
I know what I’m doing
When he finishes his speech and sits
I will rise as if going to ease myself
Then, within minutes
I’ll return
With the bloodstained under garment
As proof of his infidelity
If he denies it
I’ll ask him to swear on the bible
I f he admits it
I’ll ask the congregation to forgive him.
© 2009
STRATEGY
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Be brave right to the end
Don’t let them dent your honour
Face them with fortitude, like Saddam
That’s when they’ll capitulate..
© 2009
Be brave right to the end
Don’t let them dent your honour
Face them with fortitude, like Saddam
That’s when they’ll capitulate..
© 2009
JUDGMENT DAY
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
When leaving home
He took his eye glasses and his bible
W hen he returned home
He brought back the bible and a stranded woman.
© 2009
When leaving home
He took his eye glasses and his bible
W hen he returned home
He brought back the bible and a stranded woman.
© 2009
GET UP AND WALK
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Get it together
By all means, get your act together
And save us all
From final damnation.
Cut you Ts and dot your Is
Never again will you see the face of the Holy One
For, Jacob didn’t live twice
So, make loose ends a thing of the past.
© 2009
Get it together
By all means, get your act together
And save us all
From final damnation.
Cut you Ts and dot your Is
Never again will you see the face of the Holy One
For, Jacob didn’t live twice
So, make loose ends a thing of the past.
© 2009
MY LORD AND MY GOD
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
When I think of how the earth rotates
I fall down on my face
And completely forgetting myself
I simply cry out: “Lord, you are God, indeed!”
© 2009
When I think of how the earth rotates
I fall down on my face
And completely forgetting myself
I simply cry out: “Lord, you are God, indeed!”
© 2009
THE TURNED TIDES
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The day I, in total disorder
Shall rise and ransack this room
Looking for the missing album
Even without asking you.
You will begin to bother
And wonder whether it’s not the day of doom
You won’t believe it’s me Alban
And all I’ll say is: “Shame on you!”
© 2009
The day I, in total disorder
Shall rise and ransack this room
Looking for the missing album
Even without asking you.
You will begin to bother
And wonder whether it’s not the day of doom
You won’t believe it’s me Alban
And all I’ll say is: “Shame on you!”
© 2009
BLOOD BOND
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Unable to bear it
I got out of bed, fetched paper and pen
Wrote in blood, my own blood, the words
“Here is my bond with you, a life bond.
Till death do us part”
© 2009
Unable to bear it
I got out of bed, fetched paper and pen
Wrote in blood, my own blood, the words
“Here is my bond with you, a life bond.
Till death do us part”
© 2009
SHEER MOCKERY
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Oh where are you, my love
Our love song rings hollow
So dear to me, it has today become a hollow sham
Everything I touch freezes
At night the giant fig tree
The very one you and I sat under
Turns into a baobab tree
And before I open my mouth
It teases me:
“If really she was yours as you think
Wouldn’t she have come back to you?”
© 2009
Oh where are you, my love
Our love song rings hollow
So dear to me, it has today become a hollow sham
Everything I touch freezes
At night the giant fig tree
The very one you and I sat under
Turns into a baobab tree
And before I open my mouth
It teases me:
“If really she was yours as you think
Wouldn’t she have come back to you?”
© 2009
THE AMERICAN DREAM
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The lotus-filled peach trees
Too tall for Sally
Are the angelic echo
I hear every night in my dreams
As I cross the Atlantic
On my wooden bicycle
Bound for the land of opportunities
I may be mad to you
But remember
Every great thought
Started like some madness.
I’m not reinventing the wheel
And in any case
What if I bring back the Golden Fleece?
© 2009
The lotus-filled peach trees
Too tall for Sally
Are the angelic echo
I hear every night in my dreams
As I cross the Atlantic
On my wooden bicycle
Bound for the land of opportunities
I may be mad to you
But remember
Every great thought
Started like some madness.
I’m not reinventing the wheel
And in any case
What if I bring back the Golden Fleece?
© 2009
SAME OLD TRICKS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We’ve heard it all before
Don’t bother
Don’t even think about it
Why, Lord, why me?
What have I done to deserve this?
If I want daisies
I will buy them myself
If I want jewels
I’ll order it myself
If I want a ride
I’ll send for my finest horse
But not you
Certainly not
To e you’re just a misled fool
You need some growing up
But I won’t be your nanny
I don’t run q nanny state.
© 2009
We’ve heard it all before
Don’t bother
Don’t even think about it
Why, Lord, why me?
What have I done to deserve this?
If I want daisies
I will buy them myself
If I want jewels
I’ll order it myself
If I want a ride
I’ll send for my finest horse
But not you
Certainly not
To e you’re just a misled fool
You need some growing up
But I won’t be your nanny
I don’t run q nanny state.
© 2009
MY DREAM
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Snakes and ladders at night
May be every little girl’s dream
But for me, mine is a bright light
Held out for me by a handsome prince with a face of cream.
© 2009
Snakes and ladders at night
May be every little girl’s dream
But for me, mine is a bright light
Held out for me by a handsome prince with a face of cream.
© 2009
REVERENCE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Hold your breath
As the mountain god speaks
When it’s all over and the royal drum beats
Scan the length and breath
And give thanks to the Lord.
© 2009
Hold your breath
As the mountain god speaks
When it’s all over and the royal drum beats
Scan the length and breath
And give thanks to the Lord.
© 2009
CHANGE OF COMMAND
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I have done my part
I have fought the good fight
Now is your turn
Turn on the lights for the real start
And let the midnight oil burn
Let it burn for all the innocent blood shed
Let it burn for the sake of all
Who today are down trodden
Fooled, used and abused by the very ones
Whom, only yesterday, they brought to power.
© 2009
I have done my part
I have fought the good fight
Now is your turn
Turn on the lights for the real start
And let the midnight oil burn
Let it burn for all the innocent blood shed
Let it burn for the sake of all
Who today are down trodden
Fooled, used and abused by the very ones
Whom, only yesterday, they brought to power.
© 2009
HOLD UP
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Tell them the road is blocked
Tell them it’s blocked at both ends
No one gets on, no one gets off
The search is on in earnest
There will be no let up whatsoever
Until the president’s jewels are found
For how dare anyone get away with the king’s pearls?
© 2009
Tell them the road is blocked
Tell them it’s blocked at both ends
No one gets on, no one gets off
The search is on in earnest
There will be no let up whatsoever
Until the president’s jewels are found
For how dare anyone get away with the king’s pearls?
© 2009
FILTH
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I spat in his face
And to be honest with you
I don’t regret it
That imbecile thinks
He’s God’s gift to the world.
He thinks too highly of himself
He likes the sound of his own voice
And thinks he has the right
To trample on everyone else
As long as he climbs up.
© 2009
I spat in his face
And to be honest with you
I don’t regret it
That imbecile thinks
He’s God’s gift to the world.
He thinks too highly of himself
He likes the sound of his own voice
And thinks he has the right
To trample on everyone else
As long as he climbs up.
© 2009
HUMILITY
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Let men who swear
Also be bold enough to pipe down
For a leader so clear
Is also one who should be ready to stand down.
© 2009
Let men who swear
Also be bold enough to pipe down
For a leader so clear
Is also one who should be ready to stand down.
© 2009
WHEN DUTY CALLS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
When the rains come back
And the last queen fails to return
All king makers off track
Will run round the palace
Carrying the Fon’s fresh fern
And the people’s peace plant branches.
© 2009
When the rains come back
And the last queen fails to return
All king makers off track
Will run round the palace
Carrying the Fon’s fresh fern
And the people’s peace plant branches.
© 2009
CONNUNDRUM
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We are no saints in this world of today
But if the world were really our oyster
And every drifting pearl an empirical globule
Then why on earth would finger prints not be the same?
© 2009
We are no saints in this world of today
But if the world were really our oyster
And every drifting pearl an empirical globule
Then why on earth would finger prints not be the same?
© 2009
DRIFTING APART
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It happens everyday
Men without shame push their luck too far
Women with new locks and braids lay more traps
And the firmament moves further away.
In the evening when we gather to pray
We find that all the men are in the bar
And the women, although present, argue about wraps
How I wish for once I could have my say.
© 2009
It happens everyday
Men without shame push their luck too far
Women with new locks and braids lay more traps
And the firmament moves further away.
In the evening when we gather to pray
We find that all the men are in the bar
And the women, although present, argue about wraps
How I wish for once I could have my say.
© 2009
FLASHBACK
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It wasn’t quite anger
No, it was remorse
That was what made me do it
The emptiness, the vacuum.
© 2009
It wasn’t quite anger
No, it was remorse
That was what made me do it
The emptiness, the vacuum.
© 2009
LIAR
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I heard him call her an idiot
Although he strongly denies it now
Expect that from any man without a vow
Because all they know is the road to the griot.
© 2009
I heard him call her an idiot
Although he strongly denies it now
Expect that from any man without a vow
Because all they know is the road to the griot.
© 2009
FOOLISH PRIDE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
You locked me in
And victoriously left with the key
When you returned soaked and without the key
There was no way you could get in.
© 2009
You locked me in
And victoriously left with the key
When you returned soaked and without the key
There was no way you could get in.
© 2009
TIME OUT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I am the mid road man
I creep like the silent plant
Where I go, only monks enter
Where I sit, only kings men can posit.
The thunder has shut up
The rain has ceased
The fire is going out
And you, you wear a cynical smile.
Don’t take it out on me
I mean you no harm
I’m only a mid road man who weeps
I can never claim to be your boss.
© 2009
I am the mid road man
I creep like the silent plant
Where I go, only monks enter
Where I sit, only kings men can posit.
The thunder has shut up
The rain has ceased
The fire is going out
And you, you wear a cynical smile.
Don’t take it out on me
I mean you no harm
I’m only a mid road man who weeps
I can never claim to be your boss.
© 2009
EQUITY
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Let those who left first
Also pay first
For never can it be fair
That some cut and run
While those who stay the course
Aare made to face the music.
If it was a matter of thirst
Then who doesn’t know thirst?
Or is that only those who dare
And do anything, even if for fun
Must at all times and sometimes by force
Be given the Green Card, and to boot, the swanzik?
© 2009
Let those who left first
Also pay first
For never can it be fair
That some cut and run
While those who stay the course
Aare made to face the music.
If it was a matter of thirst
Then who doesn’t know thirst?
Or is that only those who dare
And do anything, even if for fun
Must at all times and sometimes by force
Be given the Green Card, and to boot, the swanzik?
© 2009
THE TUNE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
High or low
The sacred harp sings the same tune
But to the foundering masses
It is another call to arms.
© 2009
High or low
The sacred harp sings the same tune
But to the foundering masses
It is another call to arms.
© 2009
PRECIOUS STONE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Shiny star of God’s universe
How were you made so exquisite?
You alone sing the song of six pence in reverse
Do you ever thank him enough for this visit?
© 2009
Shiny star of God’s universe
How were you made so exquisite?
You alone sing the song of six pence in reverse
Do you ever thank him enough for this visit?
© 2009
FIN D’UN REGIME
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Me voici, seul et méprisé
Devant ce mur haut et méchant
Je suis immobilisé, coincé, terrassé et humilié
Je ne peux
Ni avancer
Ni reculer
Ni monter
Ni descendre
Ni rester sur place
Le glas a-t-il donc sonné pour moi ?
© 2009
Me voici, seul et méprisé
Devant ce mur haut et méchant
Je suis immobilisé, coincé, terrassé et humilié
Je ne peux
Ni avancer
Ni reculer
Ni monter
Ni descendre
Ni rester sur place
Le glas a-t-il donc sonné pour moi ?
© 2009
ECLOSION
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
La bonne pluie a béni nos foyers
Et en guise de réponse, nos créatures vivantes
D’hier, comme d’aujourd’hui et comme demain fleurissent
Il ne nous reste qu’à nous lever et chanter des louanges.
© 2009
La bonne pluie a béni nos foyers
Et en guise de réponse, nos créatures vivantes
D’hier, comme d’aujourd’hui et comme demain fleurissent
Il ne nous reste qu’à nous lever et chanter des louanges.
© 2009
FILLE ENIGMATIQUE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
La fille du voisin m’inquiète
Elle ne cesse de m’étonner
Où vit-elle au fait ?
A la Cité U ? Chez ses parents ?
Chez elle-même ? Aurait-elle donc déménagée ?
Ou vit-elle chez Monsieur le Maire
A l’insu de l’épouse de ce dernier ?
Tantôt on la voit chez le marchand de vins
Demandant le vin préféré de Monsieur l’Abbé
Tantôt on la voit porter un verre de lait pur
Prétendant venir du coté du boulanger
Mais Rosine – la pauvre – se rend-elle compte de son esprit léger ?
En tout cas, elle n’a qu’à se taire
Comme moi.
© 2009
La fille du voisin m’inquiète
Elle ne cesse de m’étonner
Où vit-elle au fait ?
A la Cité U ? Chez ses parents ?
Chez elle-même ? Aurait-elle donc déménagée ?
Ou vit-elle chez Monsieur le Maire
A l’insu de l’épouse de ce dernier ?
Tantôt on la voit chez le marchand de vins
Demandant le vin préféré de Monsieur l’Abbé
Tantôt on la voit porter un verre de lait pur
Prétendant venir du coté du boulanger
Mais Rosine – la pauvre – se rend-elle compte de son esprit léger ?
En tout cas, elle n’a qu’à se taire
Comme moi.
© 2009
PRECISION
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Passe-moi le sel s’il te plait
Mais surtout pas le piment
Distrait que je suis-je ne me fais pas confiance
Alors, épargne-moi cette peine.
© 2009
Passe-moi le sel s’il te plait
Mais surtout pas le piment
Distrait que je suis-je ne me fais pas confiance
Alors, épargne-moi cette peine.
© 2009
QUI SEME LE VENT
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Où étaient-ils ?
Mais où étaient ces gens-ci, bon sang ?
Aujourd’hui ils osent parler fort
Ils ont l’audace de demander des comptes
Mais on nom de quoi, merde !
Lorsque la maison brulait, où étaient-ils ?
Ils se contentaient de tenir un langage creux
Quand ils fuyaient, ignoraient-ils qu’ils avaient tort ?
Peut-on vraiment être aussi myope sans s’en rendre compte ?
Ils ont beau esquiver, ils rechuteront toujours à cent !
© 2009
Où étaient-ils ?
Mais où étaient ces gens-ci, bon sang ?
Aujourd’hui ils osent parler fort
Ils ont l’audace de demander des comptes
Mais on nom de quoi, merde !
Lorsque la maison brulait, où étaient-ils ?
Ils se contentaient de tenir un langage creux
Quand ils fuyaient, ignoraient-ils qu’ils avaient tort ?
Peut-on vraiment être aussi myope sans s’en rendre compte ?
Ils ont beau esquiver, ils rechuteront toujours à cent !
© 2009
SAUVES ENFIN
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
On a encore du temps
Ne désespérez donc pas
Gardez votre sang froid
Et surtout, prenez votre mal en patience.
Le bourreau est déjà parti
Le mur de silence est brisé
La façade protectrice a été érigée
Personne au monde ne peut nous atteindre.
© 2009
On a encore du temps
Ne désespérez donc pas
Gardez votre sang froid
Et surtout, prenez votre mal en patience.
Le bourreau est déjà parti
Le mur de silence est brisé
La façade protectrice a été érigée
Personne au monde ne peut nous atteindre.
© 2009
DROIT DE REPONSE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Tu peux me répondre
Tu as la parole
Alors, prends tes responsabilités
On t’écoute.
Ne jure pas sur la bible
On n’en a pas besoin
Dis-nous : Qui a fermé le cabinet du président hier soir ?
D’où vient ce sang pur et frais éparpillé par terre ?
© 2009
Tu peux me répondre
Tu as la parole
Alors, prends tes responsabilités
On t’écoute.
Ne jure pas sur la bible
On n’en a pas besoin
Dis-nous : Qui a fermé le cabinet du président hier soir ?
D’où vient ce sang pur et frais éparpillé par terre ?
© 2009
APOSTROPHE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
J’au horreur des hommes
Qui qu’ils soient
Ils ont du mal à s’entendre
Et ils ont de la peine à se taire.
© 2009
J’au horreur des hommes
Qui qu’ils soient
Ils ont du mal à s’entendre
Et ils ont de la peine à se taire.
© 2009
CONDAMNE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Même si j’ai trop parlé
Je crois que j’en ai le droit
Apres tout, je suis condamné
Pourtant vous savez bien que j’ai plaidé non coupable.
© 2009
Même si j’ai trop parlé
Je crois que j’en ai le droit
Apres tout, je suis condamné
Pourtant vous savez bien que j’ai plaidé non coupable.
© 2009
vendredi 18 décembre 2009
DEUIL NATIONAL
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Tous ces oiseaux qui nous survolent
Ignorent grandement cette journée de deuil
Le jour où les frontières se sont fermées
Le jour où rois et valets se sont séparés.
A leur insu, la chasse à l’homme a commencé
Car le nouveau élu cherche à confirmer nos pires peurs
Voilà pourquoi le ciel s’assombrit farouchement
On pleure une nation désormais maudite.
© 2009
Tous ces oiseaux qui nous survolent
Ignorent grandement cette journée de deuil
Le jour où les frontières se sont fermées
Le jour où rois et valets se sont séparés.
A leur insu, la chasse à l’homme a commencé
Car le nouveau élu cherche à confirmer nos pires peurs
Voilà pourquoi le ciel s’assombrit farouchement
On pleure une nation désormais maudite.
© 2009
LES HOMMES MASQUES
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je fais la sourde oreille
Et c’est exprès
Qu’est-ce qu’ils peuvent bien me faire
Je les connais
Je les connais tous
Et bien aussi.
Je connais leurs épouses
Je connais leurs concubines
Je maîtrise les numéros de leurs comptes en banque
Je peux vous citer les pays hôtes de ces comptes
Et ce n’est pas le Cameroun
Je connais les coordonnées précises des sectes
Auxquels ils appartiennent.
Je crois que dans ce pays je suis libre
Libre de mes paroles
Libre de mes pensées
Libre de mes mouvements
Libres de mes décisions.
En tout cas
Qu’ils laissent d’abord tomber le masque
Car, au fait, que cachent-ils derrière ce masque
Sinon la peur
La peur de l’indexation et du désarroi?
© 2009
Je fais la sourde oreille
Et c’est exprès
Qu’est-ce qu’ils peuvent bien me faire
Je les connais
Je les connais tous
Et bien aussi.
Je connais leurs épouses
Je connais leurs concubines
Je maîtrise les numéros de leurs comptes en banque
Je peux vous citer les pays hôtes de ces comptes
Et ce n’est pas le Cameroun
Je connais les coordonnées précises des sectes
Auxquels ils appartiennent.
Je crois que dans ce pays je suis libre
Libre de mes paroles
Libre de mes pensées
Libre de mes mouvements
Libres de mes décisions.
En tout cas
Qu’ils laissent d’abord tomber le masque
Car, au fait, que cachent-ils derrière ce masque
Sinon la peur
La peur de l’indexation et du désarroi?
© 2009
EN EXIL
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Il est monté à pied
Sur son chemin de croix
Tel Sisyphe dans le célèbre mythe
C'était il y a dix ans
Aujourd’hui, seul, tout seul, il rebrousse chemin.
Il a pris soin d’informer son fief
Qu’il s’en va, sans chagrin ni rancune
Il repartira avec des partisans ou seul, qu'importe?
Il prendra ses bagaes et si le portail n’est pas fermé
Il s’éclipsera dans le noir.
Alors, le roi est mort
Vive le roi !
© 2009
Il est monté à pied
Sur son chemin de croix
Tel Sisyphe dans le célèbre mythe
C'était il y a dix ans
Aujourd’hui, seul, tout seul, il rebrousse chemin.
Il a pris soin d’informer son fief
Qu’il s’en va, sans chagrin ni rancune
Il repartira avec des partisans ou seul, qu'importe?
Il prendra ses bagaes et si le portail n’est pas fermé
Il s’éclipsera dans le noir.
Alors, le roi est mort
Vive le roi !
© 2009
CHANGEMENT
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Ah, cette voix que j’entends
Trahit mon grand rêve de paix
Malgré la victoire large et sans appel
Moi je crois au changement dans la continuité.
© 2009
LARMES PRECOCES
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je vois, loin au sommet de la montagne
Des têtes de proue turques couvertes de honte
Mais à quoi bon porter au chevet de Sarkozy, cette grogne ?
Pour mieux comprendre ce Président élu, attendons la refonte.
© 2009
Je vois, loin au sommet de la montagne
Des têtes de proue turques couvertes de honte
Mais à quoi bon porter au chevet de Sarkozy, cette grogne ?
Pour mieux comprendre ce Président élu, attendons la refonte.
© 2009
L'ORBITE PIVOTAL
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Dans le creux de ma main
Pivote le monde entier
Mais le jour où mon pauvre vieux deviendra laitier
Ce monde s'arrêtera net
Jusqu'à l'arrivée du Chef de l'Etat
Et Commandant en Chef de nos Forces Armées.
© 2009
Dans le creux de ma main
Pivote le monde entier
Mais le jour où mon pauvre vieux deviendra laitier
Ce monde s'arrêtera net
Jusqu'à l'arrivée du Chef de l'Etat
Et Commandant en Chef de nos Forces Armées.
© 2009
PAIRES MINIMALES
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Ombre
Concombre
Opprobre
N’est-ce pas ça rime bien ?
Maman
Sultan
Amant
Satan
Quel rapport ?
Vicieux que tu es
Qu’insinues-tu par là ?
Mère
Père
Frère
Et sœur, alors ?
Gueux
Creux
Pieux
Cieux
Lieux
Dieux
ça me fait rêver
Peut-on donc tenir le coup ?
Peut-on survire ?
© 2009
Ombre
Concombre
Opprobre
N’est-ce pas ça rime bien ?
Maman
Sultan
Amant
Satan
Quel rapport ?
Vicieux que tu es
Qu’insinues-tu par là ?
Mère
Père
Frère
Et sœur, alors ?
Gueux
Creux
Pieux
Cieux
Lieux
Dieux
ça me fait rêver
Peut-on donc tenir le coup ?
Peut-on survire ?
© 2009
MON CHEMIN A MOI
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je vais y arriver
Petit à petit
Lentement mais sûrement
Mais je vais y arriver.
J’ai laissé entendre maintes fois
Que je suis le taureau et non le bourreau
Que j’étais le petit prince avide de victoire
Mais sans aller aux urnes
Je sais bien vous prendre à contre-pied.
Pétales et montagnes et parures
Voilà mes compagnes de toujours
Hier à Magba et aujourd’hui à Bandjoun
Demain on sera à Ikiliwindi.
Nous nous nourrissons de vents et d’espoirs
Même lorsque le monde est à l’envers
Ce qui nous propulse c’est l’encens
Et sur une plus grande échelle
Dieu Tout Puissant
Voilà pourquoi je vais y arriver.
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
© 2009
Je vais y arriver
Petit à petit
Lentement mais sûrement
Mais je vais y arriver.
J’ai laissé entendre maintes fois
Que je suis le taureau et non le bourreau
Que j’étais le petit prince avide de victoire
Mais sans aller aux urnes
Je sais bien vous prendre à contre-pied.
Pétales et montagnes et parures
Voilà mes compagnes de toujours
Hier à Magba et aujourd’hui à Bandjoun
Demain on sera à Ikiliwindi.
Nous nous nourrissons de vents et d’espoirs
Même lorsque le monde est à l’envers
Ce qui nous propulse c’est l’encens
Et sur une plus grande échelle
Dieu Tout Puissant
Voilà pourquoi je vais y arriver.
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
© 2009
ADEQUATION
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Laisse-moi, chérie, mourir
Laisse-moi me noyer dans l’océan de tes yeux
Car tu es pour moi le second dieu
Entouré de ton amour dans l’au-delà
Je serai purement et simplement comblé.
© 2009
Laisse-moi, chérie, mourir
Laisse-moi me noyer dans l’océan de tes yeux
Car tu es pour moi le second dieu
Entouré de ton amour dans l’au-delà
Je serai purement et simplement comblé.
© 2009
LE MANQUE DE TOI
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Oh objet farouche de mon désir
Qu’attends-tu pour me combler ?
Parent pauvre de ce monde maudit, je n’ai rien à espérer
Je suis affamé, avide, aride, gourmand et persécuté.
© 2009
Oh objet farouche de mon désir
Qu’attends-tu pour me combler ?
Parent pauvre de ce monde maudit, je n’ai rien à espérer
Je suis affamé, avide, aride, gourmand et persécuté.
© 2009
CACOPHONIE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je n’aime pas ce refrain-là
Il n’a qu’un seul coté
Mais moi j’exige le revers de la médaille
Ne soyons pas monotones, même si on est multiformes
Alors, changeons de refrain.
© 2009
Je n’aime pas ce refrain-là
Il n’a qu’un seul coté
Mais moi j’exige le revers de la médaille
Ne soyons pas monotones, même si on est multiformes
Alors, changeons de refrain.
© 2009
PROMESSES
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je te sens tout autour de moi
Mais je ne te vois pas
Suis-je aveugle ou es-tu absente ?
Chérie, dis-moi tout, dis-moi la vérité.
Ce soir, je veux t’envelopper dans le moi
Je veux que nos auras avancent pas à pas
Qu’à deux, on vibre sur la même longueur d’onde ardente
Alors, ne me plonge pas dans l’obscurité.
© 2009
COURAGE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Ne pleure pas
Mais pourquoi pleures-tu ma chérie ?
Combat de chien, je veux bien
Mais rien n’est encore perdu
Tu as toutes les chances
Comme tout le monde d’ailleurs
Alors, du courage !
© 2009
LE DOYEN
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Elle a fait fi de mes avances
Et ce depuis sept ans
Aujourd’hui que je suis casé à la Casamance
Elle n’est toujours pas à l’abri.
Si tu veux passer demain
Passe par tous les moyens
Mercredi, ça sera trop tard car je serai sans sous main
Conséquence: tu ne pourras plus être doyen.
© 2009
Elle a fait fi de mes avances
Et ce depuis sept ans
Aujourd’hui que je suis casé à la Casamance
Elle n’est toujours pas à l’abri.
Si tu veux passer demain
Passe par tous les moyens
Mercredi, ça sera trop tard car je serai sans sous main
Conséquence: tu ne pourras plus être doyen.
© 2009
CHAMP DE BATAILLE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Finissons d’abord nos devoirs d’hommes
Quant à vous autres
Dragueurs iconoclastes et éclectiques
Sortez vos dernières cartouches
Ce soir nous allons boire
Jusqu’à gagner le banc de touche.
Et plus jamais
On n’entendra le sifflet fou du beau-père
Encore moins les murmures attaquatoires de la belle-mère
Alors, ensemble on criera d’une seule et commune voix
« Bon débarras ! ».
© 2009
Finissons d’abord nos devoirs d’hommes
Quant à vous autres
Dragueurs iconoclastes et éclectiques
Sortez vos dernières cartouches
Ce soir nous allons boire
Jusqu’à gagner le banc de touche.
Et plus jamais
On n’entendra le sifflet fou du beau-père
Encore moins les murmures attaquatoires de la belle-mère
Alors, ensemble on criera d’une seule et commune voix
« Bon débarras ! ».
© 2009
jeudi 17 décembre 2009
THE BOOK MARK
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I’m not a high flier
Neither am I a low achiever
I’m God’s fly whisk carrier
That’s what I am
And I revel myself in it.
Even with your litmus identifier
No test, no compound, no molecule, no ester
Can stand the test of time for a fiver
Even if you tell your henchmen in Bafoussam
Unless the Almighty deems it fit.
copyright 2009
I’m not a high flier
Neither am I a low achiever
I’m God’s fly whisk carrier
That’s what I am
And I revel myself in it.
Even with your litmus identifier
No test, no compound, no molecule, no ester
Can stand the test of time for a fiver
Even if you tell your henchmen in Bafoussam
Unless the Almighty deems it fit.
copyright 2009
RELIGIOUS STUDIES FIGHTS FOR SURVIVAL
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
This article is an adaptation of an earlier one I broadcast on the Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) National Radio Station on the 27th of August 2003. The paper examines the vexatious issue of the Cameroon government’s repeated refusal to accept Religious Studies as a subject, like any other one at the General Certificate of Education (GCE). The paper is one of many I broadcast on the same channel between 2002 and 200, on the early morning prime time national and world news broadcast.
------------------------------------------------
One academic year has gone and another is about to begin, with all the frenzy it usually takes to get into a new school year. Rightly, each year Cameroon’s media organs give return to school pride of place in their coverage.
The issue of subject combination for new holders of the ‘O’ Levels becomes very topical with the plot thickening further as students add Religious Studies just to swell up the numbers, knowing very well that at the end of the day, when they officially count the number of subjects obtained, Religious Studies will count for nothing.
It goes without saying that the many, probably thousands, who passed in that subject at the ‘A’ Level this year have come to swell further the ranks of those already in that category of unemployment for years now. If appropriate action is not taken, then the numbers will continue to pile up year after year with the result being the continuous postponement of a solution that should have come much earlier.
The disturbing fact is that although Religious Studies is blocked, so to speak, at the top end; the fact is that at the level of the G.C.E Board, the subject is being administered with all seriousness. The question the government ought to answer is: if Religious Studies is bad for students or even the nation, then why allow it to be taught and examined?
It is a contradiction in terms that at a time when the fight against corruption is being stepped up in our country, Religious Studies, the one curricular discipline which stands to go a long way towards paving and smoothing the way for a future corruption-free country, is instead being treated with scorn and derision. Why should that subject be shot down like an ominous bird when daily in our courts the Holy Bible is used for swearing? How can we exclude Religious Studies from public life and still go to the church and pray? How can we spit on the subject, yet think we can build a nation that is morally strong and upright?
Surely the authorities must take an urgent look at this burning issue; otherwise, we would be shooting ourselves in the foot and selling ourselves short.
© 2009
This article is an adaptation of an earlier one I broadcast on the Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) National Radio Station on the 27th of August 2003. The paper examines the vexatious issue of the Cameroon government’s repeated refusal to accept Religious Studies as a subject, like any other one at the General Certificate of Education (GCE). The paper is one of many I broadcast on the same channel between 2002 and 200, on the early morning prime time national and world news broadcast.
------------------------------------------------
One academic year has gone and another is about to begin, with all the frenzy it usually takes to get into a new school year. Rightly, each year Cameroon’s media organs give return to school pride of place in their coverage.
The issue of subject combination for new holders of the ‘O’ Levels becomes very topical with the plot thickening further as students add Religious Studies just to swell up the numbers, knowing very well that at the end of the day, when they officially count the number of subjects obtained, Religious Studies will count for nothing.
It goes without saying that the many, probably thousands, who passed in that subject at the ‘A’ Level this year have come to swell further the ranks of those already in that category of unemployment for years now. If appropriate action is not taken, then the numbers will continue to pile up year after year with the result being the continuous postponement of a solution that should have come much earlier.
The disturbing fact is that although Religious Studies is blocked, so to speak, at the top end; the fact is that at the level of the G.C.E Board, the subject is being administered with all seriousness. The question the government ought to answer is: if Religious Studies is bad for students or even the nation, then why allow it to be taught and examined?
It is a contradiction in terms that at a time when the fight against corruption is being stepped up in our country, Religious Studies, the one curricular discipline which stands to go a long way towards paving and smoothing the way for a future corruption-free country, is instead being treated with scorn and derision. Why should that subject be shot down like an ominous bird when daily in our courts the Holy Bible is used for swearing? How can we exclude Religious Studies from public life and still go to the church and pray? How can we spit on the subject, yet think we can build a nation that is morally strong and upright?
Surely the authorities must take an urgent look at this burning issue; otherwise, we would be shooting ourselves in the foot and selling ourselves short.
© 2009
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