By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The president`s speech was subtle
But it wasn`t Isaac Newton
He had all the right articulations
And spelt out all the right policies
But who was listening?
Copyright 2010
vendredi 31 décembre 2010
IN BED WITH AWAN ANGOB`S CAT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
This is Awan`s cat
The new one with sparkling eyes
Not the black one that got missing
Tonight I`ll climb on Awan`s plank bed
Call up the cat
And together we`ll pull up the old blanket
And play hide and seek
Then while Pussie purrs in her sleep
I will listen attentively
So that when Awan awakes
I`ll tell her everything.
Copyright 2010
This is Awan`s cat
The new one with sparkling eyes
Not the black one that got missing
Tonight I`ll climb on Awan`s plank bed
Call up the cat
And together we`ll pull up the old blanket
And play hide and seek
Then while Pussie purrs in her sleep
I will listen attentively
So that when Awan awakes
I`ll tell her everything.
Copyright 2010
LESSONS FROM PARIS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I like the silver runways of Paris
They are like Paradise on earth
Liberty, Equality and Fraternity
That`s what it`s all about
When shall we ever learn?
Copyright 2010
I like the silver runways of Paris
They are like Paradise on earth
Liberty, Equality and Fraternity
That`s what it`s all about
When shall we ever learn?
Copyright 2010
DANGER OF THE GUSTS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Many have said it before
So, I`m not reinventing the wheel
When the great gusts rise
Tye`ll bring down everything
Even the sky.
Copyright 2010
Many have said it before
So, I`m not reinventing the wheel
When the great gusts rise
Tye`ll bring down everything
Even the sky.
Copyright 2010
THREE QUICK STEPS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The steps are steep
Like those of the White House
But if we`re snappy
We`ll beat them to it.
Copyright 2010
The steps are steep
Like those of the White House
But if we`re snappy
We`ll beat them to it.
Copyright 2010
THE JOKER AND THE EAR
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The ear doesn`t hear any longer
Even when it goes to school
But if you call it a fool
It labels you a miserable joker.
Copyright 2010
The ear doesn`t hear any longer
Even when it goes to school
But if you call it a fool
It labels you a miserable joker.
Copyright 2010
COMMON ENEMIES
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
My enemies are back
And back in force
Were not we all black
I would have sought recourse.
Copyright 2010
My enemies are back
And back in force
Were not we all black
I would have sought recourse.
Copyright 2010
THE ONE ON TRIAL
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The glare was forbidding
That`s why she squinted
Anyone who accuses her of fondling
Must first prove he hasn`t deserted.
Copyright 2010
The glare was forbidding
That`s why she squinted
Anyone who accuses her of fondling
Must first prove he hasn`t deserted.
Copyright 2010
NO FLOOR FOR SEA MONSTERS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The sea monsters are back
And back with a vengeance
When the delayed ship sails in
No crew member will have the floor.
Copyright 2010
The sea monsters are back
And back with a vengeance
When the delayed ship sails in
No crew member will have the floor.
Copyright 2010
STRIKING A BALANCE
By Tiukm Mbah Azonga
Golden lamps aren`t really what we want
Send us bags of rice and salt
It`s not nickel or cobalt
Just what is remaining of the old grant.
Copyright 2010
Golden lamps aren`t really what we want
Send us bags of rice and salt
It`s not nickel or cobalt
Just what is remaining of the old grant.
Copyright 2010
TEARS THAT DO NOT DROP
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Tears aren`t good
Despite what the priest says
But if you think they`re food
Then ferry them us in trays.
Copyright 2010
Tears aren`t good
Despite what the priest says
But if you think they`re food
Then ferry them us in trays.
Copyright 2010
SALVATION FOR A FEW
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
This is the day the Lord has appointed
Nothing slippery or winged shall walk
Only beleaguered mothers down with the flu
Shall travel the whole length
All alone.
Copyright 2010
This is the day the Lord has appointed
Nothing slippery or winged shall walk
Only beleaguered mothers down with the flu
Shall travel the whole length
All alone.
Copyright 2010
ODD MESSAGES FROM ARABIA
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
My old man spoke first
But his speech was a heap of stones
The the Holy One coughed
And his cough was perfumed air from Arabia.
Copyright 2010
My old man spoke first
But his speech was a heap of stones
The the Holy One coughed
And his cough was perfumed air from Arabia.
Copyright 2010
THE SUNDAY READER
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
She came on a Sunday
And read from Luke
Although she said she was no crook
I knew we`d prove her wrong some day.
Copyright 2010
She came on a Sunday
And read from Luke
Although she said she was no crook
I knew we`d prove her wrong some day.
Copyright 2010
SHELVES OF DOUGH
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We have enough
For our boys and ourselves
So just look on the shelves
And send me some dough.
Copyright 2010
We have enough
For our boys and ourselves
So just look on the shelves
And send me some dough.
Copyright 2010
IN SEARCH OF THE CAMPASS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I stood before the brook
Like some new Douala crook
Surely, if I wasn`t rude
I would soon again be en route.
Copyright 2010
I stood before the brook
Like some new Douala crook
Surely, if I wasn`t rude
I would soon again be en route.
Copyright 2010
STEADY ON THE PATH
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I wasn`t in wrath
I wasn`t even upset
I was only seeking the path
Before the much vaunted sunset.
Copyright 2010
I wasn`t in wrath
I wasn`t even upset
I was only seeking the path
Before the much vaunted sunset.
Copyright 2010
THE PALM OF GOD`S SERVANT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
His palms are moist
Like those of Mr Davidson
Where then is the Lord`s relic
If not once more buried in relics?
Copyright 2010
His palms are moist
Like those of Mr Davidson
Where then is the Lord`s relic
If not once more buried in relics?
Copyright 2010
THE CODE OF CONDUCT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Watch when I speak
And listen when I yawn
Across the bridge
The good Lord will unfailingly take note.
Copyright 2010
Watch when I speak
And listen when I yawn
Across the bridge
The good Lord will unfailingly take note.
Copyright 2010
THE NATION WE SET ABLAZE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I sincerely think that we erred
We didn`t break the sword, yes
But we fanned the flames
That`s why the nation is on fire.
Copyright 2010
I sincerely think that we erred
We didn`t break the sword, yes
But we fanned the flames
That`s why the nation is on fire.
Copyright 2010
THE PILOT, THE VICE CHANCELLOR AND I
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
When I put up my hand
The pilot looks away
When I then cross the bar
The Vice Chancellor giggles.
Copyright 2010
When I put up my hand
The pilot looks away
When I then cross the bar
The Vice Chancellor giggles.
Copyright 2010
jeudi 30 décembre 2010
THE POLITICS OF VISA FEES
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
This was one of the hundreds of political commentaries I delivered on the 6.30 prime time news of the CRTV National Radio Station in Yaounde between 2000 and 2005. This particular one was occasioned by an increase in visa application fees by the USA embassy in Yaounde. It was broadcast of 24 October 2002.
__________________________________
The fee increase by any standards is steep because by going up from CFA 45 5000 to 70 000, it registers a hefty jump of 53.84 per cent. In concrete terms, the policy means that visa applicants must henceforth find the extra outlay of CFA24 500 to add to the CFA45 500 they were charged before, for there to be any hope of obtaining a visa for Uncle Sam`s land of opportunities.
As if to rub it in, the text states that the fee must be paid in advance, whether or not the visa is granted. The small print so to speak, adds that a small fee is charged if the visa is granted. So, the few candidates who survive the first stage of payment are made to pay a second fee.
The reason given for the fee increase is the need to bring the fee in line with the actual cost of administering the non-immigrant visas in the post September 11 environment, an obvious reference to the terrorist bombings that saw the blowing up of the World Trade Centre twin buildings in New York. To put the new visa requirement in another way, each non-immigrant visa applicant for the United States is being indirectly asked to pay for the fight against Ben Laden, the rich Saudi religious fanatic whom the US holds responsible for the serious dent to American national pride and invincibility.
That in itself is not a bad idea since it is right for all possible measures to be taken to deal international terrorism a deadly blow. Nonetheless, the sharp rise in visa fees once more raises the question of the manner in which visa applicants are treated. This, of course, applies not only to those traveling to the US but really also those traveling to any of the other world great powers. Some of those favourite destinations are France, Britain, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Spain and Russia, to name those, since all of those countries seem to apply a similar policy characterized by a disposition geared more towards rejecting a visa application than accepting it, even if the applicant meets all the stipulated conditions.
Although Cameroonians not directly involved in the visa application process may not know it, approaching the embassies of theses countries with a view to travelling to the latter is nothing short of a nightmare. In many cases, once a visa fee is paid, it becomes non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application. As we can see, in this domain, there is no “money-back guarantee”, which means that for once, the customer is not king. Yet, a new application entails a new payment of the visa fee. Some embassies even go as far as proclaiming that provision of all the required documents and even success at the interview and subsequent granting of the visa are no guarantees that the applicant will necessarily be granted entry into the country they are traveling.
Visa officials are clearly a law unto themselves because not only do embassies systematically reject the majority of visa applications, some of the reasons for which these rejections are made are simply ridiculous. These include the pretext that an applicant is unlikely to return to his or her country after visiting or studying in the foreign country. Other reasons are that the candidate is traveling abroad to study a course that is offered in his or her own country, as though the freedom to travel and visit and study had been withdrawn. Sometimes, embassies reject an application without giving a reason, which makes it difficult for the applicant to tell what went wrong with the process, or why so much invested time finally became a mere waste.
Although one can understand that these countries need to control the number of foreigners entering their national territories, it must also be said that unorthodox refusal methods can only encourage illegality on the part of applicants determined to beat the embassies at their own game.
Frankly, embassies would do well to be more civil with applicants by treating them as worthy customers for whom they are where they are and without whom they would be nowhere. Immigration officials should be more humane, diplomatic and transparent. It would also help if our own authorities take a more supervisory look at what is going on in foreign embassies, rather than just issue a blank cheque by assuming that all is well, when in fact, it is not.
Copyright 2010
This was one of the hundreds of political commentaries I delivered on the 6.30 prime time news of the CRTV National Radio Station in Yaounde between 2000 and 2005. This particular one was occasioned by an increase in visa application fees by the USA embassy in Yaounde. It was broadcast of 24 October 2002.
__________________________________
The fee increase by any standards is steep because by going up from CFA 45 5000 to 70 000, it registers a hefty jump of 53.84 per cent. In concrete terms, the policy means that visa applicants must henceforth find the extra outlay of CFA24 500 to add to the CFA45 500 they were charged before, for there to be any hope of obtaining a visa for Uncle Sam`s land of opportunities.
As if to rub it in, the text states that the fee must be paid in advance, whether or not the visa is granted. The small print so to speak, adds that a small fee is charged if the visa is granted. So, the few candidates who survive the first stage of payment are made to pay a second fee.
The reason given for the fee increase is the need to bring the fee in line with the actual cost of administering the non-immigrant visas in the post September 11 environment, an obvious reference to the terrorist bombings that saw the blowing up of the World Trade Centre twin buildings in New York. To put the new visa requirement in another way, each non-immigrant visa applicant for the United States is being indirectly asked to pay for the fight against Ben Laden, the rich Saudi religious fanatic whom the US holds responsible for the serious dent to American national pride and invincibility.
That in itself is not a bad idea since it is right for all possible measures to be taken to deal international terrorism a deadly blow. Nonetheless, the sharp rise in visa fees once more raises the question of the manner in which visa applicants are treated. This, of course, applies not only to those traveling to the US but really also those traveling to any of the other world great powers. Some of those favourite destinations are France, Britain, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Spain and Russia, to name those, since all of those countries seem to apply a similar policy characterized by a disposition geared more towards rejecting a visa application than accepting it, even if the applicant meets all the stipulated conditions.
Although Cameroonians not directly involved in the visa application process may not know it, approaching the embassies of theses countries with a view to travelling to the latter is nothing short of a nightmare. In many cases, once a visa fee is paid, it becomes non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application. As we can see, in this domain, there is no “money-back guarantee”, which means that for once, the customer is not king. Yet, a new application entails a new payment of the visa fee. Some embassies even go as far as proclaiming that provision of all the required documents and even success at the interview and subsequent granting of the visa are no guarantees that the applicant will necessarily be granted entry into the country they are traveling.
Visa officials are clearly a law unto themselves because not only do embassies systematically reject the majority of visa applications, some of the reasons for which these rejections are made are simply ridiculous. These include the pretext that an applicant is unlikely to return to his or her country after visiting or studying in the foreign country. Other reasons are that the candidate is traveling abroad to study a course that is offered in his or her own country, as though the freedom to travel and visit and study had been withdrawn. Sometimes, embassies reject an application without giving a reason, which makes it difficult for the applicant to tell what went wrong with the process, or why so much invested time finally became a mere waste.
Although one can understand that these countries need to control the number of foreigners entering their national territories, it must also be said that unorthodox refusal methods can only encourage illegality on the part of applicants determined to beat the embassies at their own game.
Frankly, embassies would do well to be more civil with applicants by treating them as worthy customers for whom they are where they are and without whom they would be nowhere. Immigration officials should be more humane, diplomatic and transparent. It would also help if our own authorities take a more supervisory look at what is going on in foreign embassies, rather than just issue a blank cheque by assuming that all is well, when in fact, it is not.
Copyright 2010
TWENTY YEARS OF PAUL BIYA
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
This was one of the hundreds of political commentaries I delivered on the 6.30 prime time news of the CRTV National Radio Station in Yaounde between 2000 and 2005. This particular paper was a preview of celebrations marking President Paul Biya`s twenty years at the helm of Cameroon on 6 November 2002. The paper was broadcast on 30 October 2002.
___________________________________________________
Whatever way one looks at it, twenty years is a long time and in a multiparty state like Cameroon, it deserves commendation, for being a veritable demonstration of staying power, despite all the odds.
As we have pointed out, twenty years is a thankfully long time and contrary to what some opposition members may want us to believe when they intimate that nothing, not even a single thing, has been achieved in that period, the point must be made that such an assessment is subjective, unrealistic and demonstrates that its proponents are simply being economical with the truth. As a matter of fact, if the opposition does not go about things with objectivity, history is likely to prove them wrong. Worse still, when they in turn eventually get to power and are paid back in their own coins, they will feel the pinch. That is why the game of politics becomes more meaningful and purposeful when it is rid of unbridled emotionalism, personal interest and the rush to attack persons and individual instead of focusing the debate on issues and policies.
A look at Paul Biya`s twenty years in power leads to some inevitable conclusions in terms of achievements. During the epoch our country has enjoyed unbroken and enviable peace, to the extent of being perceived as “an island of peace in a sea of turbulence”. This is in contrast to neighbouring countries which have staggered from one crisis to another and in some cases, sunk into fits of trauma. Since peace engenders many subsidiary attributes, Cameroon has been consequently able to boost and nurture other areas such as agriculture, public health, the environment, rural development, the armed forces, foreign affairs, women and youth matters. The educational sector has been expanded, notably with the breaking up of the erstwhile Ministry of National Education into three separate ministries: the Ministry of Basic Education, the ministry of Secondary Education and the Ministry of Higher Education, etc. In fact, within the last ten years or so, our country has seen an unprecedented number of international events being hosted in Yaounde and some of the other cities. The latter point means that the international community recognizes that we deserve and enjoy certain leadership roles.
But then again, no one is suggesting that it has all been a bed of roses for us Cameroonians. Far from it! There are still many areas in which more work is needed. These include the poverty reduction and under development, health, unemployment, corrpuption and bad governance.
For democracy to have any real meaning in our country, opposition politicians whose role is indispensable must be flexible enough to look at both sides of the coin. That does not mean they are supporting Paul Biya. It simply means they are calling a spade a spade. That is why they should have joined the world in commending Paul Biya for his role in the peaceful resolution of the Bakassi dispute that for years pitted Nigeria against Cameroon. It may sound paradoxical, but the truth is that Cameroon can only have one president at a time.
Copyright 2010
mercredi 29 décembre 2010
WHY WE LOVE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Mbonshu, you wonder why we love at all
We love
We all do, don`t we?
Because we feel insecure
And unfulfilled
Because we`re messed up.
So like the round ball
We seek a partner, a treasure trove
Whether on land or at sea
And call it our own property and tenure
It doesn`t matter whether it was willed or unwilled
We just want a top up, another top up.
Copyright 2010
Mbonshu, you wonder why we love at all
We love
We all do, don`t we?
Because we feel insecure
And unfulfilled
Because we`re messed up.
So like the round ball
We seek a partner, a treasure trove
Whether on land or at sea
And call it our own property and tenure
It doesn`t matter whether it was willed or unwilled
We just want a top up, another top up.
Copyright 2010
THE FINAL NUMBER
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I have run the race
And fought the good fight
Today I`m at my tether`s end
The die is cast
And the curtains, drawn.
But like Gbagbo, I`ll go at my own pace
Because I know my right
I have no more fences to mend
I know the Lord`s kingdom is vast
The only thing I want right now is another prawn.
Copyright 2010
I have run the race
And fought the good fight
Today I`m at my tether`s end
The die is cast
And the curtains, drawn.
But like Gbagbo, I`ll go at my own pace
Because I know my right
I have no more fences to mend
I know the Lord`s kingdom is vast
The only thing I want right now is another prawn.
Copyright 2010
FRERES VOISINS
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Quelle idée gardez-vous du Gabon?
Son histoire riche et accablante ?
Son peuple comblé de bonheur ?
Ses irrésistibles plages rapaces et profondes ?
Ou son président charismatique et insaisissable ?
Son de cloche ou cloche de son
Qu`importe ? Ses femmes sont aussi envoutantes
Son Cameroun voisin vit aux premières heures
Le soir il est épuisé et attend le retour des ondes
Mais sera-t-il aussi infatigable et inlassable ?
Copyright 2010
Quelle idée gardez-vous du Gabon?
Son histoire riche et accablante ?
Son peuple comblé de bonheur ?
Ses irrésistibles plages rapaces et profondes ?
Ou son président charismatique et insaisissable ?
Son de cloche ou cloche de son
Qu`importe ? Ses femmes sont aussi envoutantes
Son Cameroun voisin vit aux premières heures
Le soir il est épuisé et attend le retour des ondes
Mais sera-t-il aussi infatigable et inlassable ?
Copyright 2010
UNLIKE A SAPELE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Don`t mistake me for a sapele
A sapele is a plant
But I`m not
I think and feel and act
And I have dominion
Before me the sapele is nothing
It`s speechless
Powerless
Impotent
So how do you liken me to it?
Copyright 2010
Don`t mistake me for a sapele
A sapele is a plant
But I`m not
I think and feel and act
And I have dominion
Before me the sapele is nothing
It`s speechless
Powerless
Impotent
So how do you liken me to it?
Copyright 2010
CONCURRENCE DELOYALE?
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
(A Augustine)
Le Cameroun est naturellement béni
Oui, mais la population est maudite
Voilà l`appréciation du côté du Togo
Qu`elle soit bonne ou mauvaise
Qu`elle soit acceptée où rejetée.
Souvent il faut savoir regarder la vérité en face
C`est-à-dire, prendre le taureau par les cornes
C`est la seule façon de survivre
Dans un monde où les pays sont en perpétuelle concurrence
Et où les vieux refusent de grandir.
Copyright 2010.
(A Augustine)
Le Cameroun est naturellement béni
Oui, mais la population est maudite
Voilà l`appréciation du côté du Togo
Qu`elle soit bonne ou mauvaise
Qu`elle soit acceptée où rejetée.
Souvent il faut savoir regarder la vérité en face
C`est-à-dire, prendre le taureau par les cornes
C`est la seule façon de survivre
Dans un monde où les pays sont en perpétuelle concurrence
Et où les vieux refusent de grandir.
Copyright 2010.
HERE TO SERVE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We`re all God`s handmaids
Not drowning men
Or worse still, dying horses
We`re willing guinea pigs
And the last able-bodied seamen.
Copyright 2010.
We`re all God`s handmaids
Not drowning men
Or worse still, dying horses
We`re willing guinea pigs
And the last able-bodied seamen.
Copyright 2010.
BLOWING HOT AND COLD
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
If it`s really hot, well, blow it
If it`s still hot, try oiling it
If that fails, send for the archbishop in person
He`ll bring his Sunday missal.
Copyright 2010
If it`s really hot, well, blow it
If it`s still hot, try oiling it
If that fails, send for the archbishop in person
He`ll bring his Sunday missal.
Copyright 2010
LANDRESSES ON SUNDAY
(For Gideon Kweti)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Don`t pile on the strawberries
They`re bitter enough already
Instead, do egg on the laundresses
They`re ready and raring to go.
But for God`s sake, don`t come in lorries
Lest everyone thinks we`re heady
Instead, come resplendent in your Sunday best dresses
For once, forget about the hoe.
Copyright 2010
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Don`t pile on the strawberries
They`re bitter enough already
Instead, do egg on the laundresses
They`re ready and raring to go.
But for God`s sake, don`t come in lorries
Lest everyone thinks we`re heady
Instead, come resplendent in your Sunday best dresses
For once, forget about the hoe.
Copyright 2010
LA REGLE DU JEU
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
(A Cecile Annie)
Ne fais pas à autrui
Ce que tu ne voudras
Qu`on te fasse
Ce serait très risqué
Car, ce qui est arrive à Jacques
Peut également arriver à Severin
Personne n`est à l`abri.
Mémé si on se refugie dans le Toundra
Et que comme Tsimi Evouna, on se livre à la casse
Sans se soucier du fisc
On risque toujours des claques
A condition qu`on ne soit Célestin
Dans ce cas, le seul refuge c`est Kribi.
Copyright 2010
(A Cecile Annie)
Ne fais pas à autrui
Ce que tu ne voudras
Qu`on te fasse
Ce serait très risqué
Car, ce qui est arrive à Jacques
Peut également arriver à Severin
Personne n`est à l`abri.
Mémé si on se refugie dans le Toundra
Et que comme Tsimi Evouna, on se livre à la casse
Sans se soucier du fisc
On risque toujours des claques
A condition qu`on ne soit Célestin
Dans ce cas, le seul refuge c`est Kribi.
Copyright 2010
THE SWAPPED ROLES
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
While with Sakwe and Tomdio I lit candles at the sacristy
She sold groundnuts and akra to the workers
She did so, even more than the preacher
Believing she was fighting human adversity.
Copyright 2010
While with Sakwe and Tomdio I lit candles at the sacristy
She sold groundnuts and akra to the workers
She did so, even more than the preacher
Believing she was fighting human adversity.
Copyright 2010
FRERES SYMBOLIQUES
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Le temps et l`espace
Sont des frères
Ils fournissent aux matériaux poétiques
Un surplus, une plus value
Alors, désormais
Les langues de feu
Des jeunes filles sans voix
Le corbillard de Fofé
La rouge incandescence de la présidence
Les palais chauds du roi Bandjoun
Le vieux pont de Koutaba
Alors, dis-je
Oubliez tout
Et rebroussez chemin.
Copyright 2010
Le temps et l`espace
Sont des frères
Ils fournissent aux matériaux poétiques
Un surplus, une plus value
Alors, désormais
Les langues de feu
Des jeunes filles sans voix
Le corbillard de Fofé
La rouge incandescence de la présidence
Les palais chauds du roi Bandjoun
Le vieux pont de Koutaba
Alors, dis-je
Oubliez tout
Et rebroussez chemin.
Copyright 2010
OBIA`S QUESTION ABOUT MY BOOK OF POEMS
Obia asked me the question during our interaction on Facebook
Hi Obia, I saw your question. Unfortunately, you were already offline.
The answer is that I thought of how I could contribute to the ongoing fight against HIV AIDS, considering its ravaging nature and the ultimate impact on society. I decided to write a book and since I had already published poetry books before, I decided that this book would be another poetry book. I also decided that I would write some of the poems in English as I am English-speaking and some in French as I am a teacher of French (and Spanish) and also because we are a bilingual country.
When I approached the then Permanent Secretary in charge of the National AIDS Control Committee (NACC) and the then Minister of Public Health, they liked the idea and gave me some financial support which enabled me to publish the first five hundred copies of the book. Among the poems in the collection were two I did in French and another two I did in English on the work of First Lady Chantal Biya in the HIV AIDS battle, notably through her NGOs, the Chantal Biya Foundation and African Synergies. When the book came out, I wrote to her and enclosed a copy. She promptly reacted by asking me to translate the two poems in English into French and the two in French into English. I did and she ordered and paid for a hundred copies which I understand she distributed for use to the nursery and primary schools that fall within the Presidency of the Republic on the national territory.
This year, I used my own means and produced more copies. I also proposed the book to the National Book Commission for Secondary Schools. As you know, they took it for Forms 1,2,3, 5 and the Lower 6th as well as the Francophone 6eme, 5eme, 2nde AB and 2nde C.
Now, friends and compatriots like you can obtain copies for personal reading and distribution to close relations, notably the young, for sensitization against this dreaded pandemic.
Copyright 2010
Hi Obia, I saw your question. Unfortunately, you were already offline.
The answer is that I thought of how I could contribute to the ongoing fight against HIV AIDS, considering its ravaging nature and the ultimate impact on society. I decided to write a book and since I had already published poetry books before, I decided that this book would be another poetry book. I also decided that I would write some of the poems in English as I am English-speaking and some in French as I am a teacher of French (and Spanish) and also because we are a bilingual country.
When I approached the then Permanent Secretary in charge of the National AIDS Control Committee (NACC) and the then Minister of Public Health, they liked the idea and gave me some financial support which enabled me to publish the first five hundred copies of the book. Among the poems in the collection were two I did in French and another two I did in English on the work of First Lady Chantal Biya in the HIV AIDS battle, notably through her NGOs, the Chantal Biya Foundation and African Synergies. When the book came out, I wrote to her and enclosed a copy. She promptly reacted by asking me to translate the two poems in English into French and the two in French into English. I did and she ordered and paid for a hundred copies which I understand she distributed for use to the nursery and primary schools that fall within the Presidency of the Republic on the national territory.
This year, I used my own means and produced more copies. I also proposed the book to the National Book Commission for Secondary Schools. As you know, they took it for Forms 1,2,3, 5 and the Lower 6th as well as the Francophone 6eme, 5eme, 2nde AB and 2nde C.
Now, friends and compatriots like you can obtain copies for personal reading and distribution to close relations, notably the young, for sensitization against this dreaded pandemic.
Copyright 2010
L`UNIVERS MENTEUR
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
L`univers divin ?
Mais lequel ?
Celui qui existe
Ou celui qui mourut en 1789 ?
Celui qui tourne et contourne le globe
Ou celui qui met en cause les riverains ?
Celui qui taille sur mesure
Ou celui qui avoue ouvertement s9n innocence ?
Qu`importe ?
Ici bas
Tout est bonnet blanc et blanc bonnet.
Copyright 2010
L`univers divin ?
Mais lequel ?
Celui qui existe
Ou celui qui mourut en 1789 ?
Celui qui tourne et contourne le globe
Ou celui qui met en cause les riverains ?
Celui qui taille sur mesure
Ou celui qui avoue ouvertement s9n innocence ?
Qu`importe ?
Ici bas
Tout est bonnet blanc et blanc bonnet.
Copyright 2010
MON MEILLEUR AMI
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Le clair de lune
Cette imminence grise
Ne me mentira jamais
Elle me donnera toujours gain de cause
Je suis son feu d`artifice
Son rayon de livres d`or
Son caractère intrinsèque
Son ultime solution.
Copyright 2010
Le clair de lune
Cette imminence grise
Ne me mentira jamais
Elle me donnera toujours gain de cause
Je suis son feu d`artifice
Son rayon de livres d`or
Son caractère intrinsèque
Son ultime solution.
Copyright 2010
C`EST QUI LE POETE?
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Le poète?
Mais c`est un créateur
Le créateur par excellence
C`est le jour
Et c`est la nuit
C`est la lumière
Et c`est le noir
C`est la vérité
Et ce sont les mensonges
C`est la beauté
Et la laideur
C`est le paradis
Et l`enfer
C`est Dieu
Et le diable.
Copyright 2010
Le poète?
Mais c`est un créateur
Le créateur par excellence
C`est le jour
Et c`est la nuit
C`est la lumière
Et c`est le noir
C`est la vérité
Et ce sont les mensonges
C`est la beauté
Et la laideur
C`est le paradis
Et l`enfer
C`est Dieu
Et le diable.
Copyright 2010
GOODS OF BURDEN
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We didn`t send them back
So don`t hold us to it
How could we
When we didn`t have the secret code?
Copyright 2010
We didn`t send them back
So don`t hold us to it
How could we
When we didn`t have the secret code?
Copyright 2010
mardi 28 décembre 2010
DU TIC AU TAC
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Sur terre
Tout roule
Au paradis
Tout s`illusionne.
Qui pourra donc chanter l`hymne régional
Sans murmurer le nom du Sous Préfet?
Qui proclamera son nonchalance
Juste pour se marrer?
Copyright 2010
Sur terre
Tout roule
Au paradis
Tout s`illusionne.
Qui pourra donc chanter l`hymne régional
Sans murmurer le nom du Sous Préfet?
Qui proclamera son nonchalance
Juste pour se marrer?
Copyright 2010
LILIES AS DAY AND NIGHT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Lilies aren`t all the dame
Just as tulips too differ
They all have joints, yes
But their receptacles point in different directions
That`s why one is day
And the other, night.
Copyright 2010
Lilies aren`t all the dame
Just as tulips too differ
They all have joints, yes
But their receptacles point in different directions
That`s why one is day
And the other, night.
Copyright 2010
THE RUN AWAY RIVER
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The river ran along, alone, all alone
And not even the pastor could match it
Flat-bottomed prostitutes brought wheel barrows
And saber-rattling men cried out for blood
As if they were another Bismark
The Iron Chancellor
So why didn`t they stop the river?
Copyright 2010
The river ran along, alone, all alone
And not even the pastor could match it
Flat-bottomed prostitutes brought wheel barrows
And saber-rattling men cried out for blood
As if they were another Bismark
The Iron Chancellor
So why didn`t they stop the river?
Copyright 2010
PACED FOOTSTEPS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I`m not in a hurry
I`ve slowed down
Unless you think me a clown
Whom you`re out to bury.
Copyright 2010
I`m not in a hurry
I`ve slowed down
Unless you think me a clown
Whom you`re out to bury.
Copyright 2010
HOW TO DO IT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
How do they do this thing?
How on earth do they do it?
Do they start by tattooing
And then fill up and top up
With ginger from Ngaoundere?
I don`t get it
Despite my vision
And what they showed me
Does that mean
The macrocosm is lower than the microcosm
And the shoulders higher than the head?
Copyright 2010
How do they do this thing?
How on earth do they do it?
Do they start by tattooing
And then fill up and top up
With ginger from Ngaoundere?
I don`t get it
Despite my vision
And what they showed me
Does that mean
The macrocosm is lower than the microcosm
And the shoulders higher than the head?
Copyright 2010
THE PRESIDENT`S VISIT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
No birds chirped
No serpents hissed
No toads croaked
No horses brayed.
But everyone including the Commissioner
Clamored for a garland
Then an empty altar bowl
And cowrie beads without the dames
All of that
Just to make the loudest noise for the president.
Copyright 2010
No birds chirped
No serpents hissed
No toads croaked
No horses brayed.
But everyone including the Commissioner
Clamored for a garland
Then an empty altar bowl
And cowrie beads without the dames
All of that
Just to make the loudest noise for the president.
Copyright 2010
HIBISCUS FOR THE BEES
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I see a hibiscus flower
Taller than the pope`s tower
But if the mask is pulled off
The fertile bees will fly off.
Copyright 2010
I see a hibiscus flower
Taller than the pope`s tower
But if the mask is pulled off
The fertile bees will fly off.
Copyright 2010
A BOWL OF LOVE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
For my one and only Emilia
Oh, sweet glory
What can irk you so?
Why do you cough?
Why do you sneeze?
Come to me this instant
And I`ll give you rest
Peace
Attention
Affection And above all, love.
Copyright 2010
For my one and only Emilia
Oh, sweet glory
What can irk you so?
Why do you cough?
Why do you sneeze?
Come to me this instant
And I`ll give you rest
Peace
Attention
Affection And above all, love.
Copyright 2010
BAIT FOR TRISHA
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The horror is over
So tell Trisha to return
Our treasures are once more visible
And the orchard branches, resplendent
What more does she want?
Copyright 2010
The horror is over
So tell Trisha to return
Our treasures are once more visible
And the orchard branches, resplendent
What more does she want?
Copyright 2010
THE GREEN CARD
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Out of this country
I`m nobody
That`s why I won`t trade my soul
For Uncle Sam`s card.
My umbilical chord is interred here
So are my ancestors
Above all, my future is rooted here
Even if I fly out, I must still fly in
Some day.
Copyright 2010
Out of this country
I`m nobody
That`s why I won`t trade my soul
For Uncle Sam`s card.
My umbilical chord is interred here
So are my ancestors
Above all, my future is rooted here
Even if I fly out, I must still fly in
Some day.
Copyright 2010
SUNDAY IN BOMBAY
By Tikum Mah Azonga
Did you say, Bombay
Or Sunday?
Whatever it was
Fetch my umbrella
My scarlet scarf
And my wind cheater
And tell the prince I`m on my way.
Copyright 2010
Did you say, Bombay
Or Sunday?
Whatever it was
Fetch my umbrella
My scarlet scarf
And my wind cheater
And tell the prince I`m on my way.
Copyright 2010
THE SPOUND OF SILENCE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
If we`re here today, boys
It`s for the sake of the parish priest
And not the best man`s toys
So if you have your cell phones with you
Please, put them off.
Copyright 2010
If we`re here today, boys
It`s for the sake of the parish priest
And not the best man`s toys
So if you have your cell phones with you
Please, put them off.
Copyright 2010
AWRY
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Some see it
Some hear it
Others feel it
Yet others like us dream it.
Saddled horses with not enough to carry
Kids too hungry to hurry
That was the picture painted by Gwari
Only because no one would give anyone any garri.
Copyright 2010
Some see it
Some hear it
Others feel it
Yet others like us dream it.
Saddled horses with not enough to carry
Kids too hungry to hurry
That was the picture painted by Gwari
Only because no one would give anyone any garri.
Copyright 2010
LONG LIVE THE QUEEN
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I had Kenyan tea
And the river bank
A handful of warriors
And out I went
To greet the newly crowned queen.
Copyright 2010
I had Kenyan tea
And the river bank
A handful of warriors
And out I went
To greet the newly crowned queen.
Copyright 2010
STRANGE PREMONITION
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It`s tail was grey
And it`s forequarters, smoke-coated
But where were Mr Bechem and Pa Haman?
Even Kate in all her wisdom
Couldn`t have predicted this unfolding.
Copyright 2010.
It`s tail was grey
And it`s forequarters, smoke-coated
But where were Mr Bechem and Pa Haman?
Even Kate in all her wisdom
Couldn`t have predicted this unfolding.
Copyright 2010.
lundi 27 décembre 2010
A RABBIT ON THE RUN
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Look at that one
Just look at it
With his rabbit ears
He`ll soon shed tears.
He thinks he owns the road
But he doesn`t know he`s just a toad
If you declare him null and void
He`ll instead think he`s buoyed.
Copyright 2010
Look at that one
Just look at it
With his rabbit ears
He`ll soon shed tears.
He thinks he owns the road
But he doesn`t know he`s just a toad
If you declare him null and void
He`ll instead think he`s buoyed.
Copyright 2010
GOD AS A BIG GUN
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Our God isn`t a small man
No, he`s a real big gun
And a smoking one too
Only he can fire himself
No one else can
Not even you.
copyright 2010
Our God isn`t a small man
No, he`s a real big gun
And a smoking one too
Only he can fire himself
No one else can
Not even you.
copyright 2010
LIVING AS A DIASPORAN
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Response to a question put to me by MICRO WAVE on camnetwork.
Yes, Micro Wave. My answer to your question is that I have lived outside of Cameroon. I was three years in France and fifteen years in Britain.
In the end I came to realize that I was helping the "nationals" of those countries to realize their national dreams at my expense, including paying taxes to them and cleaning up their backyard and educating their young ones. Even so, I was saddled with the additional battle of having to justify each day that I was "good enough" to study, live and work in their country. But then, that never stopped them from wondering loudly to me why I had to leave my "bush country where people live on trees with monkeys" in order to "invade" them, take away their jobs and even women.
Here in Cameroon, I still fight battles. But there`s a marked difference: they`re MY battles, in my own backyard; and I pay taxes to my own country. A lot of us in the Diaspora moan about Paul Biya. Some even upload on to this forum, photographs that according to them depict Cameroon as a "bad" country. That may be so. But your Texas or DC neighbour who sees the images will still identify them with you, whether you like it or not. It`s an albatross around our necks. And talking about uploading pictures, since you live in the US, why not also upload those of George Bush`s atrocities in Iraq or the spoils of the oil spill, or the abject poverty in the slums of America. In the end, we are like "civilized African monkeys" mounting the stage to entertain our White neighbours, thinking that we are vilifying the country of our birth.
Paul Biya may be a bad president. Yes, but what are you doing to give us a better one? Are you throwing in your weight behind a credible opposition leader who can take over? Paul Biya may have brought immense suffering to Cameroonians. But what have you done to alleviate it apart from shouting from your ivory tower? This is Christmas. Did you send Father Christmas gifts here for any of the children? How many wells have you sunk in the rural areas in a bid to provide potable water? How many children have you sponsored in school? Have you ever reacted to any disaster here in Cameroon, such as the Lake Nyos explosion, the Nsam Fire Disaster, the Mount Cameroon eruption, etc? In short, what do we have to show for all the talking?
While Billy is using his camera to mock the country, NGOs such as PLAN INTERNATIONAL are using theirs to mobilize funds for rural development in the country. Find out for yourself the work done by this and other NGOs so far.
I hear some people say Paul Biya should be stopped from running for president again. But tell us how, where and when. Tell us who will do it, accompanied by whom. This reminds me of the clan of mice that moaned the fact that the house cat was decimating their numbers. So after deliberating in a meeting, the mice decided that the best thing to do would be to tie a bell round the neck of the cat so that it would alert them whenever the predator was approaching. When it now came to who actually would tie the bell round the cat`s neck, everyone stepped backwards and there was no one to do it. Like I once said, it is not by wishing that Paul Biya will not run that he will also not run. As far as I am concerned, if the constitution allows him to run, he should run. But the constitution also allows others to run such as the opposition parties and single candidates of the lack of Kah Wallah. At least she is not just talking! Aren`t we tired of making exactly the same noises day in day out?
S.T, Muna once aptly remarked that “people come and go but the nation remains”. Paul Biya is not the first president of Cameroon and will surely not be the last. Even so, there is enough room for all of us in the”house”. The next elections are in 2018, as things stand. Those of us who find next year`s elections too close can look ahead. After all, politics is like football. It`s not screaming and hurling abuse. It is strategizing and self control.
Copyright 2010
Response to a question put to me by MICRO WAVE on camnetwork.
Yes, Micro Wave. My answer to your question is that I have lived outside of Cameroon. I was three years in France and fifteen years in Britain.
In the end I came to realize that I was helping the "nationals" of those countries to realize their national dreams at my expense, including paying taxes to them and cleaning up their backyard and educating their young ones. Even so, I was saddled with the additional battle of having to justify each day that I was "good enough" to study, live and work in their country. But then, that never stopped them from wondering loudly to me why I had to leave my "bush country where people live on trees with monkeys" in order to "invade" them, take away their jobs and even women.
Here in Cameroon, I still fight battles. But there`s a marked difference: they`re MY battles, in my own backyard; and I pay taxes to my own country. A lot of us in the Diaspora moan about Paul Biya. Some even upload on to this forum, photographs that according to them depict Cameroon as a "bad" country. That may be so. But your Texas or DC neighbour who sees the images will still identify them with you, whether you like it or not. It`s an albatross around our necks. And talking about uploading pictures, since you live in the US, why not also upload those of George Bush`s atrocities in Iraq or the spoils of the oil spill, or the abject poverty in the slums of America. In the end, we are like "civilized African monkeys" mounting the stage to entertain our White neighbours, thinking that we are vilifying the country of our birth.
Paul Biya may be a bad president. Yes, but what are you doing to give us a better one? Are you throwing in your weight behind a credible opposition leader who can take over? Paul Biya may have brought immense suffering to Cameroonians. But what have you done to alleviate it apart from shouting from your ivory tower? This is Christmas. Did you send Father Christmas gifts here for any of the children? How many wells have you sunk in the rural areas in a bid to provide potable water? How many children have you sponsored in school? Have you ever reacted to any disaster here in Cameroon, such as the Lake Nyos explosion, the Nsam Fire Disaster, the Mount Cameroon eruption, etc? In short, what do we have to show for all the talking?
While Billy is using his camera to mock the country, NGOs such as PLAN INTERNATIONAL are using theirs to mobilize funds for rural development in the country. Find out for yourself the work done by this and other NGOs so far.
I hear some people say Paul Biya should be stopped from running for president again. But tell us how, where and when. Tell us who will do it, accompanied by whom. This reminds me of the clan of mice that moaned the fact that the house cat was decimating their numbers. So after deliberating in a meeting, the mice decided that the best thing to do would be to tie a bell round the neck of the cat so that it would alert them whenever the predator was approaching. When it now came to who actually would tie the bell round the cat`s neck, everyone stepped backwards and there was no one to do it. Like I once said, it is not by wishing that Paul Biya will not run that he will also not run. As far as I am concerned, if the constitution allows him to run, he should run. But the constitution also allows others to run such as the opposition parties and single candidates of the lack of Kah Wallah. At least she is not just talking! Aren`t we tired of making exactly the same noises day in day out?
S.T, Muna once aptly remarked that “people come and go but the nation remains”. Paul Biya is not the first president of Cameroon and will surely not be the last. Even so, there is enough room for all of us in the”house”. The next elections are in 2018, as things stand. Those of us who find next year`s elections too close can look ahead. After all, politics is like football. It`s not screaming and hurling abuse. It is strategizing and self control.
Copyright 2010
mercredi 22 décembre 2010
MESSAGE TO MBU (BAFORCHU) SONS AND DAUGHTERS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Please note that we now have our own website discussion forum which has already brought together hundreds of us from all over the world. The latest news and other burning issues about the community are always immediately relayed on the forum so that they reach signed up members instantly. Members are also able to participate in discussions.The forum is interactive.
To sign up, simply send a textless email, that is, a blank email with no message whatsoever to:
.
If that fails, then email me on either or tikumazonga@rocketmail.com.
Miyaka
TMA
Mbudca_global Coordinator
Copyright 2010
Please note that we now have our own website discussion forum which has already brought together hundreds of us from all over the world. The latest news and other burning issues about the community are always immediately relayed on the forum so that they reach signed up members instantly. Members are also able to participate in discussions.The forum is interactive.
To sign up, simply send a textless email, that is, a blank email with no message whatsoever to:
If that fails, then email me on either
Miyaka
TMA
Mbudca_global Coordinator
Copyright 2010
mardi 21 décembre 2010
CHICKENS TOO GOOD FOR CHRISTMAS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Have the chickens not come home?
Don`t they know it`s Christmas today?
Or do they simply take us for new gnomes
And our kindred for wrapped gifts for the Lamas?
Copyright 2010
Have the chickens not come home?
Don`t they know it`s Christmas today?
Or do they simply take us for new gnomes
And our kindred for wrapped gifts for the Lamas?
Copyright 2010
THE MISSING PARCEL
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Where did you send it?
And how did you send it?
If you did so from Kousseri
Shouldn`t it have been from Kribi?
Copyright 2010
Where did you send it?
And how did you send it?
If you did so from Kousseri
Shouldn`t it have been from Kribi?
Copyright 2010
GOD, THE GREATEST
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Wake me Lord, when I`m asleep
Feed me Lord, when I`m hungry
Pour down the drink Lord, when I`m thirsty
Give me hearing Lord, when I`m dumb
Give me sight Lord, when I`m blind
Whisk me away, Lord when I`m tempted
Turn me around Lord, when I turn away.
Make me your slave Lord, when I disown you
Gag my mouth Lord, when I curse you
Tie my legs Lord, when I walk away from you
Tag me Lord, when I confuse you
Smack me Lord, when I don`t worship you
Flatten me like bread flour on the table, oh Lord
If I question you.
For who am I , if not your wanton sheep?
Who am I if not your holy temple?
What am I if not an unworthy child?
What am I if not a mere parasite?
I am nothing but trouble to you?
What is my future without you, if not a bleak one?
That`s why when I`m downcast, you cheer me up
When I`m weak at the knees, you carry me
When I sneeze, you pat me on the back
When I weep, you wipe my tears.
Who else is greater than thou
Who on this whole wide earth?
Nobody
None
Only you
Because you are the greatest.
Copyright 2010
Wake me Lord, when I`m asleep
Feed me Lord, when I`m hungry
Pour down the drink Lord, when I`m thirsty
Give me hearing Lord, when I`m dumb
Give me sight Lord, when I`m blind
Whisk me away, Lord when I`m tempted
Turn me around Lord, when I turn away.
Make me your slave Lord, when I disown you
Gag my mouth Lord, when I curse you
Tie my legs Lord, when I walk away from you
Tag me Lord, when I confuse you
Smack me Lord, when I don`t worship you
Flatten me like bread flour on the table, oh Lord
If I question you.
For who am I , if not your wanton sheep?
Who am I if not your holy temple?
What am I if not an unworthy child?
What am I if not a mere parasite?
I am nothing but trouble to you?
What is my future without you, if not a bleak one?
That`s why when I`m downcast, you cheer me up
When I`m weak at the knees, you carry me
When I sneeze, you pat me on the back
When I weep, you wipe my tears.
Who else is greater than thou
Who on this whole wide earth?
Nobody
None
Only you
Because you are the greatest.
Copyright 2010
THE LORD AS MY FORTRESS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Not only does my own soul sing
It pines for the Lord
When I`m wounded and afflicted
And have no more straw to draw
I turn to him for comfort and solace
He is my rock, by barricade, my fortress and my refuge.
He is my life, my future and my destiny.
Copyright 2010
Not only does my own soul sing
It pines for the Lord
When I`m wounded and afflicted
And have no more straw to draw
I turn to him for comfort and solace
He is my rock, by barricade, my fortress and my refuge.
He is my life, my future and my destiny.
Copyright 2010
UNRESOLVED PARISH MATTERS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Are you about to leave
Or are you just ready to heave?
If the parish announces another wedding
Then what do we do about family planning?
Copyright 2010
Are you about to leave
Or are you just ready to heave?
If the parish announces another wedding
Then what do we do about family planning?
Copyright 2010
LOGS TOO SHORT FOR THE LORD
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Will these few logs do?
Or shall we again send for the handyman?
If we don`t want another boo
Let`s plot and execute like the last journeyman.
Copyright 2010
Will these few logs do?
Or shall we again send for the handyman?
If we don`t want another boo
Let`s plot and execute like the last journeyman.
Copyright 2010
HUCKELBERRIES WITH NO OVERSEER
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Our huckleberries have let us down
They have come without their premolars
Of what use then are April shoots
If there will be no one to count them?
Copyright 2010
Our huckleberries have let us down
They have come without their premolars
Of what use then are April shoots
If there will be no one to count them?
Copyright 2010
lundi 20 décembre 2010
THE EGG MEN FROM MEIGANGA
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We`re all egg men
Even you
So don`t start blowing hot and cold
That won`t get you anywhere.
We`re not in Meiganga because we like it
Meiganga was forced on us by the wind
You see? The wind again
So beware of egg men.
Copyright 2010
We`re all egg men
Even you
So don`t start blowing hot and cold
That won`t get you anywhere.
We`re not in Meiganga because we like it
Meiganga was forced on us by the wind
You see? The wind again
So beware of egg men.
Copyright 2010
HISTORY AS A FALL
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
History is a lesson for all
That`s why it`s said pride goes before a fall
So if Mobutu goes unnoticed
We shall all go barefaced.
Copyright 2010
History is a lesson for all
That`s why it`s said pride goes before a fall
So if Mobutu goes unnoticed
We shall all go barefaced.
Copyright 2010
UNITY STARS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Cities aren`t http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifnecessarily stars
Although they may possess stars
So if for once Unity Palace stars in a play
Then for once all Cameroonians have had their day.
Copyright 2010
Cities aren`t http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifnecessarily stars
Although they may possess stars
So if for once Unity Palace stars in a play
Then for once all Cameroonians have had their day.
Copyright 2010
dimanche 12 décembre 2010
THE BIYA-FRU NDI MEETING
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Copy of a reply sent to Mbunwe Charles on FACEBOOK
Hi Mbunwe,
I read your comments on the BIYA-FRU NDI meeting. You talk about “fighting Biya.” That`s fine. It`s your democratic and civic right. But every action should have an aim, an objective. What is yours in the fight? Is it to create a vacuum in the country? What do you fight him with? Words? The ballot box? A military coup? What option have you chosen? And what is your timetable? Who are the people in your fight? What is their remuneration? What is your source of funding? And for how long will you hold out?
You caption your photo of the Biya-Fru Ndi as one in which Fru Ndi is "begging for money". Is that not just an assumption? Were you there and heard him asking? How much did he ask for? How much was he given? Was in cash or by cheque or by travellers` cheques or by bank transfer, etc?
Whatever way you view it, by sitting down and talking – at last, at long last – the two men have shown a great act of statesmanship. Israelis and the Palestinians have sat down and talked; Cameroon and Nigerian have sat down and talked. Even the Holy Bible recommends dialogue that when there is a conflict between people dialogue should be used to solve it. So why shouldn’t Biya and Fru Ndi sit down and talk? It`s healthy for the country and for world peace.
Thanks for your friendship invitation. I have responded positively.
Copyright 2010
Copy of a reply sent to Mbunwe Charles on FACEBOOK
Hi Mbunwe,
I read your comments on the BIYA-FRU NDI meeting. You talk about “fighting Biya.” That`s fine. It`s your democratic and civic right. But every action should have an aim, an objective. What is yours in the fight? Is it to create a vacuum in the country? What do you fight him with? Words? The ballot box? A military coup? What option have you chosen? And what is your timetable? Who are the people in your fight? What is their remuneration? What is your source of funding? And for how long will you hold out?
You caption your photo of the Biya-Fru Ndi as one in which Fru Ndi is "begging for money". Is that not just an assumption? Were you there and heard him asking? How much did he ask for? How much was he given? Was in cash or by cheque or by travellers` cheques or by bank transfer, etc?
Whatever way you view it, by sitting down and talking – at last, at long last – the two men have shown a great act of statesmanship. Israelis and the Palestinians have sat down and talked; Cameroon and Nigerian have sat down and talked. Even the Holy Bible recommends dialogue that when there is a conflict between people dialogue should be used to solve it. So why shouldn’t Biya and Fru Ndi sit down and talk? It`s healthy for the country and for world peace.
Thanks for your friendship invitation. I have responded positively.
Copyright 2010
samedi 4 décembre 2010
THE LONG RANGE GENERAL
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I`m no renegade general
I`m a commander of integrity and serenity
I don`t fear my troops
My troops fear me.
My jurisdiction is national
And my watchword, intensity
I can move in swoops
Just like I can shoot like a bee.
Copyright 2010
I`m no renegade general
I`m a commander of integrity and serenity
I don`t fear my troops
My troops fear me.
My jurisdiction is national
And my watchword, intensity
I can move in swoops
Just like I can shoot like a bee.
Copyright 2010
CHANGED LANGUAGE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
They didn`t deny it
They accepted everything
That was then
And this is now
Today they swore they knew nothing about them
It was news, they said
Surely, someone framing them.
Copyright 2010
They didn`t deny it
They accepted everything
That was then
And this is now
Today they swore they knew nothing about them
It was news, they said
Surely, someone framing them.
Copyright 2010
OVER AND DONE WITH
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It`s over
It`s all over
So, forget it
Never again shall it happen
Never.
Not in my lifetime
So you may as well forget it all.
Copyright 2010
It`s over
It`s all over
So, forget it
Never again shall it happen
Never.
Not in my lifetime
So you may as well forget it all.
Copyright 2010
A HOLOW SHAM
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Yes, I will say it again
I will even shout it if you want
This blackened roof top of a sanctuary
Is the worst hollow sham I`ve even seen
Go and tell the governor
If you like.
Copyright 2010
Yes, I will say it again
I will even shout it if you want
This blackened roof top of a sanctuary
Is the worst hollow sham I`ve even seen
Go and tell the governor
If you like.
Copyright 2010
THE WEIGHT OF BRICKS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The charge is high, too high
If a single brick weighs a ton
Then what would we expect of the cross
If it wasn`t carried by our Lord?
Copyright 2010
The charge is high, too high
If a single brick weighs a ton
Then what would we expect of the cross
If it wasn`t carried by our Lord?
Copyright 2010
THE MISTAKEN VOICE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I dialed your number
But instead of your voice
I heard that of the curator
Isn`t there some mistake?
Copyright 2010
I dialed your number
But instead of your voice
I heard that of the curator
Isn`t there some mistake?
Copyright 2010
ELEVEN AS THE TIME
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
My first and only class is at eleven
Distant and far from Hardy`s madding crowd
So when the choir Mistress complains of the cold
I don`t know which spaniel to take first.
Copyright 2010
My first and only class is at eleven
Distant and far from Hardy`s madding crowd
So when the choir Mistress complains of the cold
I don`t know which spaniel to take first.
Copyright 2010
mercredi 1 décembre 2010
A SLIP OF THE TONGUE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Did he really say that?
Or are you kidding?
Does he know what he`s up against
Or does he think that because his retired uncle owns the town
Everyone is now his slave?
All they can do is feed themselves fat
And keep everyone else, even the widows dangling
And then turn round and accuse everyone else of betraying angst
Does that tart really know he’s a clown?
Yet the lout thinks that in the entire world he alone is brave.
Copyright 2010
Did he really say that?
Or are you kidding?
Does he know what he`s up against
Or does he think that because his retired uncle owns the town
Everyone is now his slave?
All they can do is feed themselves fat
And keep everyone else, even the widows dangling
And then turn round and accuse everyone else of betraying angst
Does that tart really know he’s a clown?
Yet the lout thinks that in the entire world he alone is brave.
Copyright 2010
samedi 27 novembre 2010
TODAY`S IMPRESS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Your is a cut above the rest
That`s why it`s the best
But when you reach the crest
It will be at my behest.
Copyright 2010
Your is a cut above the rest
That`s why it`s the best
But when you reach the crest
It will be at my behest.
Copyright 2010
THE MILKY GLARE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
This is not the Milky Way
That`s why it`s the best
But when you reach the crest
It will be at my behest.
Copyright 2010
This is not the Milky Way
That`s why it`s the best
But when you reach the crest
It will be at my behest.
Copyright 2010
CHAMPIONS WITHOUT A PODIUM
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We`re the champions
Not because we carried the day
But because the day carried us
When we`re called up to the podium
Will there be room for everyone
Or will the surface be too small for our numbers?
Copyright 2010
We`re the champions
Not because we carried the day
But because the day carried us
When we`re called up to the podium
Will there be room for everyone
Or will the surface be too small for our numbers?
Copyright 2010
THE MISSED LINKS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I know the rest
Even if I don`t know the best
In a country like this where everyone drinks
What can you do when the boss loses his links?
Copyright 2010
I know the rest
Even if I don`t know the best
In a country like this where everyone drinks
What can you do when the boss loses his links?
Copyright 2010
TEST FLIGHT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The roller skaters are gone
They sped past ages ago
With their shirt tails flying
And their velvet canvass shoes glistening in the sun
Like the oiled skin of the Negro woman
We didn`t ask why
But we knew their Cossacks were in tact
Tomorrow when the legion commander asks
We`ll stick out our tongues for him to see.
Copyright 2010
samedi 20 novembre 2010
THE CHAIRMAN AND HIS VANGUARDS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The vanguards are out
Out with impunity and a vengeance in all their spendour
Each carries a policeman`s baton
They come forth with a common goal
To make the chairman
And not unmake him
To unearth him
And not bury him
They`re armed to the teeth for the bout
Despite their abject innocence and apparent candour
Although they`ve never been to Clapton
That`s because they carry a common goal
And like a single man
They want to achieve it with no whim
They won`t even for a kingdom re-baptize their boss, "Tim"
Neither will they offer him a mere Sim
That`s why today they`ve sworn they`ll make Paul Biya fear him
Copyright 2010
The vanguards are out
Out with impunity and a vengeance in all their spendour
Each carries a policeman`s baton
They come forth with a common goal
To make the chairman
And not unmake him
To unearth him
And not bury him
They`re armed to the teeth for the bout
Despite their abject innocence and apparent candour
Although they`ve never been to Clapton
That`s because they carry a common goal
And like a single man
They want to achieve it with no whim
They won`t even for a kingdom re-baptize their boss, "Tim"
Neither will they offer him a mere Sim
That`s why today they`ve sworn they`ll make Paul Biya fear him
Copyright 2010
vendredi 19 novembre 2010
THE DOG STORY
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I didn`t tell him anything
I`m not a sell-out
So if you think your crosses have remained unanswered
Then ask the village dog
He knows best.
Copyright 2010
I didn`t tell him anything
I`m not a sell-out
So if you think your crosses have remained unanswered
Then ask the village dog
He knows best.
Copyright 2010
jeudi 18 novembre 2010
ALONE WITH THE SAME HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
(Reminiscences of an old nursery school rime that left a lasting impression on me).
I saw the house that Jack built
I saw it with my own eyes
But I found no rat in it
However, I found scattered grains of corn
Strewn all over the floor
As if the rats had just visited
Apart from that odd find
Nothing else lay in the house that Jack built
So I wondered
Should I trek all the way to Nottingham
To see what legacy Lord Byron left
Or should I contend myself with
The leftovers of the sour malt
And the loose white hairs from the beleaguered cat`s body
The footman said he preserved?
And why should I believe him anyway?
I didn`t see the dog, nor the man, nor the priest nor the maiden
But as I came away disappointed
I heard ringing in my poor ears
Children`s deafening voices singing
This is the house that Jack built.
Copyright 2010
(Reminiscences of an old nursery school rime that left a lasting impression on me).
I saw the house that Jack built
I saw it with my own eyes
But I found no rat in it
However, I found scattered grains of corn
Strewn all over the floor
As if the rats had just visited
Apart from that odd find
Nothing else lay in the house that Jack built
So I wondered
Should I trek all the way to Nottingham
To see what legacy Lord Byron left
Or should I contend myself with
The leftovers of the sour malt
And the loose white hairs from the beleaguered cat`s body
The footman said he preserved?
And why should I believe him anyway?
I didn`t see the dog, nor the man, nor the priest nor the maiden
But as I came away disappointed
I heard ringing in my poor ears
Children`s deafening voices singing
This is the house that Jack built.
Copyright 2010
mercredi 17 novembre 2010
GRANDMA`S KNEE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
One more sound
Just one more
And you`re dead
You can trust me.
If God`s world wasn`t round
And all axe men weren`t one
Then everything on this earth would I dread
Even grandma`s knee.
Copyright 2010
One more sound
Just one more
And you`re dead
You can trust me.
If God`s world wasn`t round
And all axe men weren`t one
Then everything on this earth would I dread
Even grandma`s knee.
Copyright 2010
THE QUEEN`S THING
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It`s not a stereotype
Neither is it media hype
It`s something stolen from Halloween
Just for the queen
My queen.
Copyright 2010
It`s not a stereotype
Neither is it media hype
It`s something stolen from Halloween
Just for the queen
My queen.
Copyright 2010
MOMENT OF LAMENTATION
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I don`t know where she went
But I know she fell sick
Since like spilled B.P. she`s slick
I know we`ll lament.
Copyright 2010
I don`t know where she went
But I know she fell sick
Since like spilled B.P. she`s slick
I know we`ll lament.
Copyright 2010
MOTHER`S OLD STUD
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The car was jammed in the mud
nd I, frozen like a chicken in the fridge
But when I crossed the ridge
Like Le Niveau Seuil of Monsieur Zask in Besançon
Mother immediately sent for her stud.
Copyright 2010
The car was jammed in the mud
nd I, frozen like a chicken in the fridge
But when I crossed the ridge
Like Le Niveau Seuil of Monsieur Zask in Besançon
Mother immediately sent for her stud.
Copyright 2010
DEBT REPAYMENT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
When the debt is settled
I`ll free your brains
But for now, you`ll stay nettled and nestled
Until we hear the quarrel of the rains.
Copyright 2010
When the debt is settled
I`ll free your brains
But for now, you`ll stay nettled and nestled
Until we hear the quarrel of the rains.
Copyright 2010
FLASHES OF A FATHER`S COFFEE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Coffee also blooms and blossoms
When it`s time
That`s what my dad told me
And that`s what I saw.
If you live in the upper rooms
And each day imbibe a drop of lime
You`ll also prefer coffee to teat
And you`ll detest cubes of ice that refuse to thaw.
Copyright 2010
Coffee also blooms and blossoms
When it`s time
That`s what my dad told me
And that`s what I saw.
If you live in the upper rooms
And each day imbibe a drop of lime
You`ll also prefer coffee to teat
And you`ll detest cubes of ice that refuse to thaw.
Copyright 2010
THE MOON AT NIGHT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The moon is an old man
The old man with the poised axe
It`s such an exquisite beauty
But why only at night?
Copyright 2010
The moon is an old man
The old man with the poised axe
It`s such an exquisite beauty
But why only at night?
Copyright 2010
PEARS AS MERE URCHINS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I don`t like pumpkins
But I love ripe pears
When I`m in tears
They serve as my urchins.
Copyright 2010
I don`t like pumpkins
But I love ripe pears
When I`m in tears
They serve as my urchins.
Copyright 2010
THE HIDDEN CLAWS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Rain drops are a toothless dog
They don`t frighten me
So save your breath for your porridge
I`m not the cat that bears its claws.
Copyright 2010
Rain drops are a toothless dog
They don`t frighten me
So save your breath for your porridge
I`m not the cat that bears its claws.
Copyright 2010
THE LITTLE SURPRISES
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
What then surprises you?
Nothing?
And you think you exist?
Why don`t you try the summer camp?
Or the princess` early wine?
Forget about special needs
Leave that to the Faculty
Try tripping over steep rocks
And flying into New York at night
Try interpreting the symbols of Bismark
Try all of those
I assure you you won`t be the same again.
Copyright 2010
What then surprises you?
Nothing?
And you think you exist?
Why don`t you try the summer camp?
Or the princess` early wine?
Forget about special needs
Leave that to the Faculty
Try tripping over steep rocks
And flying into New York at night
Try interpreting the symbols of Bismark
Try all of those
I assure you you won`t be the same again.
Copyright 2010
OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The crown`s too heavy
I need to shed a few more pounds
But if they`re made of gold
Then by all means, pile on more.
Copyright 2010
The crown`s too heavy
I need to shed a few more pounds
But if they`re made of gold
Then by all means, pile on more.
Copyright 2010
THE FON`s young wives
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We were near the end
But not dead
When the first Nchinda yawned
And we thought the cat was found
The Fon pulled out a loaf of bread
And his young wives he started tending.
Copyright 2010
We were near the end
But not dead
When the first Nchinda yawned
And we thought the cat was found
The Fon pulled out a loaf of bread
And his young wives he started tending.
Copyright 2010
WHERE SINGERS CONVERGE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Ours is not a House of Exile
Not another one!
As if we didn`t have enough of them already
We also have our artists, authors and top class labels
We are all stars in our own right
We sing wherever we pitch our camps
That`s why we are also freedom fighters.
Copyright 2010
Ours is not a House of Exile
Not another one!
As if we didn`t have enough of them already
We also have our artists, authors and top class labels
We are all stars in our own right
We sing wherever we pitch our camps
That`s why we are also freedom fighters.
Copyright 2010
mardi 16 novembre 2010
THE RIGHT SHOPPING LIST
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Momentum is not the only answer
Forget about ligaments, prefixes and Stonehenge
That is all history
So, who wants to live in the past?
Whether your page is original, aboriginal or cardinal
What we yearn for is a flat top with a round chisel
An odd man`s tie without knots
And above all, the cloth in which Jesus was wrapped.
Copyright 2010
Momentum is not the only answer
Forget about ligaments, prefixes and Stonehenge
That is all history
So, who wants to live in the past?
Whether your page is original, aboriginal or cardinal
What we yearn for is a flat top with a round chisel
An odd man`s tie without knots
And above all, the cloth in which Jesus was wrapped.
Copyright 2010
THE SEARCH FOR A CANDIDATE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Mine is a multi-faceted prism
The primary aim being dreams without visions
We don`t care so much about big picture crow bars
What we rate highly is critical acumen
And the ability to lead
So if any man recognizes
The right candidate in himself
Let him step forward now
Or for ever hold his wretched peace.
Copyright 2010
Mine is a multi-faceted prism
The primary aim being dreams without visions
We don`t care so much about big picture crow bars
What we rate highly is critical acumen
And the ability to lead
So if any man recognizes
The right candidate in himself
Let him step forward now
Or for ever hold his wretched peace.
Copyright 2010
GAMES IN HIGH GEAR
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We all watched the games
We watched them from the emperor`s porch
And so missed nothing whatsoever
They were grandiose and highly choreographic
The Koreans weren`t there
But it didn`t matter
Because we had the Chinese, friends in deed.
Here for once
Paper documents didn`t matter
Although we had them
It was just for form, a mere formality
And of course, when the Commissioner came out
He didn`t ask for them
He instead asked for a shot of whiskey.
We all watched the games
We watched them from the emperor`s porch
And so missed nothing whatsoever
They were grandiose and highly choreographic
The Koreans weren`t there
But it didn`t matter
Because we had the Chinese, friends in deed.
Here for once
Paper documents didn`t matter
Although we had them
It was just for form, a mere formality
And of course, when the Commissioner came out
He didn`t ask for them
He instead asked for a shot of whiskey.
THE RICH RAT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
No, My rat is different
It`s not a church rat
It`s a bank rat
It doesn`t feed on home grains
Nor the priest`s sacred wafers
It feeds on money
Bank notes,paper money
Coins
And even the bullions
So it`s a rich rat
It`s richer than all the others put together
It lacks nothing
And has everything.
Copyright 2010
No, My rat is different
It`s not a church rat
It`s a bank rat
It doesn`t feed on home grains
Nor the priest`s sacred wafers
It feeds on money
Bank notes,paper money
Coins
And even the bullions
So it`s a rich rat
It`s richer than all the others put together
It lacks nothing
And has everything.
Copyright 2010
lundi 15 novembre 2010
HOUSE ON LIES
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It`s a black house
Sun dried bricks
Not the dreaded cement blocks
And it`s all for lovely Alice.
I`m a church man, not a church mouse
So if you come here full of tricks
Don`t bank on my new clocks
All the things you say will be termed, "lies".
Copyright 2010
It`s a black house
Sun dried bricks
Not the dreaded cement blocks
And it`s all for lovely Alice.
I`m a church man, not a church mouse
So if you come here full of tricks
Don`t bank on my new clocks
All the things you say will be termed, "lies".
Copyright 2010
GOD OF THE UNIVERSE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Glory to God the highest
For none can rise higher than him
If he orders me tom swim
Who am I? Am I not here to give him my best?
Copyright 2010
Glory to God the highest
For none can rise higher than him
If he orders me tom swim
Who am I? Am I not here to give him my best?
Copyright 2010
CASH POINT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The processing will go ahead
If you`re too heavy to rise
Then remain in your seat
But when our cashier comes round
Don`t rise.
Copyright 2010
The processing will go ahead
If you`re too heavy to rise
Then remain in your seat
But when our cashier comes round
Don`t rise.
Copyright 2010
THE WEDDING RING
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
When will it come
And by what means?
There are no more obituaries
And no more door men.
Copyright 2010
When will it come
And by what means?
There are no more obituaries
And no more door men.
Copyright 2010
FOUR COMBS FOR THE ELDER
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
This is the breakthrough
For those from the loo
But just in case you have a blue comb in your bag
Report to the Senior Church Elder.
Copyright 2010
This is the breakthrough
For those from the loo
But just in case you have a blue comb in your bag
Report to the Senior Church Elder.
Copyright 2010
GOLD FROM IDENAU
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
(For The Principal of GHS Idenau)
These are no hidden treasures
They`re just pearls from Idenau
If you trip on just one of them
It turns into pure unalloyed gold.
Copyright 2010
(For The Principal of GHS Idenau)
These are no hidden treasures
They`re just pearls from Idenau
If you trip on just one of them
It turns into pure unalloyed gold.
Copyright 2010
OUT OF THE BLAST FURNACE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I`m so fired up
The horrible cold means nothing to me
If you thrust me in the blast furnace
I`ll melt it, simply.
Copyright 2010
I`m so fired up
The horrible cold means nothing to me
If you thrust me in the blast furnace
I`ll melt it, simply.
Copyright 2010
samedi 13 novembre 2010
L`OMBRE DE DIEU
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
L`ombre de l`obstruction plane
Au-dessus de nos têtes
Et pendant trop longtemps aussi
Si le bon créateur tel que je le connais
Revenait en catastrophe
Que lui dirions-nous ?
Copyright 2010
L`ombre de l`obstruction plane
Au-dessus de nos têtes
Et pendant trop longtemps aussi
Si le bon créateur tel que je le connais
Revenait en catastrophe
Que lui dirions-nous ?
Copyright 2010
LES SPERMES DU DIABLE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Les spermes à eux seuls ne comptent pas
Ce ne sont pas les millions de flèches attaquatoires
Qui nous forceront la main
Que non ! C`est plutôt la main de fer du prénommé
C`est elle qui frappera de son seau
Chaque maillon qui volera en éclats.
Copyright 2010
Les spermes à eux seuls ne comptent pas
Ce ne sont pas les millions de flèches attaquatoires
Qui nous forceront la main
Que non ! C`est plutôt la main de fer du prénommé
C`est elle qui frappera de son seau
Chaque maillon qui volera en éclats.
Copyright 2010
EVOLUTION
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Y a-t-il donc évolution ?
Ou est-ce une simple agitation ?
Alors, que dire de la froide lumière de notre paroisse
Et de l `affreux changement climatique ?
Copyright 2010
Y a-t-il donc évolution ?
Ou est-ce une simple agitation ?
Alors, que dire de la froide lumière de notre paroisse
Et de l `affreux changement climatique ?
Copyright 2010
LE PARCOURS DE L`OEUF
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
L`œuf caché peut exploser
Tout comme l`œuf cassé peut éclore
Oui, il peut toujours éclore
Le pape ne se brosse-t-il pas
Cinq jours par semaine ?
Copyright 2010
L`œuf caché peut exploser
Tout comme l`œuf cassé peut éclore
Oui, il peut toujours éclore
Le pape ne se brosse-t-il pas
Cinq jours par semaine ?
Copyright 2010
MES POINTS FAIBLES
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Ma jupe est mon courage
Mes ailes d`or, ma cure
Ma nouvelle boucle, mon boudoir
Et mes cercles poétiques, mon Dieu.
Copyright 2010
Ma jupe est mon courage
Mes ailes d`or, ma cure
Ma nouvelle boucle, mon boudoir
Et mes cercles poétiques, mon Dieu.
Copyright 2010
LES CRAINTES DE MARGUERITE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
De quoi est-elle amoureuse ?
Eh bien, du plein et du vide
Du firmament et de l`âme
De l`aile du moucheron
De toutes les peurs sacrées
Des premières brises royales
De la Nouvelle Angleterre
Mais surtout de la reine Elisabeth.
Copyright 2010
De quoi est-elle amoureuse ?
Eh bien, du plein et du vide
Du firmament et de l`âme
De l`aile du moucheron
De toutes les peurs sacrées
Des premières brises royales
De la Nouvelle Angleterre
Mais surtout de la reine Elisabeth.
Copyright 2010
vendredi 12 novembre 2010
THE DICTATOR`S AGENDA
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We`re no tin pot yes men
No, we`re modern day rulers of the first order
Between us and the founding fathers
There`s only a thin line
Thicker than the Chinese wall
We don`t rush our citizens
We push them
We don`t feed our children
We starve them
When the next nobel peace winner is announced
I`ll surely be the one
I`l get it for a job well done.
Copyright 2010
We`re no tin pot yes men
No, we`re modern day rulers of the first order
Between us and the founding fathers
There`s only a thin line
Thicker than the Chinese wall
We don`t rush our citizens
We push them
We don`t feed our children
We starve them
When the next nobel peace winner is announced
I`ll surely be the one
I`l get it for a job well done.
Copyright 2010
OUR RAY IN PARLIAMENT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
What did you expect?
That the roof would fall on my head?
Then you got it all wrong
Like Ray.
Unless you work it out in retrospect
You`ll have to exchange your possessions for lead
Because if parliament goes hung
Then we must all apply for leave of stay.
Copyright 2010
What did you expect?
That the roof would fall on my head?
Then you got it all wrong
Like Ray.
Unless you work it out in retrospect
You`ll have to exchange your possessions for lead
Because if parliament goes hung
Then we must all apply for leave of stay.
Copyright 2010
THE LONE TRAVELLER
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
She came by herself
Unescorted
If you were expecting the baby nurse
You`d have to wait for ever.
Copyright 2010
She came by herself
Unescorted
If you were expecting the baby nurse
You`d have to wait for ever.
Copyright 2010
THE BARTENDER`S BILL
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The bar is tender
And the bartender, sober
If we insist on the receipt
He`ll go downhill.
Copyright 2010
The bar is tender
And the bartender, sober
If we insist on the receipt
He`ll go downhill.
Copyright 2010
THE BENIGN SIGNATURE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
He doesn`t have to sign
That`s been done
So if the bite is only benign
Then let`s treat it with the scraped bone.
Copyright 2010
He doesn`t have to sign
That`s been done
So if the bite is only benign
Then let`s treat it with the scraped bone.
Copyright 2010
COD FOR DINNER
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The fight is over
So let`s stop the bickering
If you`re [problem is hunger
Why? Then pluck off another cod.
Copyright 2010
The fight is over
So let`s stop the bickering
If you`re [problem is hunger
Why? Then pluck off another cod.
Copyright 2010
THE DIFFERENCE IN COLOURS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
A yellow ball isn`t the same
As a yellow balloon
Both are round, yes
But one is near
And the other, far off.
Copyright 2010
A yellow ball isn`t the same
As a yellow balloon
Both are round, yes
But one is near
And the other, far off.
Copyright 2010
TWO MEN UP
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
The vice chancellor stood up first
And he did so without any prom ting
When the stewed then rose for thirst
Everyone was yelling and pointing.
Copyright 2010
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
The vice chancellor stood up first
And he did so without any prom ting
When the stewed then rose for thirst
Everyone was yelling and pointing.
Copyright 2010
WORTHY ACT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We`re proud of ourselves
Single handed, we brought them home
And now their wives are gone
What more can we ask for?
Copyright 2010
We`re proud of ourselves
Single handed, we brought them home
And now their wives are gone
What more can we ask for?
Copyright 2010
CONTRASTING RULERS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I may be hostile, wild and drab
But I`m also smooth, intimate and loving
That`s precisely why I`m neither Mao
Nor Mobutu.
Copyright 2010
I may be hostile, wild and drab
But I`m also smooth, intimate and loving
That`s precisely why I`m neither Mao
Nor Mobutu.
Copyright 2010
CHANGE OF FREQUENCY
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I love cross-cultural activities
Not like Chalm Potok, though
But when my feelings change
I emerge all covered with chalk.
Copyright 2010
I love cross-cultural activities
Not like Chalm Potok, though
But when my feelings change
I emerge all covered with chalk.
Copyright 2010
DIALOGUE BY THREE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I thrive on family circles
Even if they fail to rime
That`s why long before the Chinese arrived
I had dialogued with two prisoners.
Copyright 2010
I thrive on family circles
Even if they fail to rime
That`s why long before the Chinese arrived
I had dialogued with two prisoners.
Copyright 2010
THE MUTE TIN
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
At the top right-hand corner
Lies a tin too full to open
But just in case the door bell rings
Let the frying pan burn.
Copyright 2010
At the top right-hand corner
Lies a tin too full to open
But just in case the door bell rings
Let the frying pan burn.
Copyright 2010
OUT OF THIS WORLD
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I`m not an odd creature from outer space
Although I walk on sidewalks and curbs
Fromm the time I weighed chimps
I was a Delaware buffalo.
Copyright 2010
I`m not an odd creature from outer space
Although I walk on sidewalks and curbs
Fromm the time I weighed chimps
I was a Delaware buffalo.
Copyright 2010
jeudi 11 novembre 2010
THIS BREAD OF LIFE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Benchmarks aren`t really what I dread
No, rather it`s tentacles
As long as the wrong men serve as receptacles
I`ll live on three things only: bread, bread and bread.
Copyright 2010
Benchmarks aren`t really what I dread
No, rather it`s tentacles
As long as the wrong men serve as receptacles
I`ll live on three things only: bread, bread and bread.
Copyright 2010
EMBLEMS THAT FLY
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Unfold the emblems
And let its folded wings fly
Just as our old woman hems
So shall we rollick and frolic.
Copyright 2010
Unfold the emblems
And let its folded wings fly
Just as our old woman hems
So shall we rollick and frolic.
Copyright 2010
SET IN CONCRETE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I won`t wink
neither will I blink
Even if in my dream
I swim in ice-cold cream.
Copyright 2010
I won`t wink
neither will I blink
Even if in my dream
I swim in ice-cold cream.
Copyright 2010
RACES APART
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I`m the midnight owl
That`s why all day I howl
If you want to bring out all the widgets
You must turn us all into midgets.
Copyright 2010
I`m the midnight owl
That`s why all day I howl
If you want to bring out all the widgets
You must turn us all into midgets.
Copyright 2010
THE LAME GAME
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I know the game
But not through the telephone
That`s why when I read Volpone
I limp as if I were lame.
Copyright 2010
I know the game
But not through the telephone
That`s why when I read Volpone
I limp as if I were lame.
Copyright 2010
THE LEAVE OF ABSENCE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
If you`re sure
Let her http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifgo
But if in the end she becomes a foe
Then be sure your son will wear a tonsure.
Copyright 20410
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
If you`re sure
Let her http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifgo
But if in the end she becomes a foe
Then be sure your son will wear a tonsure.
Copyright 20410
THE UNSAID WORD
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
They didn't`t say so
If they had
I would have voted for the left
And reds would have been history
Why on earth do you think
The president, our president
Hides his beard?
Copyright 2010
They didn't`t say so
If they had
I would have voted for the left
And reds would have been history
Why on earth do you think
The president, our president
Hides his beard?
Copyright 2010
OUR QUICK DRINK
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I washed it down quickly
I gulped it down
And like the honourable member of parliament
I left the room giggling.
Copyright 2010
I washed it down quickly
I gulped it down
And like the honourable member of parliament
I left the room giggling.
Copyright 2010
THOSE PROPHETS OF DOOM
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
They`re simply criminal
That`s what they are
A few more of them
Just a few
And this generation will be lost
Wiped out
Buried.
Copyright 2010
They`re simply criminal
That`s what they are
A few more of them
Just a few
And this generation will be lost
Wiped out
Buried.
Copyright 2010
WHAT I EAT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I buy a lot of roast plantain
And I eat a lot of garlic onion
But when it comes to singing in the rain
I long for the holy dominion.
Copyright 2010
I buy a lot of roast plantain
And I eat a lot of garlic onion
But when it comes to singing in the rain
I long for the holy dominion.
Copyright 2010
LATER DAY DOGS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I cashed in on it
Why shouldn`t I have?
I too had been taken for a ride
That`s why I pulled down the blinds
So, today here where the Lilly birds sing without dancing
If another black dog passes by
We shoot it down
If no one else does
I will.
Copyright 2010
I cashed in on it
Why shouldn`t I have?
I too had been taken for a ride
That`s why I pulled down the blinds
So, today here where the Lilly birds sing without dancing
If another black dog passes by
We shoot it down
If no one else does
I will.
Copyright 2010
WE AND OUR WIVES
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We`re all in the cradle
Even the vice chancellor
So when the thunder birds reel
Our united wives will lift their velvet skirts and latter.
Copyright 2010
We`re all in the cradle
Even the vice chancellor
So when the thunder birds reel
Our united wives will lift their velvet skirts and latter.
Copyright 2010
LE FILS DU PRESIDENT
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
La première pluie est là
On n`y peut plus rien
Arrêtez alors l`achat des œufs
Des pots d`argile
Et des bouquets des faubourgs
Lorsque repassera le fils du président
On oubliera tout
Y compris la pluie.
Copyright 2010
La première pluie est là
On n`y peut plus rien
Arrêtez alors l`achat des œufs
Des pots d`argile
Et des bouquets des faubourgs
Lorsque repassera le fils du président
On oubliera tout
Y compris la pluie.
Copyright 2010
THE BOND MEN
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
These are the carry on men
Their word is very much their bond
And their tongues, pure unalloyed silver
If they serve wine
It drips like blood.
Copyright 2010
These are the carry on men
Their word is very much their bond
And their tongues, pure unalloyed silver
If they serve wine
It drips like blood.
Copyright 2010
LE JOUR DU VOTE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Tourne alors la page
Si tu peux
Ou veux-tu d`abord une autre glace ?
Finie la nonchalance des électeurs
Alors bonjour le vote sans scrutin.
Copyright 2010
Tourne alors la page
Si tu peux
Ou veux-tu d`abord une autre glace ?
Finie la nonchalance des électeurs
Alors bonjour le vote sans scrutin.
Copyright 2010
LE MYTHE DE SISYPHE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
(A Monsieur Jean Thomas, Chef du Département de Français au Lycée de Bambili où j`ai eu le bonheur de faire mes études. M. Thomas était également l`un de mes trois professeurs de cette discipline dans le dit établissement. Il m`a tenu en Traduction (Version) et en Littérature (Albert Camus dans `La Peste`). Les deux autres enseignants étaient M. Fallot (Traduction – Thème et Littérature Molière dans `Le Misanthrope`) et Mi. Villaudy (professeur de dissertation et de grammaire).
Tourne alors le dos
Et toi-même tu verras
Comment on déchante un homme vaillant et valeureux
Est-ce donc un mythe ?
Peut-être, mais
A condition que ce ne soit nullement
Un autre mythe de Sisyphe.
Copyright 2010
(A Monsieur Jean Thomas, Chef du Département de Français au Lycée de Bambili où j`ai eu le bonheur de faire mes études. M. Thomas était également l`un de mes trois professeurs de cette discipline dans le dit établissement. Il m`a tenu en Traduction (Version) et en Littérature (Albert Camus dans `La Peste`). Les deux autres enseignants étaient M. Fallot (Traduction – Thème et Littérature Molière dans `Le Misanthrope`) et Mi. Villaudy (professeur de dissertation et de grammaire).
Tourne alors le dos
Et toi-même tu verras
Comment on déchante un homme vaillant et valeureux
Est-ce donc un mythe ?
Peut-être, mais
A condition que ce ne soit nullement
Un autre mythe de Sisyphe.
Copyright 2010
LA FUITE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Le bâton que tu cherches est encore là
Et le sang que tu vends est déjà pourri
Alors, que vas-tu faire ?
Fuir ?
Copyright 2010
Le bâton que tu cherches est encore là
Et le sang que tu vends est déjà pourri
Alors, que vas-tu faire ?
Fuir ?
Copyright 2010
LE VIDE DU PERE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Entre l`Eternel et le néant
Il y a un vide
Pourtant ils sont pleins à craquer
Frappes la nuit, ils résonnent le matin
Alors, n`attendons-pas le président fondateur.
Copyright 2010
Entre l`Eternel et le néant
Il y a un vide
Pourtant ils sont pleins à craquer
Frappes la nuit, ils résonnent le matin
Alors, n`attendons-pas le président fondateur.
Copyright 2010
PLAQUE-TOURNANTE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Ici les femmes ne parlent pas
Elles gouvernent
Les hommes ne se taisent pas
Ils chuchotent.
Copyright 2010
Ici les femmes ne parlent pas
Elles gouvernent
Les hommes ne se taisent pas
Ils chuchotent.
Copyright 2010
LE TEMPS ROI
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Le concept du temps est
Furtif, futile, élusif et aléatoire
Si seulement on pouvait s`en passer !
Mais hélas !
Copyright 2010
Le concept du temps est
Furtif, futile, élusif et aléatoire
Si seulement on pouvait s`en passer !
Mais hélas !
Copyright 2010
WHY THESPIANS ARE WRONG
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I don`t know who a Thespian is
But I know Theophilus is one
That`s why I moan the rapid disappearance
Of glyphs from the surface of the earth
But if all you care about is an accolade
Then for God`s sake
Stop all hair implantation.
Copyright 2010
I don`t know who a Thespian is
But I know Theophilus is one
That`s why I moan the rapid disappearance
Of glyphs from the surface of the earth
But if all you care about is an accolade
Then for God`s sake
Stop all hair implantation.
Copyright 2010
THE MISSING LINK
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It`s no surprise ending
We all expected it
Call it cause and effect if you like
Only tell us where in all of this
Space, time, style and suspense
Can overthrow tragedy, theme, symbol and tone.
Copyright 2010
It`s no surprise ending
We all expected it
Call it cause and effect if you like
Only tell us where in all of this
Space, time, style and suspense
Can overthrow tragedy, theme, symbol and tone.
Copyright 2010
GODOT`S TWIN
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The stage directions are mediocre
And I know it
Otherwise, where is the caste?
Where are the prompters?
Or must we always wait for the director
As if without the bishop, mass can not go ahead?
Have we forgotten about Godot?
Copyright 2010
The stage directions are mediocre
And I know it
Otherwise, where is the caste?
Where are the prompters?
Or must we always wait for the director
As if without the bishop, mass can not go ahead?
Have we forgotten about Godot?
Copyright 2010
HITLER`S SOLUTION
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Inferences are not the final solution
The Fuhrer would have used them
But since all he did was hem
All liquids to him signified absolution.
Copyright 2010
Inferences are not the final solution
The Fuhrer would have used them
But since all he did was hem
All liquids to him signified absolution.
Copyright 2010
SIGNES EXTERIEURS
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Ce tâtonnement
Ce vacillement, je vous le jure
N`est qu`une voix étouffée mais enviée
Lorsque bruleront les détritus
Je commencerai a noircir mes nœuds.
Copyright 2010
Ce tâtonnement
Ce vacillement, je vous le jure
N`est qu`une voix étouffée mais enviée
Lorsque bruleront les détritus
Je commencerai a noircir mes nœuds.
Copyright 2010
UN PROVISEUR CHEZ KODOCK
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je suis un homme qui pleurniche
Oui, et ca fait quoi ?
Si seulement ce pays était démocratique
Je ne m`engerais pas chez les Kodock.
Copyright 2010
Je suis un homme qui pleurniche
Oui, et ca fait quoi ?
Si seulement ce pays était démocratique
Je ne m`engerais pas chez les Kodock.
Copyright 2010
OF TREES AND BRANCHES
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The mangrove trees hand too loosely
They have no hornbeam
Nor sad-looking birches
They bear broken ewers of red
Etched on canvass without Velasquez
If you ask me, frankly
I`ll say everything here below is jaded
And crustaceans are the same as daffodils.
Copyright 2010
The mangrove trees hand too loosely
They have no hornbeam
Nor sad-looking birches
They bear broken ewers of red
Etched on canvass without Velasquez
If you ask me, frankly
I`ll say everything here below is jaded
And crustaceans are the same as daffodils.
Copyright 2010
WRONG WEATHER READINGS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I love cream-coated cookies
And idyllic pictures of the pope
When the wind blows in cyclones
And we mistake latitudes for longitudes
Then stalactites also become stalagmites.
Copyright 2010
I love cream-coated cookies
And idyllic pictures of the pope
When the wind blows in cyclones
And we mistake latitudes for longitudes
Then stalactites also become stalagmites.
Copyright 2010
THE PRESIDENT`S ELECTION
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I shout
You shout
He shouts
She shouts
We shout
All of you shout
They too shout
All of that for the president`s victory.
Copyright 2010
I shout
You shout
He shouts
She shouts
We shout
All of you shout
They too shout
All of that for the president`s victory.
Copyright 2010
THE HOLY SCROLL
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Not one said it
Not a single one
Not even the archbishop`s right-hand man
So when the Central Committee envoy entered
We all rose and folded our Holy Bibles
Then we put them back in our bags.
Copyright 2010
Not one said it
Not a single one
Not even the archbishop`s right-hand man
So when the Central Committee envoy entered
We all rose and folded our Holy Bibles
Then we put them back in our bags.
Copyright 2010
mercredi 10 novembre 2010
MEN UP IN ARMS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
He was raving mad
And I could understand him
For the Sabre rattling cabal
Had gone too far
Not down stream
But up stream.
Or was I dreaming?
Shortish inconsequential bar women
With hollow and shallow assignment gadgets
Too sun burnt to charm us
Stood in our way
Brandishing air tickets
Without the return coupons.
Copyright 2010
He was raving mad
And I could understand him
For the Sabre rattling cabal
Had gone too far
Not down stream
But up stream.
Or was I dreaming?
Shortish inconsequential bar women
With hollow and shallow assignment gadgets
Too sun burnt to charm us
Stood in our way
Brandishing air tickets
Without the return coupons.
Copyright 2010
PUSHING LUCK TOO FAR
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
He was raving mad
And I could understand him
For the saber rattling cabal
Had gone too far
Not down stream
But up stream.
Copyright 2010
He was raving mad
And I could understand him
For the saber rattling cabal
Had gone too far
Not down stream
But up stream.
Copyright 2010
mardi 9 novembre 2010
A CHOICE POEM
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The next poem is yours
Even if you have cracked hands
But if you use a newspaper
Then blot out the word, "dog".
Copyright 2010
The next poem is yours
Even if you have cracked hands
But if you use a newspaper
Then blot out the word, "dog".
Copyright 2010
THE FIRST WALK
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We`re not dehumanized
We`re just men on foot
Our gowns are heavy
That`s why we`re heavy.
Copyright 2010
We`re not dehumanized
We`re just men on foot
Our gowns are heavy
That`s why we`re heavy.
Copyright 2010
MY EARLY DAYS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Saturdays as days are too sullen
And Sundays too chaste
So when next I rise
I`ll smack down your curious chronic dress.
Copyright 2010
Saturdays as days are too sullen
And Sundays too chaste
So when next I rise
I`ll smack down your curious chronic dress.
Copyright 2010
THE STATIONARY TOE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
My poor chins are an old padlock
And my stiff upper lip, a crate of beer
I don`t have any paper clips
And I don`t have a clapper
But this me, I have a swollen toe.
Copyright 2010
My poor chins are an old padlock
And my stiff upper lip, a crate of beer
I don`t have any paper clips
And I don`t have a clapper
But this me, I have a swollen toe.
Copyright 2010
TRAP DOORS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I`m afraid of carriage doors
They`re worse than the butcher`s daughter
Although nowhere near London`s subway doors
But still, I loathe them like Celtic wafers.
Copyright 2010
I`m afraid of carriage doors
They`re worse than the butcher`s daughter
Although nowhere near London`s subway doors
But still, I loathe them like Celtic wafers.
Copyright 2010
SOME ODD POUNDS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The bunsen burner wasn`t there
So out of the infernal farmlands
Came shadows of death
Archaic critical thinking
And antagonistic Ezra pounds.
Copyright 2010
The bunsen burner wasn`t there
So out of the infernal farmlands
Came shadows of death
Archaic critical thinking
And antagonistic Ezra pounds.
Copyright 2010
dimanche 7 novembre 2010
MEN WHO REFUSE TO GROW UP
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Not all men refuse to ride high
Some dig in their heels
And immediately sign the attendance register
Only those who enter the room with wet pants
And whose only word of honour is "Huntingdon"
Talk tongue-in-cheek
By so doing
They think they`re spiting the former prime minister
Yet at the end of the day
When the balance sheet is drawn up
They will be the only ones with protruding shirt buttons
Rounded red faces, distended and dehydrated bowels
And worn out trousers that refuse to buckle.
Copyright 2010
Not all men refuse to ride high
Some dig in their heels
And immediately sign the attendance register
Only those who enter the room with wet pants
And whose only word of honour is "Huntingdon"
Talk tongue-in-cheek
By so doing
They think they`re spiting the former prime minister
Yet at the end of the day
When the balance sheet is drawn up
They will be the only ones with protruding shirt buttons
Rounded red faces, distended and dehydrated bowels
And worn out trousers that refuse to buckle.
Copyright 2010
THE QUEEN AS MESSENGER
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The queen has come calling
She came personally
To announce the good news
About her signing up for Facebook
Isn`t that wonderful?
How modern could our one and only queen be?
It`s nothing to do with politicking
It`s just Tender Loving Care, all personally
And nothing compared with the daily chunks she hews
That`s why she will bring to book
Anyone who proves to be unbearably awful
And doesn`t know the difference between a bee and "to be".
Copyright 2010
The queen has come calling
She came personally
To announce the good news
About her signing up for Facebook
Isn`t that wonderful?
How modern could our one and only queen be?
It`s nothing to do with politicking
It`s just Tender Loving Care, all personally
And nothing compared with the daily chunks she hews
That`s why she will bring to book
Anyone who proves to be unbearably awful
And doesn`t know the difference between a bee and "to be".
Copyright 2010
samedi 6 novembre 2010
A GIFT TO REMEMBER
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
My, how thoughtful of you!
And how very nice of you!
This is just me, this gift you have made
It`s me in every way.
You didn`t have to, but I know you for being blue
You were careful enough not to make it a shoe
Yet it`s squarely within the trade
And like my mother`s market day pots, it`s made of clay.
Copyright 2010
My, how thoughtful of you!
And how very nice of you!
This is just me, this gift you have made
It`s me in every way.
You didn`t have to, but I know you for being blue
You were careful enough not to make it a shoe
Yet it`s squarely within the trade
And like my mother`s market day pots, it`s made of clay.
Copyright 2010
TILL DEATH DO US PART
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Dearest
You mean a lot to me
In fact, you mean the world to me
You`re my world, my universe
My life
My all
I thank you for being there
For being there for me
And for being yourself
If I had my way
I would remake the world
And wind the clock back to midnight
In that way
You and I could start all over
And grow up again together
Live together
Love together
And die together
On the same day
At the same time.
Copyright 2010
Dearest
You mean a lot to me
In fact, you mean the world to me
You`re my world, my universe
My life
My all
I thank you for being there
For being there for me
And for being yourself
If I had my way
I would remake the world
And wind the clock back to midnight
In that way
You and I could start all over
And grow up again together
Live together
Love together
And die together
On the same day
At the same time.
Copyright 2010
A LINK THAT SHOULD STAY FOR EVER
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
This is an editorial I wrote in Issue Number 051 of Business and Marketing, published in Bamenda, Republic of Cameroon. It was published as a follow-up to the visit Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo had just paid to Cameroon
Without any doubt, the visit Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo paid to Cameroon last month was by far the most significant international event that happened in Cameroon in that month. One reason is the weight of Nigeria on the African continent. Nigeria is black Africa`s most thickly populated country, having over one hundred million inhabitants. Furthermore, the large size of its economy also makes it an unmistakable giant. But perhaps above all is the importance of that country in relation to Cameroon. Although Cameroon shares a common border with six countries, Nigeria is the one with which it has the longest border. Significantly, the two countries share a common coastline , a semi-Saharan vegetation and desert type climates.
That is why the peaceful resolution of the border conflict between the two countries has received so much praise worldwide. Both presidents had the foresight to take the matter to the International Court of Justice at The Hague, instead of allowing the situation to degenerate into a war as has been the case in some other parts of Africa. The peaceful option is also just as well because each country has a fairly large number of its citizens living in the other country.
This was President Olusegun Obasanjo`s first official visit to Cameroon since he acceded to the helm of affairs in Nigeria. Of course, he did not hide his feelings and joy about it when he was in Cameroon. The trip gave him the opportunity to meet with some of his countrymen and women – an opportunity which he used to advise them to be law-abiding.
Although the Nigerian president has gone back, the positive echoes of his visit still remain to remind everyone that the initiative was worthwhile. The several working sessions that took place between delegations from the two countries will continue. The hope is that the brotherliness also goes on for a long time, if not for ever.
Copyright 2010
This is an editorial I wrote in Issue Number 051 of Business and Marketing, published in Bamenda, Republic of Cameroon. It was published as a follow-up to the visit Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo had just paid to Cameroon
Without any doubt, the visit Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo paid to Cameroon last month was by far the most significant international event that happened in Cameroon in that month. One reason is the weight of Nigeria on the African continent. Nigeria is black Africa`s most thickly populated country, having over one hundred million inhabitants. Furthermore, the large size of its economy also makes it an unmistakable giant. But perhaps above all is the importance of that country in relation to Cameroon. Although Cameroon shares a common border with six countries, Nigeria is the one with which it has the longest border. Significantly, the two countries share a common coastline , a semi-Saharan vegetation and desert type climates.
That is why the peaceful resolution of the border conflict between the two countries has received so much praise worldwide. Both presidents had the foresight to take the matter to the International Court of Justice at The Hague, instead of allowing the situation to degenerate into a war as has been the case in some other parts of Africa. The peaceful option is also just as well because each country has a fairly large number of its citizens living in the other country.
This was President Olusegun Obasanjo`s first official visit to Cameroon since he acceded to the helm of affairs in Nigeria. Of course, he did not hide his feelings and joy about it when he was in Cameroon. The trip gave him the opportunity to meet with some of his countrymen and women – an opportunity which he used to advise them to be law-abiding.
Although the Nigerian president has gone back, the positive echoes of his visit still remain to remind everyone that the initiative was worthwhile. The several working sessions that took place between delegations from the two countries will continue. The hope is that the brotherliness also goes on for a long time, if not for ever.
Copyright 2010
AN EXCHANGE ROUTE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Exchange me for a sheep
Not an oak tree
That`s because I`m bound
Bound with Maformusong
And bound with Epasa Moto.
When the time comes, listen to the deep
And, of course, prepare the fee
In that way, no one will you hound
But if your days are long
Then quickly send for Otto.
Copyright 2010
Exchange me for a sheep
Not an oak tree
That`s because I`m bound
Bound with Maformusong
And bound with Epasa Moto.
When the time comes, listen to the deep
And, of course, prepare the fee
In that way, no one will you hound
But if your days are long
Then quickly send for Otto.
Copyright 2010
SETTING THE STAGE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
There`s nothing at all
There isn`t any such thing
So for nothing, don`t drown yourself
Stand tall and walk shoulders high.
However, if the great call
Don`t take it for a fling
Check all red books on your shelf
And then let the twins - and only them - vie.
Copyright 2010
There`s nothing at all
There isn`t any such thing
So for nothing, don`t drown yourself
Stand tall and walk shoulders high.
However, if the great call
Don`t take it for a fling
Check all red books on your shelf
And then let the twins - and only them - vie.
Copyright 2010
THE VILLAGE ROGUES
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It wasn`t a quarrel
It was the dog`s mistress
And the wooden cradle
That was when his infirmity came in
And that`s why they called us rogues.
Copyright 2010
It wasn`t a quarrel
It was the dog`s mistress
And the wooden cradle
That was when his infirmity came in
And that`s why they called us rogues.
Copyright 2010
TARGETED FOR OPPRESSION
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
There`s no compunction
Rest assured
I`m not from the galleys
I only participated in the straight session.
The rest is history
So forget about Cyrus, the trumpet
The sullen senators, the choir mistresses
And the abandoned Turkish fleet.
Copyright 2010
There`s no compunction
Rest assured
I`m not from the galleys
I only participated in the straight session.
The rest is history
So forget about Cyrus, the trumpet
The sullen senators, the choir mistresses
And the abandoned Turkish fleet.
Copyright 2010
THE MAN WHO ATE PYTHON
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
(For Sammy Oke Akombi)
When a man eats python
It`s different from the woman eating it
The man steels himself against all forms of love
And goes out of his way to challenge God to a duel.
Is it then a matter of internal plankton
Or the eternally singing girls of Sandpit?
Anyway, it matters little unless it`s not the treasure trove.
That`s why for love to blossom, we must add fuel.
Copyright 2010
(For Sammy Oke Akombi)
When a man eats python
It`s different from the woman eating it
The man steels himself against all forms of love
And goes out of his way to challenge God to a duel.
Is it then a matter of internal plankton
Or the eternally singing girls of Sandpit?
Anyway, it matters little unless it`s not the treasure trove.
That`s why for love to blossom, we must add fuel.
Copyright 2010
MA BETE NOIRE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Ce que je déteste
C`est l`abus de confiance
Et l`abus d`alcool
En tout cas
C`est bonnet blanc et blanc bonnet.
Du point de vue psychologique
Et très foncièrement d`ailleurs
Je suis forcené
Laissant tomber mes mystifications soporifiques
Et mes sorties nocturnes et noctambules
J`oublie les inflations d`antan
Les foutus bourgs saintongeais
La fraicheur inégalable de l`Hôtel La Fraicheur
Et les beautés enfoncées et rustiques de Paris.
Copyright 2010
Ce que je déteste
C`est l`abus de confiance
Et l`abus d`alcool
En tout cas
C`est bonnet blanc et blanc bonnet.
Du point de vue psychologique
Et très foncièrement d`ailleurs
Je suis forcené
Laissant tomber mes mystifications soporifiques
Et mes sorties nocturnes et noctambules
J`oublie les inflations d`antan
Les foutus bourgs saintongeais
La fraicheur inégalable de l`Hôtel La Fraicheur
Et les beautés enfoncées et rustiques de Paris.
Copyright 2010
DE GRANDS COUPS
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Sans grand élan aucun
Ni grincement de dents
Il ramasse son collier de perles
Et d`un coup, il disparait dans le vide
Alors, quelle fortune, dites-vous
Mais pourquoi ?
Copyright 2010
Sans grand élan aucun
Ni grincement de dents
Il ramasse son collier de perles
Et d`un coup, il disparait dans le vide
Alors, quelle fortune, dites-vous
Mais pourquoi ?
Copyright 2010
JOIE DE VIVRE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
La joie est en nous tous
Même les fous
Il y a en abondance béatitude, agréments, entrain
Plaisir, volupté, extase, plénitude
Contentement, gaieté, jouissance et apaisement
Laisse-moi donc m`épanouir.
Copyright 2010
La joie est en nous tous
Même les fous
Il y a en abondance béatitude, agréments, entrain
Plaisir, volupté, extase, plénitude
Contentement, gaieté, jouissance et apaisement
Laisse-moi donc m`épanouir.
Copyright 2010
AUTOUR DE CONFUSCIUS
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Il y a confusion
Ah oui ! Et surement !
On parle, mais de quoi ?
Foules, fables, groupements
Bandes, terres et syndics.
Finalement, quel être irascible !
Ou est donc la sensation de bonheur ?
A la fin, quel gâchis !
Et qu`elle peine sèche !
Pourtant je ne suis pas Confucius.
Copyright 2010
Il y a confusion
Ah oui ! Et surement !
On parle, mais de quoi ?
Foules, fables, groupements
Bandes, terres et syndics.
Finalement, quel être irascible !
Ou est donc la sensation de bonheur ?
A la fin, quel gâchis !
Et qu`elle peine sèche !
Pourtant je ne suis pas Confucius.
Copyright 2010
ATTITUDE VESTIMENTAIRE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
J`enfile mon label bleu
Seul, tout seul
Et sans rien d`autre
Je ne suis ni sorcier véreux
Ni poète timide.
Demain lorsque passera notre bon gueux
Et sans tenir compte du niveau seuil
La faute sera la votre
Et celle de tous vos peureux
Mais croyez moi, je ne serai pas limpide.
Copyright 2010
J`enfile mon label bleu
Seul, tout seul
Et sans rien d`autre
Je ne suis ni sorcier véreux
Ni poète timide.
Demain lorsque passera notre bon gueux
Et sans tenir compte du niveau seuil
La faute sera la votre
Et celle de tous vos peureux
Mais croyez moi, je ne serai pas limpide.
Copyright 2010
MON PETIT TRAITRE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Cet air bruyant me trahit
Il me laisse sans aiguille
Et sans les fameuses étincelles
Lorsque nous serons tous des anges enlacés
Même le Canard Enchainé
Ne pourra pas nous déchainer.
Copyright 2010
Cet air bruyant me trahit
Il me laisse sans aiguille
Et sans les fameuses étincelles
Lorsque nous serons tous des anges enlacés
Même le Canard Enchainé
Ne pourra pas nous déchainer.
Copyright 2010
DES PAS CADENANSSES
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je chemine vers la sortie
Alors laissez-moi vivre ma vie
Plus jamais je ne reviendrai ici bas.
Même si je suis l`héritier barbelé
Je suis également le flot d`antan
Et j`ai horreur du détritus.
Copyright 2010
Je chemine vers la sortie
Alors laissez-moi vivre ma vie
Plus jamais je ne reviendrai ici bas.
Même si je suis l`héritier barbelé
Je suis également le flot d`antan
Et j`ai horreur du détritus.
Copyright 2010
MES PROJETS D`AVENIR
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Si j`étais Président de la République
Je ne changerais pas d`habits
Pour qu`on me remarque tout de suite.
Si j`étais riche
Je donnerais à manger aux pauvres
Et jamais aux riches.
Qui dit mieux ?
Copyright 2010
Si j`étais Président de la République
Je ne changerais pas d`habits
Pour qu`on me remarque tout de suite.
Si j`étais riche
Je donnerais à manger aux pauvres
Et jamais aux riches.
Qui dit mieux ?
Copyright 2010
MA VERITE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je ne me trompe pas
Et je ne suis pas présomptueux
Je suis magnanime
Et porte bonheur.
Copyright 2010
Je ne me trompe pas
Et je ne suis pas présomptueux
Je suis magnanime
Et porte bonheur.
Copyright 2010
LE COEUR DU QUAI
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Ce petit cœur que vous voyez
Ne manque pas d`audace
Il est loquace
Mais connait bien le Quai d`Orsay.
Copyright 2010
Ce petit cœur que vous voyez
Ne manque pas d`audace
Il est loquace
Mais connait bien le Quai d`Orsay.
Copyright 2010
MARCHE A RECULONS
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Marchons sans mourir
Ecrivons sans fléchir
Parlons sans ambages
Discutons sans langue de bois.
Ainsi pourrons-nous rectifier le tir
Travaillons non pour nous enrichir ni nous embellir
Mais pour déposer nos bagages
Et d`un bond, doter nos jeunes d`une immense foi.
Copyright 2010
Marchons sans mourir
Ecrivons sans fléchir
Parlons sans ambages
Discutons sans langue de bois.
Ainsi pourrons-nous rectifier le tir
Travaillons non pour nous enrichir ni nous embellir
Mais pour déposer nos bagages
Et d`un bond, doter nos jeunes d`une immense foi.
Copyright 2010
MON CHEMIN VERS LE HAUT
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Dans les nuages de l`au-delà
Où brillent de tous feux les sept lunes de miel
Et me rappellent le Mont Adamaoua
Moi, je me taillerai la part du lion
Et pour tout couronner
Je me doterai de sites paléolithiques
De frasques d`excellence
De leaders sans creux
Et de voies oblitérées.
Copyright 2010
Dans les nuages de l`au-delà
Où brillent de tous feux les sept lunes de miel
Et me rappellent le Mont Adamaoua
Moi, je me taillerai la part du lion
Et pour tout couronner
Je me doterai de sites paléolithiques
De frasques d`excellence
De leaders sans creux
Et de voies oblitérées.
Copyright 2010
vendredi 5 novembre 2010
COUPLES AS FLOATING APPLES
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I`m not money-minded
So, put back the three pistons
That`s what friends are for
Even if they`re miles apart.
Although my snow balls may be rounded
My wife and I are no pinons
Neither are we omniscients
We`re just two apples floating on a cart.
Copyright 2010
I`m not money-minded
So, put back the three pistons
That`s what friends are for
Even if they`re miles apart.
Although my snow balls may be rounded
My wife and I are no pinons
Neither are we omniscients
We`re just two apples floating on a cart.
Copyright 2010
SUNNY DAY, THIS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Oh what a bright day!
Yet no one to switch on the strobe lights
So what about the diploma?
Do we dowse it
Or do we starch it?
And what if the sleeping giant wakes?
Shall we then pull up the stops<
At what time?
And at what cost?
Copyright 2010
Oh what a bright day!
Yet no one to switch on the strobe lights
So what about the diploma?
Do we dowse it
Or do we starch it?
And what if the sleeping giant wakes?
Shall we then pull up the stops<
At what time?
And at what cost?
Copyright 2010
THE COWRIED GIRL
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Have you changed it
Or have you simply maintained it?
Lazy you!
When shall you grow up?
And pull off your own fly whisk?
And perhaps a few cowried girls?
Copyright 2010
Have you changed it
Or have you simply maintained it?
Lazy you!
When shall you grow up?
And pull off your own fly whisk?
And perhaps a few cowried girls?
Copyright 2010
AN EYE FOR AN EYE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
They used me
They used me and dumped me
In turn I enveloped them
I stuffed them in and dropped them in the ocean
Like lead
I finished them.
Copyright 2010
They used me
They used me and dumped me
In turn I enveloped them
I stuffed them in and dropped them in the ocean
Like lead
I finished them.
Copyright 2010
SETTLED SCORES
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We nailed him
And sent his people packing
But if it comes to vetting
We`ll simply send for Konglim.
Copyright 2010
We nailed him
And sent his people packing
But if it comes to vetting
We`ll simply send for Konglim.
Copyright 2010
FROWN ALL OVER THE PLACE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We`ve gone up
But we`ve also come down
So if you want to grow up
You must get rid of the frown.
Copyright 2010
We`ve gone up
But we`ve also come down
So if you want to grow up
You must get rid of the frown.
Copyright 2010
ONLY FISTS WILL SPEAK
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
That`s all
No more, no less
So if you want to be Twist
You must first raise your right fist
For all to see.
Copyright 2010
That`s all
No more, no less
So if you want to be Twist
You must first raise your right fist
For all to see.
Copyright 2010
GEARLESS YEARS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
For ten thousand years
This world has stood still
While Biya dictates his will
But he hasn`t shifted any gears.
Copyright 2010
For ten thousand years
This world has stood still
While Biya dictates his will
But he hasn`t shifted any gears.
Copyright 2010
FROM THE HOLY SEE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Where the hell is he?
Is he here
Or is he at the Holy See
And you think I should be seized by fear?
Copyright 2010
Where the hell is he?
Is he here
Or is he at the Holy See
And you think I should be seized by fear?
Copyright 2010
A WORLD OF ABJECT DROSS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It was a cross
Not a kick
It looked like the BP slick
And an America full of dross.
Copyright 2010
It was a cross
Not a kick
It looked like the BP slick
And an America full of dross.
Copyright 2010
mardi 2 novembre 2010
THE PASTOR`S STAND
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The calendars are here
But not the chalices
When pastor comes, and I know him
He`ll refuse to conduct the service.
Copyright 2010
The calendars are here
But not the chalices
When pastor comes, and I know him
He`ll refuse to conduct the service.
Copyright 2010
NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR THE PRINCE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The air is messy
So what do you expect?
The prince won`t` walk in
Even if you send in the visiting princess.
Copyright 2010
The air is messy
So what do you expect?
The prince won`t` walk in
Even if you send in the visiting princess.
Copyright 2010
WORLD OF NOTHINGNESS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We have everything
But we have nothing
Because of our greediness
And our aloofness.
Copyright 2010
We have everything
But we have nothing
Because of our greediness
And our aloofness.
Copyright 2010
UN PEU DE TENUE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je ne danse pas
Maman a-t-elle chante ouya ?
Ou est-ce deux poids deux mesures ?
Soyons justes, quand même !
Copyright 2010
Je ne danse pas
Maman a-t-elle chante ouya ?
Ou est-ce deux poids deux mesures ?
Soyons justes, quand même !
Copyright 2010
TOGETHER WITH HIM
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We pray and we fast
We invoke his name
And hand ourselves to him
We`re his toys
We accept his will
If it doesn`t work today
It will, tomorrow.
Copyright 2010
We pray and we fast
We invoke his name
And hand ourselves to him
We`re his toys
We accept his will
If it doesn`t work today
It will, tomorrow.
Copyright 2010
A FUTILE ATTEMPT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
She kept it a secret
Until now
She`s let the cat out of the bag
Only because the heat is on
But as far as I`m concerned
It`s too late.
Copyright 2010
She kept it a secret
Until now
She`s let the cat out of the bag
Only because the heat is on
But as far as I`m concerned
It`s too late.
Copyright 2010
DISAPPOINTING GUEST
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
He came as expected
But he came alone
And empty-handed
Where was the young teacher?
Where was the wine?
Where were the badges?
And where were the text books?
Copyright 2010
He came as expected
But he came alone
And empty-handed
Where was the young teacher?
Where was the wine?
Where were the badges?
And where were the text books?
Copyright 2010
THE CLERGY`S MUTENESS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I smelt it first
And I told the pastor
But he wouldn`t believe me
Now that dog`s excreta
Is sprinkled all over the place
What shall he say?
Copyright 2010
I smelt it first
And I told the pastor
But he wouldn`t believe me
Now that dog`s excreta
Is sprinkled all over the place
What shall he say?
Copyright 2010
ODD NUMBERS ALL THE WAY
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Three odd baskets
That`s all she sent me
And you think that`s normal?
What are three baskets? They`re not even thirty
Especially to a man who`s used to wielding fifty
They`re nothing more than a drop in the ocean
No, that won`t do!
Let him assume his responsibilities
And shame the devil behind him
There`s no use pretending
We want no more
Emperor`s new clothes.
Copyright 2010
Three odd baskets
That`s all she sent me
And you think that`s normal?
What are three baskets? They`re not even thirty
Especially to a man who`s used to wielding fifty
They`re nothing more than a drop in the ocean
No, that won`t do!
Let him assume his responsibilities
And shame the devil behind him
There`s no use pretending
We want no more
Emperor`s new clothes.
Copyright 2010
lundi 1 novembre 2010
OUR REAL NUMBERS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
This is not all we are
But we are here
Like the librarian in Luton
That`s why we thank the good old teacher.
Copyright 2010
This is not all we are
But we are here
Like the librarian in Luton
That`s why we thank the good old teacher.
Copyright 2010
UNLEARNED LESSONS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
He came
He toiled
And he left
We listened
We felt sleepy
And we slept.
Copyright 2010
He came
He toiled
And he left
We listened
We felt sleepy
And we slept.
Copyright 2010
GLORY BE TO THE TEACHER
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Be seated
And let your teacher rise
Let him speak without compromise
So that no one complains of poor treatment.
Copyright 2010
Be seated
And let your teacher rise
Let him speak without compromise
So that no one complains of poor treatment.
Copyright 2010
ALL WEATHER GOD
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Give thanks to God
Give him thanks for the good day
Give him thanks for the bad days
Both days belong to him
They are his
By right.
Copyright 2010
Give thanks to God
Give him thanks for the good day
Give him thanks for the bad days
Both days belong to him
They are his
By right.
Copyright 2010
LATE ARRIVING PASSENGERS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We left them behind
They were too slow
We jumped on the bandwagon
And cut them off.
We chose the fore; and they, the hind
If they arrived late, how could they sow?
Only the alert and prompt enter the kingdom
Those are the ones we call the tough.
Copyright 2010
We left them behind
They were too slow
We jumped on the bandwagon
And cut them off.
We chose the fore; and they, the hind
If they arrived late, how could they sow?
Only the alert and prompt enter the kingdom
Those are the ones we call the tough.
Copyright 2010
TESTING TIME
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
He read it aloud
Loud and clear
Some heard it and retained it
Some heard it and forgot it
Others didn`t hear it at all
When the time came
Only those who passed
Were promoted to the next class
The others stayed back
And started all over
From scratch
They went back to Square One.
Copyright 2010
He read it aloud
Loud and clear
Some heard it and retained it
Some heard it and forgot it
Others didn`t hear it at all
When the time came
Only those who passed
Were promoted to the next class
The others stayed back
And started all over
From scratch
They went back to Square One.
Copyright 2010
dimanche 31 octobre 2010
GIVING AS A GIFT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Give
Give ceaselessly
Give more than they ask
And you will
Receive more than you need.
Copyright 2010
Give
Give ceaselessly
Give more than they ask
And you will
Receive more than you need.
Copyright 2010
LAST WISHES
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We need them all
All, to the very last one
We also need the crown
So send them before the fall.
Copyright 2010
We need them all
All, to the very last one
We also need the crown
So send them before the fall.
Copyright 2010
OUR THE ONE AND ONLY LONE RANGER
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
They shoved him aside
Because he wouldn`t join them
Tomorrow when the boss decides to hem
He`ll again be taken for a ride.
Copyright 2010
They shoved him aside
Because he wouldn`t join them
Tomorrow when the boss decides to hem
He`ll again be taken for a ride.
Copyright 2010
A JUST REWARD
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
You have been simply wonderful
For that reason, I hand you this bible
May your life be bountiful
And may you with no one ever quibble.
Copyright 2010
You have been simply wonderful
For that reason, I hand you this bible
May your life be bountiful
And may you with no one ever quibble.
Copyright 2010
THE DEFECTIVE DEVICE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It`s the handle that came off
Not the filament
But if you remember the first commandment
You won`t call it a bluff.
Copyright 2010
It`s the handle that came off
Not the filament
But if you remember the first commandment
You won`t call it a bluff.
Copyright 2010
COWRIES AS WISHES
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We heard your request
So have no sleepless nights
But if you fear the tempests
Then bring us fifty cowries and two ladies` tights.
Copyright 2010
We heard your request
So have no sleepless nights
But if you fear the tempests
Then bring us fifty cowries and two ladies` tights.
Copyright 2010
WHY WORRY?
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The programme is known
So, why do you pretend?
If you aren`t full blown
Then why must you extend?
Copyright 2010
The programme is known
So, why do you pretend?
If you aren`t full blown
Then why must you extend?
Copyright 2010
ONE WITH GOD
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Masses are not a mere ritual
They are a powerful ceremony
A re-enactment of the Last Supper
And total communion with Christ.
Our relationship shouldn`t be contractual
It should be a testimony
One made of concrete, not rubber
So let`s close up the gap with Christ.
Copyright 2010
Masses are not a mere ritual
They are a powerful ceremony
A re-enactment of the Last Supper
And total communion with Christ.
Our relationship shouldn`t be contractual
It should be a testimony
One made of concrete, not rubber
So let`s close up the gap with Christ.
Copyright 2010
GOODS FOR THE CONGREGATION
By Tikum Mbah Azonga/span>
Everything remains unchanged
Forget about the congregation reports
But if the goods still remain unclaimed
Then dispatch them to all the nation`s ports.
Copyright 2010
Everything remains unchanged
Forget about the congregation reports
But if the goods still remain unclaimed
Then dispatch them to all the nation`s ports.
Copyright 2010
RINGS THAT BETRAY
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The wedding bells are chiming
And the couple is ready
But the rings won`t fit
What if the priest changes his mind?
Copyright 2010
The wedding bells are chiming
And the couple is ready
But the rings won`t fit
What if the priest changes his mind?
Copyright 2010
THE SAME MAN
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
He came again today
Just like last week
He is here with shoes that creak
And a mind that refuses to obey.
Copyright 2010
He came again today
Just like last week
He is here with shoes that creak
And a mind that refuses to obey.
Copyright 2010
CALL TO DUTY
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I was duty-bound
So it wasn`t out of likeness
It wasn`t beccause all day you hound
It was because of my kindness.
Copyright 2010
I was duty-bound
So it wasn`t out of likeness
It wasn`t beccause all day you hound
It was because of my kindness.
Copyright 2010
QUEENLY LEAVE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I wasn`t here
My peers were
I went to see the queen
Although she wasn`t too keen.
Copyright 2010
I wasn`t here
My peers were
I went to see the queen
Although she wasn`t too keen.
Copyright 2010
THE BLOOD PACT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
May we by this act
Such as the one signed by my grandfather
Tayong Ndzah Refo`, Wan Anomah, Wa To`
And Gaforbe of old of Santa
Be united with you
Stop us from drifting apart
And stop us from coming too close.
Copyright 2010
May we by this act
Such as the one signed by my grandfather
Tayong Ndzah Refo`, Wan Anomah, Wa To`
And Gaforbe of old of Santa
Be united with you
Stop us from drifting apart
And stop us from coming too close.
Copyright 2010
GOD OUR MAKER
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
He made us
And can unmake us
He knows us
And can disown us
His word is final
But we are mortal.
Copyright 2010
He made us
And can unmake us
He knows us
And can disown us
His word is final
But we are mortal.
Copyright 2010
THE ILLUSION OF WEALTH
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Wealth is a mirage
Until you get closer
Then you see the red bank account
And the leaking roof
And the ventilated pockets.
Copyright 2010
Wealth is a mirage
Until you get closer
Then you see the red bank account
And the leaking roof
And the ventilated pockets.
Copyright 2010
CLEAN SLATE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Sin is corrosion
And repentance, cleansing
Forgiveness is absolution
And forgetting, cementing.
Copyright 2010
Sin is corrosion
And repentance, cleansing
Forgiveness is absolution
And forgetting, cementing.
Copyright 2010
GOD AS ONE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
God is not a theory
He is experience
His deeds are exemplary
And his results, far from transience.
Copyright 2010
God is not a theory
He is experience
His deeds are exemplary
And his results, far from transience.
Copyright 2010
samedi 30 octobre 2010
THE THERMOSTAT
(An odd piece of device gone haywire)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
You can`t regulate the temperature
Even if you could, you wouldn`t
Because you have no thermostat
And the boss man isn`t here to show you the set-point
What then is programmable,if the thermostat isn`t, you may ask
Well, to find the answer, first check your cooling system
Thermostats are complicated little animals
They can trap you like an animal in a cage
And then wound you mortally, even if they`re digital
So, don`t believe every word the engineer says
Even he is scared of the thermostat
Although he can`t tell you that.
Copyright 2010
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
You can`t regulate the temperature
Even if you could, you wouldn`t
Because you have no thermostat
And the boss man isn`t here to show you the set-point
What then is programmable,if the thermostat isn`t, you may ask
Well, to find the answer, first check your cooling system
Thermostats are complicated little animals
They can trap you like an animal in a cage
And then wound you mortally, even if they`re digital
So, don`t believe every word the engineer says
Even he is scared of the thermostat
Although he can`t tell you that.
Copyright 2010
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