By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Slowly but steadily
He read his Vines and Rees
But he did so stubbornly
Because he hadn`t paid his fees.
Copyright 2010
mardi 31 août 2010
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AWASOM AND A PASTOR
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
(posted on the forum on 31-08-2010)
Awasom surprises me with the manner in which he expresses himself. He is raw, crude, unrefined, uncouth, uncivilized, bad-mannered, coarse, vulgar, primitive, foul-mouthed, pristine and rustic.
From an overall perspective, his language is unguarded, unmeasured and below-the-belt.
Sometimes I wonder how he got into the pastorhood. But then, it doesn`t seem as if he is still actively in that vocation. He certainly does not speak like a pastor. A pastor binds, Awasom loosens; a pastor unites, Awasom divides; a pastor encourages, Awasom strikes down; a pastor blesses, Awasom curses, a pastor gathers his flock, Awasom scatters his.
Is Awasom you married? Would he use the language he posts on this forum to the hearing of his children? More importantly, would he use such language if face-to-face with Jesus? Let`s just suppose.
Awasom acts as if he were someone in chains trying to break away from the shackles. Is that really how he feels?
By the way, what happened in Baforkum (my birth village) where you were once pastor? How did you find yourself in America? Did you turn your back on your God-given job? And have you apologized to the congregation you left behind? Are you even in touch with them? You behave as if you are enemies with everyone and friends with none. Why? Maybe someone needs to pray for you?
Regards
Copyright 2010
(posted on the
Awasom surprises me with the manner in which he expresses himself. He is raw, crude, unrefined, uncouth, uncivilized, bad-mannered, coarse, vulgar, primitive, foul-mouthed, pristine and rustic.
From an overall perspective, his language is unguarded, unmeasured and below-the-belt.
Sometimes I wonder how he got into the pastorhood. But then, it doesn`t seem as if he is still actively in that vocation. He certainly does not speak like a pastor. A pastor binds, Awasom loosens; a pastor unites, Awasom divides; a pastor encourages, Awasom strikes down; a pastor blesses, Awasom curses, a pastor gathers his flock, Awasom scatters his.
Is Awasom you married? Would he use the language he posts on this forum to the hearing of his children? More importantly, would he use such language if face-to-face with Jesus? Let`s just suppose.
Awasom acts as if he were someone in chains trying to break away from the shackles. Is that really how he feels?
By the way, what happened in Baforkum (my birth village) where you were once pastor? How did you find yourself in America? Did you turn your back on your God-given job? And have you apologized to the congregation you left behind? Are you even in touch with them? You behave as if you are enemies with everyone and friends with none. Why? Maybe someone needs to pray for you?
Regards
Copyright 2010
SAVING GRACE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
You don`t know what you`ve done
My family was starving
And steeped in disease
There was no hope whatsoever
It was no fun
Then your gifts started coming
The landlady renewed my lease
And today, I`m simply quicksilver.
Copyright 2010
You don`t know what you`ve done
My family was starving
And steeped in disease
There was no hope whatsoever
It was no fun
Then your gifts started coming
The landlady renewed my lease
And today, I`m simply quicksilver.
Copyright 2010
MISTAKEN IDENTITY
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Were you called up?
If not, then shut up
What we wanted was a colt
Not a cult.
Copyright 2010
Were you called up?
If not, then shut up
What we wanted was a colt
Not a cult.
Copyright 2010
TILLEY TALK BY THE TWOSOME
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
How did you manage it
All alone?
Were you coerced
Or were you blidfolded?
How about the loose ends?
Who cut them?
Was it Ngwanya or Chefor?
Copyright 2010
How did you manage it
All alone?
Were you coerced
Or were you blidfolded?
How about the loose ends?
Who cut them?
Was it Ngwanya or Chefor?
Copyright 2010
DOUBLE INSULT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I fell of the trolley
While I counted the burnt bricks
Dad accused me of being nosy
And mum called me a son full of dirty tricks.
Copyright 2010
I fell of the trolley
While I counted the burnt bricks
Dad accused me of being nosy
And mum called me a son full of dirty tricks.
Copyright 2010
CUANDO ESTARE CONTIGO
Tikum Mbah Azonga
Te quiero
Mi amor eterno
Te quiero mucho
Te quiero Mercedes mia
Solo tÚ.
Quiero qu me llenas de tu allegría
Quiero que me miras
Con tus ojos brillos y purezos
Quiero que me hablas
Con tu boca de azucar
Quiero que me tocas
Con tus manos de oro.
Estoy muy enfermo y muy triste
Eres mi corazon
Eres mi alma
Eres mi mundo
Eres mi patiencia
Eres mi paz
Eres mi dios.
¿Mercedes, no vees que desde Salamanca
Te amo mucho , mi bebe?
Te amo hoy
Y mañana te amare siempre.
Copyright 2010
Te quiero
Mi amor eterno
Te quiero mucho
Te quiero Mercedes mia
Solo tÚ.
Quiero qu me llenas de tu allegría
Quiero que me miras
Con tus ojos brillos y purezos
Quiero que me hablas
Con tu boca de azucar
Quiero que me tocas
Con tus manos de oro.
Estoy muy enfermo y muy triste
Eres mi corazon
Eres mi alma
Eres mi mundo
Eres mi patiencia
Eres mi paz
Eres mi dios.
¿Mercedes, no vees que desde Salamanca
Te amo mucho , mi bebe?
Te amo hoy
Y mañana te amare siempre.
Copyright 2010
CONDITION SINE QUA NON
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je ne me suis pas encore décidé
Peut-être que demain je le ferai
A condition que tu m`apporte
De nouvelles agences, la clé de la cite
La bible de l`archevêque
Et les lunettes du chef de l`Etat.
Copyright 2010
Je ne me suis pas encore décidé
Peut-être que demain je le ferai
A condition que tu m`apporte
De nouvelles agences, la clé de la cite
La bible de l`archevêque
Et les lunettes du chef de l`Etat.
Copyright 2010
A PROPOS DE MA SANTE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je vais bien
Si tu ne me crois pas, eh bien
Vas te faire avoir
Sinon, cède-moi la voie!
Copyright 2010
Je vais bien
Si tu ne me crois pas, eh bien
Vas te faire avoir
Sinon, cède-moi la voie!
Copyright 2010
JESUS LA LOI
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je veux voir Jésus
Afin de ne pas être déçu
Si cela ne dépendait que de moi
Seul Jésus ferait la loi.
Copyright 2010
Je veux voir Jésus
Afin de ne pas être déçu
Si cela ne dépendait que de moi
Seul Jésus ferait la loi.
Copyright 2010
PARAGRAPHES FRANÇAIS
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Tu l`as envoyée ?
Ou attends-tu encore le feu vert ?
Si je ne craignais pas l`effet de serre
Je t`aurais à coup sûr demandé
Si tu avais lu Montesquieu
Dans ce cas
Comment aurais-tu encore eu besoin de Richelieu ?
Copyright 2010
Tu l`as envoyée ?
Ou attends-tu encore le feu vert ?
Si je ne craignais pas l`effet de serre
Je t`aurais à coup sûr demandé
Si tu avais lu Montesquieu
Dans ce cas
Comment aurais-tu encore eu besoin de Richelieu ?
Copyright 2010
LES REINS LESES
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je ne suis pas aisé
Encore moins lésé
Alors, reste serein
Et prends soin de tes reins.
Copyright 2010
Je ne suis pas aisé
Encore moins lésé
Alors, reste serein
Et prends soin de tes reins.
Copyright 2010
TORN APART
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I saw them arrive, hand-in-hand
And at once I knew the game was up
So far life had been very tough
Today, even the gods were tough.
Copyright 2010
I saw them arrive, hand-in-hand
And at once I knew the game was up
So far life had been very tough
Today, even the gods were tough.
Copyright 2010
WRONG TIMING
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It`s alright for him to say so now
But where was he yesterday?
Is it because the bishop broke his vow?
Or because church elders now demand full pay?
Copyright 2010
It`s alright for him to say so now
But where was he yesterday?
Is it because the bishop broke his vow?
Or because church elders now demand full pay?
Copyright 2010
CHANTAL EAVESDROPS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Chantal heard it too
She heard it all, I swear
It wasn`t the spoilt party
It was the soiled dress.
Copyright 2010
Chantal heard it too
She heard it all, I swear
It wasn`t the spoilt party
It was the soiled dress.
Copyright 2010
MONKEY COLA MARKET
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I ate some monkey cola today
It was at Mbengwi park
Henceforth I won`t walk in the dark
And all evil tongues will be kept at bay.
Copyright 2010
I ate some monkey cola today
It was at Mbengwi park
Henceforth I won`t walk in the dark
And all evil tongues will be kept at bay.
Copyright 2010
ZIK`S MUSIC
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Music is not only for Zik
After all, who is Zik, if not just another fat liar?
What we must do is get him a flier
Then anything he touches, it he will lick.
Copyright 2010
Music is not only for Zik
After all, who is Zik, if not just another fat liar?
What we must do is get him a flier
Then anything he touches, it he will lick.
Copyright 2010
THE CHAIRMAN`S CAT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
She`s in Santa
With her junior sister
When the chairman`s cat is found
There`ll be no need to hound.
Copyright 2010
She`s in Santa
With her junior sister
When the chairman`s cat is found
There`ll be no need to hound.
Copyright 2010
DREAD LOCKS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We shall go in the Hilux
But without wearing locks
I don`t want another cross
In a world already full of dross.
Copyright 2010
We shall go in the Hilux
But without wearing locks
I don`t want another cross
In a world already full of dross.
Copyright 2010
THE POTTER`S SINK
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Where is the potter`s sink?
I left it here not so long ago
Now it`s gone, gone with the wind
What shall I tell the minister?
He will think it`s another drink
And then I`ll be a foe
He won`t believe I didn`t rescind
So, where is the potter`s sink, or is it the sink`s potter?
Copyright 2010
Where is the potter`s sink?
I left it here not so long ago
Now it`s gone, gone with the wind
What shall I tell the minister?
He will think it`s another drink
And then I`ll be a foe
He won`t believe I didn`t rescind
So, where is the potter`s sink, or is it the sink`s potter?
Copyright 2010
PAYMENT OF DUES
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Have you paid your dues
Promptly and without regard for the sisal hemp?
When the handiwork master arrives
He is called Mr. Boniface
And he comes from Bui
When he comes and you start sneezing
He won`t believe you
No one will.
Copyright 2010
Have you paid your dues
Promptly and without regard for the sisal hemp?
When the handiwork master arrives
He is called Mr. Boniface
And he comes from Bui
When he comes and you start sneezing
He won`t believe you
No one will.
Copyright 2010
COWARD THAT YOU ARE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
He sailed away
Just like that
And just because the name of the prophet was mentioned
He didn`t tap wine
He didn`t trade places
He just sailed away
Just like that
He could have stood his ground
He could have dug in his heels
But he didn`t
He sailed away
He simply sailed away
Just like that.
Copyright 2010
He sailed away
Just like that
And just because the name of the prophet was mentioned
He didn`t tap wine
He didn`t trade places
He just sailed away
Just like that
He could have stood his ground
He could have dug in his heels
But he didn`t
He sailed away
He simply sailed away
Just like that.
Copyright 2010
lundi 30 août 2010
CHAPLAINS AT SACRED HEART COLLEGE
(For all members of St. John`s House, past and present)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Our good, old chaplain didn`t own a horn
But he was called Rev. Fr. Mac Mahon
A British man all over
He was proud, snobbish, arrogant
Standoffish and highly critical.
Sometimes he was for us a thorn
But he also shared fun
Father was knowledgeable, thorough and damned clever
But why were his GCE scores so stagnant
Until Fr. Terry came and made them very topical?
Copyright 2010
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Our good, old chaplain didn`t own a horn
But he was called Rev. Fr. Mac Mahon
A British man all over
He was proud, snobbish, arrogant
Standoffish and highly critical.
Sometimes he was for us a thorn
But he also shared fun
Father was knowledgeable, thorough and damned clever
But why were his GCE scores so stagnant
Until Fr. Terry came and made them very topical?
Copyright 2010
GEORGE FUL`S POT
(For George Nyinying Ful, my class mate at Sacred Heart College, Bamenda)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Why should I bark
As if I had a tree bark
The boiling pot is full
But please, don`t tell George Ful.
Copyright 2010
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Why should I bark
As if I had a tree bark
The boiling pot is full
But please, don`t tell George Ful.
Copyright 2010
vendredi 27 août 2010
RICE FOR ONLY A FEW
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It's all a question of atonement
For those who were wronged twice
But if anyone wants more rice
Then they must first refine their comportment.
Copyright 2010
It's all a question of atonement
For those who were wronged twice
But if anyone wants more rice
Then they must first refine their comportment.
Copyright 2010
POOR OLD BIRDS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The fallow farm birds flapped
And then sobbed loudly
All because they'd been told off roundly
Did they know their phones were tapped?
Copyright 2010
The fallow farm birds flapped
And then sobbed loudly
All because they'd been told off roundly
Did they know their phones were tapped?
Copyright 2010
RIGHT-HANDED TREES
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
He came back empty-handed
But thought he had brought back the Golen Fleece
Now that we're all planting trees
Why should anyone keep the right-handed.
Copyright 2010
He came back empty-handed
But thought he had brought back the Golen Fleece
Now that we're all planting trees
Why should anyone keep the right-handed.
Copyright 2010
TRAPPED LOVERS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Shall the love birds win
Or shall they again like yesterday flop
Just because they were each asked for a crop
They cried foul and called it s capital sin.
Copyright 2010
Shall the love birds win
Or shall they again like yesterday flop
Just because they were each asked for a crop
They cried foul and called it s capital sin.
Copyright 2010
LE CADEAU DE MAMAN
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
J'envoie ce cadeau emballé
Je l'envoie à ma mère
La meilleure sur terre
Alors, ça ne sert à rien d'être enlacé.
Copyright 2010
J'envoie ce cadeau emballé
Je l'envoie à ma mère
La meilleure sur terre
Alors, ça ne sert à rien d'être enlacé.
Copyright 2010
LE FAUX PAPE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je connais bien le bourreau
Il vit très sporadiquement
Se prenant pour le pape
Mais il a des intentions peu orthodoxes.
Copyright 2010
Je connais bien le bourreau
Il vit très sporadiquement
Se prenant pour le pape
Mais il a des intentions peu orthodoxes.
Copyright 2010
SEUL SUR L'ATLANTIQUE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je vis sur les cantiques
Mais pour traverser l'Atlantique
Je prends ma cravate déchiquetée
Et l'éternelle source de lumière.
Copyright 2010
ICI A NDIKI
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je suis le pontife de Ndiki
Chaque jour que le chef passe
Nous perdons nos pédales
Alors, ce soir, je prie pour un retour en force.
Copyright 2010
Je suis le pontife de Ndiki
Chaque jour que le chef passe
Nous perdons nos pédales
Alors, ce soir, je prie pour un retour en force.
Copyright 2010
jeudi 26 août 2010
RELIEF IS THE WORD
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Whether bitterness turns into grief
Or my son becomes the next priest
I won't cut off relief
Instead I'll send for the bridegroom's list.
Copyright 2010
Whether bitterness turns into grief
Or my son becomes the next priest
I won't cut off relief
Instead I'll send for the bridegroom's list.
Copyright 2010
THE LIGHT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Though this world rocks
I won't succomb
Though I come in locks
I won't go to the tomb.
Copyright 2010
Though this world rocks
I won't succomb
Though I come in locks
I won't go to the tomb.
Copyright 2010
THE CULPRIT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The rope is loose
For they who sold the goose
But when it comes to speaking in tongues
Everyone develops infected lungs.
Copyright 2010
The rope is loose
For they who sold the goose
But when it comes to speaking in tongues
Everyone develops infected lungs.
Copyright 2010
STEADY FLOW
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I see a glimmer of light
So let's give up the fight
When we hold our peace
He will allow us the lease.
Copyright 2010
I see a glimmer of light
So let's give up the fight
When we hold our peace
He will allow us the lease.
Copyright 2010
mercredi 25 août 2010
THAT PLACE YONDER
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
One place I shall visit
And that I shall do before I quit
It’s a place yonder, beyond human reach
But that place I will patronize
I’m not joking.
We may not have split
Although I shall still store your quilt
You don’t have to preach
But you can join me to idolize
If you will, we shall do it by praying.
Copyright 2010
One place I shall visit
And that I shall do before I quit
It’s a place yonder, beyond human reach
But that place I will patronize
I’m not joking.
We may not have split
Although I shall still store your quilt
You don’t have to preach
But you can join me to idolize
If you will, we shall do it by praying.
Copyright 2010
BARBIE'S HARVEST
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
A harvest house is not always necessarily full
Even if one of us is called Jethro Tull
That’s why between my dog and its kennel
I would at once choose the kennel
So if you really think every earthly mouse has claws
Then I wonder whether you knew Barbie who was called Klaus.
Copyright 2010
A harvest house is not always necessarily full
Even if one of us is called Jethro Tull
That’s why between my dog and its kennel
I would at once choose the kennel
So if you really think every earthly mouse has claws
Then I wonder whether you knew Barbie who was called Klaus.
Copyright 2010
FIRST FROM BEHIND
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It wasn'tough. No, bit by bit he did it
First by little make-shift steps quickened
Then by even littler silent voices stiffened
In the end, the governor crowned him winner of the kit.
Copyright 2010
It wasn'tough. No, bit by bit he did it
First by little make-shift steps quickened
Then by even littler silent voices stiffened
In the end, the governor crowned him winner of the kit.
Copyright 2010
LUNE DE MIEL
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Tu es ma puce cellulaire
Et ma pomme de France
Demain et très tôt
On partira au-delà du Sahara.
Copyright 2010
Tu es ma puce cellulaire
Et ma pomme de France
Demain et très tôt
On partira au-delà du Sahara.
Copyright 2010
CETTE TRAHISON
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Ce ciel étoilé me déçoit
Il ne me laisse pas me détendre
Au nom de quoi alors
Boit-on la beaufort?
Copyright 2010
Ce ciel étoilé me déçoit
Il ne me laisse pas me détendre
Au nom de quoi alors
Boit-on la beaufort?
Copyright 2010
TOUCHER SPECIAL
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Qui me touche?
C'est toi ma poupée?
Qui me caresse?
C'est toi ma maitresse?
Copyright 2010
Qui me touche?
C'est toi ma poupée?
Qui me caresse?
C'est toi ma maitresse?
Copyright 2010
QUOI?
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Avec moi
Tu peux rester coi
Et plein de foi
Mais sans consommer le foie.
Copyright 2010
Avec moi
Tu peux rester coi
Et plein de foi
Mais sans consommer le foie.
Copyright 2010
JESUS AS KING
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Jesus is Lord and God
He is the ultimate sacrifice
That's why with him life is nice
Without him it's just sod.
Copyright 2010
Jesus is Lord and God
He is the ultimate sacrifice
That's why with him life is nice
Without him it's just sod.
Copyright 2010
MY DUTY
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It costs me nothing
So, I'll do it, even if alone
It's not for money
Or even for a smile
It's for humanity.
Copyright 2010
It costs me nothing
So, I'll do it, even if alone
It's not for money
Or even for a smile
It's for humanity.
Copyright 2010
FOOLS OF THE FIRST ORDER
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Finally, the train came
But it was empty, deserted
Where then were the tree merchants?
Where were the Chinese emmissaries?
Vanished into thin air?
So why were we still standing here
Making ourselves capital fools?
Copyright 2010
Finally, the train came
But it was empty, deserted
Where then were the tree merchants?
Where were the Chinese emmissaries?
Vanished into thin air?
So why were we still standing here
Making ourselves capital fools?
Copyright 2010
WHAT LIFE IS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Life is fun
Not just for the nun
It's serious
Not just for the businessman when spurious.
Copyright 2010
Life is fun
Not just for the nun
It's serious
Not just for the businessman when spurious.
Copyright 2010
mardi 24 août 2010
MEDITATION
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Close your eyes
And say it again
Then when it begins to rain
Keep repeating the word, "ice".
Copyright 2010
Close your eyes
And say it again
Then when it begins to rain
Keep repeating the word, "ice".
Copyright 2010
THE CURSE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
As the sun rises
So shall you rise
As the sun sets
So shall you set.
Copyright 2010
As the sun rises
So shall you rise
As the sun sets
So shall you set.
Copyright 2010
DOING IT IN STYLE
(For Bochong Francis Nkwain)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Do it yourself in the hall
But don't be a fool without a ball
We're in this thing together
So let's stick together for ever.
Copyright 2010
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Do it yourself in the hall
But don't be a fool without a ball
We're in this thing together
So let's stick together for ever.
Copyright 2010
THE ODD OBJECT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Did it really matter?
Or did it clatter?
Then, what on earth did you have to nurture?
Food or compost manure?
Copyright 2010
Did it really matter?
Or did it clatter?
Then, what on earth did you have to nurture?
Food or compost manure?
Copyright 2010
MENSONGES STRUCTURELS
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Ne me vise pas
Je n'y suis pour rien
Si tu as oublié tes vers saussuriens
Ne me mens donc pas.
Copyright 2010
Ne me vise pas
Je n'y suis pour rien
Si tu as oublié tes vers saussuriens
Ne me mens donc pas.
Copyright 2010
SIMPLE MALENTENDU
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Elle adore le soleil aquatique
Mais elle déteste les rives sablonneuses
Quand moi je suis amoureux
Elle m'accuse d'aimer tout ce qui est langoureux.
Copyright 2010
Elle adore le soleil aquatique
Mais elle déteste les rives sablonneuses
Quand moi je suis amoureux
Elle m'accuse d'aimer tout ce qui est langoureux.
Copyright 2010
MAUVAIS CHOIX
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Vous vous êtes planté
Vous vous rendez compte?
Quand on fera les comptes
Qui réclamera la soucoupe éthérée?
Copyright 2010
Vous vous êtes planté
Vous vous rendez compte?
Quand on fera les comptes
Qui réclamera la soucoupe éthérée?
Copyright 2010
ELUE DU PEUPLE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Elle est mère de tous
Sans distinction
Alors lorsque le Seigneur reviendra pour nous
Elle fera l'exception.
Copyright 2010
Elle est mère de tous
Sans distinction
Alors lorsque le Seigneur reviendra pour nous
Elle fera l'exception.
Copyright 2010
RALLY TIME
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Let these branches grow
Before we look for any to throw
Let all the spinsters line up
So that we see which will top up.
Copyright 2010
Let these branches grow
Before we look for any to throw
Let all the spinsters line up
So that we see which will top up.
Copyright 2010
NAME CALLING
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Together we climbed up
But alone I came down
When we were called up
I was called a clown.
Copyright 2010
Together we climbed up
But alone I came down
When we were called up
I was called a clown.
Copyright 2010
A CRY TOO MANY
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We heard the cry loud and clear
That's why all she did was stare
But when the landlord knocked hard
She accused him of being raving mad.
Copyright 2010
We heard the cry loud and clear
That's why all she did was stare
But when the landlord knocked hard
She accused him of being raving mad.
Copyright 2010
TWO FIGHTING
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We live in far off lands
Where tomatoes chase tempests
But when we hear from the Falklands
Argentinians retort that the Brits are German pests.
Copyright 2010
We live in far off lands
Where tomatoes chase tempests
But when we hear from the Falklands
Argentinians retort that the Brits are German pests.
Copyright 2010
MATCH WITHOUT CYRUS VANCE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We lost the match
Because we traded it in advance
Had we asked Cyrus Vance
He would have shown us the catch.
Copyright 2010
We lost the match
Because we traded it in advance
Had we asked Cyrus Vance
He would have shown us the catch.
Copyright 2010
DIALOGUE WITH THE SEA
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It will be, whatever will be
As long as your speech doesn't falter
But just in case you contemplate the sea
Remember to throw back the water.
Copyright 2010
It will be, whatever will be
As long as your speech doesn't falter
But just in case you contemplate the sea
Remember to throw back the water.
Copyright 2010
OBVIOUS QUESTIONS
For Brother Best, my former colleague at the John Loughborough High School in London
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Put it back in
But don't force it, boy
If your mum thinks it's a ploy
Then show her the mayor's inn.
Copyright 2010
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Put it back in
But don't force it, boy
If your mum thinks it's a ploy
Then show her the mayor's inn.
Copyright 2010
THE REAL TRADE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I'm not your flower dealer
I'm a nectar buyer
There's a difference
But accept it with reverence.
Copyright 2010
I'm not your flower dealer
I'm a nectar buyer
There's a difference
But accept it with reverence.
Copyright 2010
SONS CACOPHONIQUES
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Un jour - et ce jour viendra - il s'en ira
Comme il est venu
Alors la contrée entière confondra
Princes déshérités et rois déchus.
Copyright 2010
Un jour - et ce jour viendra - il s'en ira
Comme il est venu
Alors la contrée entière confondra
Princes déshérités et rois déchus.
Copyright 2010
ESCAPADES ET LEURRES
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Tu peux bien dormir un peu
Mais as-tu un vœu pieux?
Ou penses-tu seulement à l'unicité des lieux?
Es-tu donc devenu le fils de Richelieu?
Copyright 2010
Tu peux bien dormir un peu
Mais as-tu un vœu pieux?
Ou penses-tu seulement à l'unicité des lieux?
Es-tu donc devenu le fils de Richelieu?
Copyright 2010
MA PREMIERE DAME
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Dans les profondeurs de mon âme
Je vois clairement ma Première Dame
Elles porte les yeux merveilleux
Et son souffle est mielleux.
Copyright 2010
Dans les profondeurs de mon âme
Je vois clairement ma Première Dame
Elles porte les yeux merveilleux
Et son souffle est mielleux.
Copyright 2010
ESTAMPILLE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Il s'agit d'une nymphe renforcée et subtile
De peur qu'elle ne soit futile
Monsieur le Gouverneur l'a rendue envoutante
Et par la même voie époustouflante.
Copyright 2010
Il s'agit d'une nymphe renforcée et subtile
De peur qu'elle ne soit futile
Monsieur le Gouverneur l'a rendue envoutante
Et par la même voie époustouflante.
Copyright 2010
MARCHE PRUDENTE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je vais vous raccompagner
Jusqu'au peuple subjugué
Mais ne soyez pas pétrifiés
Sinon vous serez purement et simplement juxtaposés.
Copyright 2010
Je vais vous raccompagner
Jusqu'au peuple subjugué
Mais ne soyez pas pétrifiés
Sinon vous serez purement et simplement juxtaposés.
Copyright 2010
EN CONNAISSANCE DE CAUSE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
J'en ai rien à foutre
Alors je vais me taire
Mais croyez-moi, je ne suis ni outré, ni sidéré
Encore moins émacié.
Copyright 2010
J'en ai rien à foutre
Alors je vais me taire
Mais croyez-moi, je ne suis ni outré, ni sidéré
Encore moins émacié.
Copyright 2010
SEUL VERS LA GIRONDE AQUITAINE
A Mua John TEM
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Tous les fournisseurs de vin sont là
Venus du côté du Lycée d'Akwa
Mais ils n'ont ni seau, ni sceau
Comment se rendra-t-on donc à Bordeaux?
Copyright 2010
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Tous les fournisseurs de vin sont là
Venus du côté du Lycée d'Akwa
Mais ils n'ont ni seau, ni sceau
Comment se rendra-t-on donc à Bordeaux?
Copyright 2010
LE PRIX A PAYER
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Si seulement vous pouviez refermer la porte
Moi je t'inviterais à humer
Alors ni ronronnement,
Ni oasis, ni vrombissement
Ne pourrait nous arrêter.
Copyright 2010
Si seulement vous pouviez refermer la porte
Moi je t'inviterais à humer
Alors ni ronronnement,
Ni oasis, ni vrombissement
Ne pourrait nous arrêter.
Copyright 2010
lundi 23 août 2010
FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Call the doctor if you will
The fireman or the ambulance
Anyone
But call someone
For God's sake!
I may not be the proctor from Stamwill
But I'm in a trance
Only remember the figure 'One'
And the late Professor Tutuwan
My God! What law did he break?
Copyright 2010
Call the doctor if you will
The fireman or the ambulance
Anyone
But call someone
For God's sake!
I may not be the proctor from Stamwill
But I'm in a trance
Only remember the figure 'One'
And the late Professor Tutuwan
My God! What law did he break?
Copyright 2010
NIGHTMARE NIGHT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The night was dull
And there was a lull
No woman was nearby
So standing on the porch all alone
I cried out: 'To hell with the devil!'.
Suddenly the devil appared before me
Naked
Stark naked.
Copyright 2010
The night was dull
And there was a lull
No woman was nearby
So standing on the porch all alone
I cried out: 'To hell with the devil!'.
Suddenly the devil appared before me
Naked
Stark naked.
Copyright 2010
DEAD END
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It will all end as it began
Poorly and squarely
Even the kitchen boys dressed in white
Won't see the cup before it's buried.
Copyright 2010
It will all end as it began
Poorly and squarely
Even the kitchen boys dressed in white
Won't see the cup before it's buried.
Copyright 2010
CUL-DE-SAC
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
There's little point in asking
You won't get any answers that way
At least, not today
Why not call the Head of State as he is biking?
Copyright 2010
There's little point in asking
You won't get any answers that way
At least, not today
Why not call the Head of State as he is biking?
Copyright 2010
WINGLESS BIRD
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I'm not a winged bird
Let alone Thora Hird
I'm just a dying dinosaur
For whom morning pap is the world.
Copyright 2010
I'm not a winged bird
Let alone Thora Hird
I'm just a dying dinosaur
For whom morning pap is the world.
Copyright 2010
samedi 21 août 2010
VALSE DES PHARAONS D`ETOUDI
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Les pharaons sont revenus
Avec pompe et fanfare
Ils cherchent à reconquérir leur palace
Et encore une fois, nous gouverner.
Mais pauvres pharaons qu`ils sont
Ignorent-ils leur tare ?
Dites-leur qu`on reconnait leur vieille glace
Et qu`ils ne pourront plus jamais nous berner.
Copyright 2010
Les pharaons sont revenus
Avec pompe et fanfare
Ils cherchent à reconquérir leur palace
Et encore une fois, nous gouverner.
Mais pauvres pharaons qu`ils sont
Ignorent-ils leur tare ?
Dites-leur qu`on reconnait leur vieille glace
Et qu`ils ne pourront plus jamais nous berner.
Copyright 2010
ENTRE NOUS JEUNES
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Imagine un peu cela
Il porte mes habits
Ma femme lui fait à manger
Mes enfants nettoient ses chaussures
Et il me traite d`avare?
Sait-il ce qu`est devenu son frère Mbida?
De grâce! Vivement qu`il me donne du répit!
Sinon je vais tout dire et tout va dégringoler
Alors, que dirons-nous au maitre déchu?
Que nous ne sommes que des bavards?
Copyright 2010
Copyright 2010
Imagine un peu cela
Il porte mes habits
Ma femme lui fait à manger
Mes enfants nettoient ses chaussures
Et il me traite d`avare?
Sait-il ce qu`est devenu son frère Mbida?
De grâce! Vivement qu`il me donne du répit!
Sinon je vais tout dire et tout va dégringoler
Alors, que dirons-nous au maitre déchu?
Que nous ne sommes que des bavards?
Copyright 2010
Copyright 2010
FILS DE PAUL BIYA
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Pour qui se prend-il, au fait ?
Pour Don Juan ?
Napoléon Bonaparte ?
Hitler ?
Ou Paul Biya ?
Sait-il qui est venu de Kribi avec des pattes bien faites ?
Et ce, juste pour se rendre a la SIL ?
Ecoute-t-il vraiment le témoignage de Don Juan ?
Ou dessine-t-il seulement ses foutues cartes
Dites-lui que s`il boit encore du Nestlé
Il sera appelé Fils de Paul Biya.
Copyright 2010
Pour qui se prend-il, au fait ?
Pour Don Juan ?
Napoléon Bonaparte ?
Hitler ?
Ou Paul Biya ?
Sait-il qui est venu de Kribi avec des pattes bien faites ?
Et ce, juste pour se rendre a la SIL ?
Ecoute-t-il vraiment le témoignage de Don Juan ?
Ou dessine-t-il seulement ses foutues cartes
Dites-lui que s`il boit encore du Nestlé
Il sera appelé Fils de Paul Biya.
Copyright 2010
POULE PONDEUSE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je ne suis pas une plante rampante
Mais je suis une poule pondeuse
Aucun dragon au monde
Ne peut me créer des ondes.
Copyright 2010
Je ne suis pas une plante rampante
Mais je suis une poule pondeuse
Aucun dragon au monde
Ne peut me créer des ondes.
Copyright 2010
LIBRE COURS
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Là où il dort encore
J`ai gardé les entrailles de l`épi d`or
Alors, avec ta texture rose
Tu peux tout te permettre.
Copyright 2010
Là où il dort encore
J`ai gardé les entrailles de l`épi d`or
Alors, avec ta texture rose
Tu peux tout te permettre.
Copyright 2010
ENDORMI AU PREMIER BANC
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Chaque jour que je contemple le soleil
Je suis dans mon élément
Mais lorsqu`il s`agit de prêter serment
Je ne suis plus en état d`éveil.
Copyright 2010
Chaque jour que je contemple le soleil
Je suis dans mon élément
Mais lorsqu`il s`agit de prêter serment
Je ne suis plus en état d`éveil.
Copyright 2010
MON APPRECIATION
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je ne suis pas irascible
Mais je me crois irrésistible
Le monde entier peut bien me détester
A la fin c`est lui qui va regretter.
Copyright 2010
Je ne suis pas irascible
Mais je me crois irrésistible
Le monde entier peut bien me détester
A la fin c`est lui qui va regretter.
Copyright 2010
PERSONA NON GRATA
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Non, personne au monde ne peut racheter cette balle
C`est une balle perdue
Seul un homme cocu
Peut l`acheter pour apaiser sa dame.
Copyright 2010
Non, personne au monde ne peut racheter cette balle
C`est une balle perdue
Seul un homme cocu
Peut l`acheter pour apaiser sa dame.
Copyright 2010
CHAMPION LOCAL
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Avec le temps, on saura
On saura à coup sur
Combien il a payé
Pour une fois, on oubliera les lampions.
S`il se lamente aux pieds des brassières impériales
On lui mènera la vie dure
Alors il finira par nous montrer
Exactement comment il est devenu champion.
Copyright 2010
Avec le temps, on saura
On saura à coup sur
Combien il a payé
Pour une fois, on oubliera les lampions.
S`il se lamente aux pieds des brassières impériales
On lui mènera la vie dure
Alors il finira par nous montrer
Exactement comment il est devenu champion.
Copyright 2010
CAESAR`S LETTER
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It`s not the process
It`s the procedure
When Caesar wrote to us
He did so without fuss.
Copyright 2010
It`s not the process
It`s the procedure
When Caesar wrote to us
He did so without fuss.
Copyright 2010
ODD RANTINGS
For Kaye Whiteman
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Is your name so sacrosanct?
And do you believe you`re on safe ground?
If the Lord Mayor`s animal bellows
The only thing you`ll have to do is rant.
Copyright 2010
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Is your name so sacrosanct?
And do you believe you`re on safe ground?
If the Lord Mayor`s animal bellows
The only thing you`ll have to do is rant.
Copyright 2010
THE AWAITED SPEECH
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
There`s no problem
The only thing that counts is the speech
Is she can`t make it yet again
Then why? Let`s ditch her.
Copyright 2010
There`s no problem
The only thing that counts is the speech
Is she can`t make it yet again
Then why? Let`s ditch her.
Copyright 2010
CHAIN REACTION
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We stopped him in his tracks
And at once the wind ceased
When I felt his filthy rags
The nearby lake exploded.
Copyright 2010
We stopped him in his tracks
And at once the wind ceased
When I felt his filthy rags
The nearby lake exploded.
Copyright 2010
THE CHAIRMAN`S PUSH
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Sorry I slipped
It was a banana peeling
But if I fell
It would be the chairman.
Copyright 2010
Sorry I slipped
It was a banana peeling
But if I fell
It would be the chairman.
Copyright 2010
OF ORCHIDS AND ASSES
( For my brother, the Late Mbaku Christopher Cho, English Language Teacher at Lycée de Bamendjou in the West Province. He loved the English Language and knew it well.)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Did you think of the cypress?
Or were you just blinded by Miss Blandish`s orchids?
Surely, they`re not one and the same thing
Asses are asses and pidgeon holes are pidgeon holes.
Copyright 2010
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Did you think of the cypress?
Or were you just blinded by Miss Blandish`s orchids?
Surely, they`re not one and the same thing
Asses are asses and pidgeon holes are pidgeon holes.
Copyright 2010
UNIDENTIFIED OBJECTS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
How many ere they?
Three? Five? A dozen?
And did you tag them?
All of them?
Then how do you expect their gains to multiply?
Copyright 2010
How many ere they?
Three? Five? A dozen?
And did you tag them?
All of them?
Then how do you expect their gains to multiply?
Copyright 2010
TOO LATE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We`re streamlined already
So don`t even raise the axle
These may not be all the command batons
But when the duke asks for his remnants
Won`t you say the`re all embezzled?
Copyright 2010
We`re streamlined already
So don`t even raise the axle
These may not be all the command batons
But when the duke asks for his remnants
Won`t you say the`re all embezzled?
Copyright 2010
FIRST AMONG EQUALS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I finished first and signed first
But she sank first
We both jostled for first place
In the end she went first.
Now I neither need to be first
Nor to go
What an unfair world this is!
Copyright 2010
I finished first and signed first
But she sank first
We both jostled for first place
In the end she went first.
Now I neither need to be first
Nor to go
What an unfair world this is!
Copyright 2010
UNOPENED TIN
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We haven`t opened it yet
It`s still there, where you left it
So when the town crier arrives with his gong
Let`s not deny him his due.
Copyright 2010
We haven`t opened it yet
It`s still there, where you left it
So when the town crier arrives with his gong
Let`s not deny him his due.
Copyright 2010
THE CHOSEN ONE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
She wasn`t what one would call a beauty
But she won everyone`s heart
Including that of the parish chairman.
When the homily ended
And she rose to sing
Everyone, even the priest, kissed her feet.
Copyright 2010
She wasn`t what one would call a beauty
But she won everyone`s heart
Including that of the parish chairman.
When the homily ended
And she rose to sing
Everyone, even the priest, kissed her feet.
Copyright 2010
CONFUSED VOTE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
He sat on his own face
Typical of the Judases
And once the chairman rose and spoke
He picked up his booking form and declared;
"Let`s not vote. The ballot boxes are rigged".
Copyright 2010
He sat on his own face
Typical of the Judases
And once the chairman rose and spoke
He picked up his booking form and declared;
"Let`s not vote. The ballot boxes are rigged".
Copyright 2010
vendredi 20 août 2010
LA CROIX DE MON MAITRE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Sur la croix de mon seigneur
J`ai posé mon front arrosé
En contre partie
Ce ne fut pas du tout le compte à rebours.
Copyright 2010
Sur la croix de mon seigneur
J`ai posé mon front arrosé
En contre partie
Ce ne fut pas du tout le compte à rebours.
Copyright 2010
jeudi 19 août 2010
HALF MEASURES
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
You know what to do
Don`t fill up all the empty jars
The pastor needs some for his concubine
Instead, fill up the newly-auctioned empty baskets.
Copyright 2010
You know what to do
Don`t fill up all the empty jars
The pastor needs some for his concubine
Instead, fill up the newly-auctioned empty baskets.
Copyright 2010
WHY SHE LEFT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Was Florence not there?
And you did it by yourself?
Didn`t you read the notice on the shelf?
Or were you only thinking of your huge fare?
Copyright 2010
Was Florence not there?
And you did it by yourself?
Didn`t you read the notice on the shelf?
Or were you only thinking of your huge fare?
Copyright 2010
CONCERNS ABOUT OUR ALTAR
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Tell us why he did it
Even if he has to hang you for it
We wanted men who were fit
So that the altar candle can remain lit.
Copyright 2010
Tell us why he did it
Even if he has to hang you for it
We wanted men who were fit
So that the altar candle can remain lit.
Copyright 2010
COLOSSAL BILL
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The charges are high, too high
Yet the goods were not even delivered
Why were we then hired
If we could also come nigh?
Copyright 2010
The charges are high, too high
Yet the goods were not even delivered
Why were we then hired
If we could also come nigh?
Copyright 2010
THE WRONG MAN
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We wanted workmen
Not con men
So if you paid the piper
Then you would dance like a nigger.
Copyright 2010
We wanted workmen
Not con men
So if you paid the piper
Then you would dance like a nigger.
Copyright 2010
UNWILLING COMPANION
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I also walked down that road
But I didn`t clap
I feared there might be a trap
So I refused to hoard.
Copyright 2010
I also walked down that road
But I didn`t clap
I feared there might be a trap
So I refused to hoard.
Copyright 2010
BAD OMENS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The master hasn`t been paid
So, how can we expect a dime?
The most we can have is a sour lime
And if we`re even unluckier, a second raid.
Copyright 2010
The master hasn`t been paid
So, how can we expect a dime?
The most we can have is a sour lime
And if we`re even unluckier, a second raid.
Copyright 2010
THE ABSENCE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Did they even bother to come?
Or did they just stay away with the hat?
Well, if they choose to grow fat
Why do we worry about the outcome?
Copyright 2010
Did they even bother to come?
Or did they just stay away with the hat?
Well, if they choose to grow fat
Why do we worry about the outcome?
Copyright 2010
THE WHISTLE BLOWER
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Enough is enough
If we want to save this fatherland
Where corruption is used and misused like dough
Then, how do you think we`ll ever land?
Copyright 2010
Enough is enough
If we want to save this fatherland
Where corruption is used and misused like dough
Then, how do you think we`ll ever land?
Copyright 2010
JUST STAY PUT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Look at it again
But not with your binoculars
If all you still see is the rain
Then demand your neighbour`s particulars.
Copyright 2010
Look at it again
But not with your binoculars
If all you still see is the rain
Then demand your neighbour`s particulars.
Copyright 2010
BEHIND SCHEDULE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I haven`t finished yet
The accountant didn`t come today
So there`s no need for a bet
All we need to do is make hay.
Copyright 2010
I haven`t finished yet
The accountant didn`t come today
So there`s no need for a bet
All we need to do is make hay.
Copyright 2010
THE YARDBOY`S LOSS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The yard boy stood by
And left without a word
At once, the tempted lullaby
Unprovoked,rose and flew off like a bird.
Copyright 2010
The yard boy stood by
And left without a word
At once, the tempted lullaby
Unprovoked,rose and flew off like a bird.
Copyright 2010
WORD OF MOUTH
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Why are we here?
Is it out of fear
Or is it on the orders of the highest gear?
Recite that to anyone who to you is dear
Copyright 2010
Why are we here?
Is it out of fear
Or is it on the orders of the highest gear?
Recite that to anyone who to you is dear
Copyright 2010
BACK-TO-BACK WITH THE DEVIL
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
When I`m back, we`ll talk
For now, just stay put
If the devil`s children still stalk
Then what we must expect is the loot.
Copyright 2010
When I`m back, we`ll talk
For now, just stay put
If the devil`s children still stalk
Then what we must expect is the loot.
Copyright 2010
TWO EMPTY SPACES
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The principal is out
Only the pastor`s footman is in
When the church bells toll and you tout
Even God`s holy sky will fall in.
Copyright 2010
The principal is out
Only the pastor`s footman is in
When the church bells toll and you tout
Even God`s holy sky will fall in.
Copyright 2010
FOUR THINGS TO BRING ALONG
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Show me the red box
But first, take off your kid`s gloves
Forget about the Lady in Red
She`s nothing but a spy for the FED
Just bring me the bloody red box.
If you have a John Knox
Then add two brand new stoves
When the withered banners are laid on the bed
Only a foolish clown called Ted
Will walk in with torn and smelling sock
And tell everyone that the day is good.
Copyright 2010
Show me the red box
But first, take off your kid`s gloves
Forget about the Lady in Red
She`s nothing but a spy for the FED
Just bring me the bloody red box.
If you have a John Knox
Then add two brand new stoves
When the withered banners are laid on the bed
Only a foolish clown called Ted
Will walk in with torn and smelling sock
And tell everyone that the day is good.
Copyright 2010
mercredi 18 août 2010
CALL TO ORDER
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Dear Jonathan Awasom
There is a saying that medicine does not necessarily work because it is taken in large quantities. Why do you so frequently send the same message repeatedly, a countless number of times? Why can`t you just use words - and just words - to summarize? I know this to be an old habit of yours and I also know that old habits die hard. But then where there is a will, there is a way. Unless, of course, you think otherwise.
Worse still, I notice you have started infiltrating blogs with which you have no affiliation. You invaded which is a forum for sons and daughters of Mbu (Baforchu) and their friends. Normally, you qualify for membership because you were once pastor of Presbyterian Church Baforkum which is a Baforchu Village in Tubah Sub Division, although the muddy water you created and left behind has still not been cleared. But you have already got members of the forum deeply upset by poisoning it with headless, senseless, dirty, foul, smelling and obnoxious articles.
You have even gone as far as also signing on and assaulting which is a forum created exclusively for the batch that entered Sacred Heart College, Mankon in 1970 and left in 1975. We the members of that class do not recognize you as one of us. We know we had two classmates who like you hailed from Mankon and who were also called `Awasom`. They are Dr Charles Ndeh Awasom, currently Director of the Regional Hospital in Bamenda and Dr Nicodemus Fru Awasom, a professor of History abroad. So, where do you place yourself? What was your registration number? Which of the classmates can you name? You can therefore see that you are an intruder, an infiltrator, a gatecrasher.
I advise you strongly to unsubscribe yourself from the two blogs within the next twenty four hours. Failing that, we will have no option than to expel you forcefully and make a public announcement about it. Not good for the man of God, the pastor, you are.
Regards
Tikum Mbah Azonga
Copyright 2010
Dear Jonathan Awasom
There is a saying that medicine does not necessarily work because it is taken in large quantities. Why do you so frequently send the same message repeatedly, a countless number of times? Why can`t you just use words - and just words - to summarize? I know this to be an old habit of yours and I also know that old habits die hard. But then where there is a will, there is a way. Unless, of course, you think otherwise.
Worse still, I notice you have started infiltrating blogs with which you have no affiliation. You invaded
You have even gone as far as also signing on and assaulting
I advise you strongly to unsubscribe yourself from the two blogs within the next twenty four hours. Failing that, we will have no option than to expel you forcefully and make a public announcement about it. Not good for the man of God, the pastor, you are.
Regards
Tikum Mbah Azonga
Copyright 2010
OBITUARY
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The death has been announced of Dr. NDAMBI ISAAC AKENJI. He was a lecturer in the the History Department of the University of Buea.
This message is intended particularly for those who were students in CCAST Bambili in either the 1974-1976 batch or the one of 1975-1977. Some of us were of the second batch.However, fate made it in such a way that I was one of four students who occupied Independence Hall, Room 8 when I was in the First Year, that is the Lower 6th at the time. The other three students in Room 8 were all Second Year Students.They were Tangie Christopher Chwingum and Enow Mathias Tambe The Independence Hall President for that year was a certain Tarkang whom I remember was tall and soft spoken. He was succeeded the following year by Ngwa Emmanuel Tahmundungnji Munanjo, today a translator in Arusha..
Ndambi and I shared the same bung bed with me (the fox) sleeping on the upper bed and he on the lower one. We lost touch for many years until recently when we met here at the university. It was a happy reunion. After that he wasn`t quite ill as such but was on and off. Later I didn`t see him again for quite a while. Then suddenly, the bomb shell. He died on the 14th of this month. I remember him back in High School for his impeccable English, his neatness, and the expensive radio set that dignified our room.
But his death came hot on the hills of that of Dr Mac Ojong, one of the Heads of Department of Education, who slept in the Lord on the 11th. Dr MacOjong and I are/were neighbours here in Buea. Doctor was an exemplary neighbour to me as well as an encouraging senior colleague.It`s two sad losses and two blows.
May their souls rest in peace.
Copyright 2010
THE APPOINTMENT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Come again next week
Come dressed to kill
Wear your aromatic perfume
And carry your Paris handbag
Be yourself
Exquisite and irresistible.
I will call you by your name
Make tea or coffee for two
Just for you, sing our national anthem
Give you a sweeter name
And then hand you the coveted bouquet
The one and only from Madrid.
Copyright 2010
Come again next week
Come dressed to kill
Wear your aromatic perfume
And carry your Paris handbag
Be yourself
Exquisite and irresistible.
I will call you by your name
Make tea or coffee for two
Just for you, sing our national anthem
Give you a sweeter name
And then hand you the coveted bouquet
The one and only from Madrid.
Copyright 2010
LIFELINE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Carry me our of here
Don`t call the flower bearers
They`re all weepers
Carry me out before I faint
Away from these lava prods
Used raped saxophones and unbroken mud molds
Obstructed impregnated gremlins and cursed marauders.
Give me another oxymoron
A few sacks of American dollars
Three newly-enthroned king fatteners
But of course, no saint
Replace the gangrenous vaginas with iron rods
And talk in terms of gram atoms and not moles
Only then while I rise and go to the theatre.
Copyright 2010
Carry me our of here
Don`t call the flower bearers
They`re all weepers
Carry me out before I faint
Away from these lava prods
Used raped saxophones and unbroken mud molds
Obstructed impregnated gremlins and cursed marauders.
Give me another oxymoron
A few sacks of American dollars
Three newly-enthroned king fatteners
But of course, no saint
Replace the gangrenous vaginas with iron rods
And talk in terms of gram atoms and not moles
Only then while I rise and go to the theatre.
Copyright 2010
GLASSES AT THE PARTY
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Before the party begins
We`1l be there
All of us like one
Leaving no one behind
And leaving no stone unturned.
Before the party ends
We`ll all be square
There`ll be no magic wand
But only burdened bullocks castrated on the hind.
Copyright 2010
Before the party begins
We`1l be there
All of us like one
Leaving no one behind
And leaving no stone unturned.
Before the party ends
We`ll all be square
There`ll be no magic wand
But only burdened bullocks castrated on the hind.
Copyright 2010
BUEA MY STRONGHOLD
(Tribute to the city of Buea, dedicated to Dr. EML Endeley, the first Prime Minister of Buea)
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I`m right here in Buea
This historic town with different faces
What joy it is to thread the paths
Trodden by those great figures
Endeley, Foncha, Jua, Muna, Nzo Ekhangaki, Effiom
Kale, Mbile, Galega, Abumbi,Monju,Kangsen, Motombi-Woleta.
Buea, although today raped and deprived, I love you like Muea
Where my father grew up with his uncle Pa Clement Achu
Owner of the famous Country House Muea as aces
Epasa moto gave them warm water for baths
Today, I too like your other kids breathe air with no fractures
And I freely mingle with your beautiful daughters
From now on for me, all roads on earth lead to Buea.
Copyright 2010
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I`m right here in Buea
This historic town with different faces
What joy it is to thread the paths
Trodden by those great figures
Endeley, Foncha, Jua, Muna, Nzo Ekhangaki, Effiom
Kale, Mbile, Galega, Abumbi,Monju,Kangsen, Motombi-Woleta.
Buea, although today raped and deprived, I love you like Muea
Where my father grew up with his uncle Pa Clement Achu
Owner of the famous Country House Muea as aces
Epasa moto gave them warm water for baths
Today, I too like your other kids breathe air with no fractures
And I freely mingle with your beautiful daughters
From now on for me, all roads on earth lead to Buea.
Copyright 2010
HOW WE GOVERN OUR COUNTRY
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
To rule and govern the people
We the wolfish politicians
Lure young innocent ones with stolen money
Then we parcel them up like cannibal pylons
And sharpen and polish and gore them for the market.
Their emaciated bodies
All the caravan bars, computer junk, metallic alloys
Scarlet chloroformed hollow bones
Crimson-coloured skulls and idiot-soaked flash bulbs
We drop in the mail box for Paris
And the fiscal transfers to Geneva
Later, we sign decrees making appointments
Placing our family members and sect members.
The following day we hold a rally with foreign diplomats
Someone climbs up the ladder and from the very summit
Drops the bag of remaining parts
All fall down and scatter like broken egg shells
They are scattered and splashed all over the country.
To our applauding guests
We rise and propose a toast and say
"This is what we do
We build our nation
We fight poverty and under-development
Can`t you see?
This is what we do with your money and our money"
Supporters brought in buses
From far and wide celebrate the victory and cry out
"Long lie the president! Long live the chairman!"
Copyright 2010
To rule and govern the people
We the wolfish politicians
Lure young innocent ones with stolen money
Then we parcel them up like cannibal pylons
And sharpen and polish and gore them for the market.
Their emaciated bodies
All the caravan bars, computer junk, metallic alloys
Scarlet chloroformed hollow bones
Crimson-coloured skulls and idiot-soaked flash bulbs
We drop in the mail box for Paris
And the fiscal transfers to Geneva
Later, we sign decrees making appointments
Placing our family members and sect members.
The following day we hold a rally with foreign diplomats
Someone climbs up the ladder and from the very summit
Drops the bag of remaining parts
All fall down and scatter like broken egg shells
They are scattered and splashed all over the country.
To our applauding guests
We rise and propose a toast and say
"This is what we do
We build our nation
We fight poverty and under-development
Can`t you see?
This is what we do with your money and our money"
Supporters brought in buses
From far and wide celebrate the victory and cry out
"Long lie the president! Long live the chairman!"
Copyright 2010
ENCOUNTER WITH BATE BESONG
By Tikum Mbah AZONGA
Figs of thistles
No, not for me
Add to them thorn conches
Cyanide guavas,whetted spumes
And send them to B.B.
They`re his.
For me, prepare the epistles
With another leaven cap for my knee
When I`m ready for the punches
I`ll meet BB at the sea
But first, he must pay his fees.
Copyright 2010
Figs of thistles
No, not for me
Add to them thorn conches
Cyanide guavas,whetted spumes
And send them to B.B.
They`re his.
For me, prepare the epistles
With another leaven cap for my knee
When I`m ready for the punches
I`ll meet BB at the sea
But first, he must pay his fees.
Copyright 2010
A KNOT TO TIE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
How will you tie the knot
When you can`t count your blessings
Matrimony can lead to court
Unless you hearken to the Lord`s blessings.
Copyright 2010
How will you tie the knot
When you can`t count your blessings
Matrimony can lead to court
Unless you hearken to the Lord`s blessings.
Copyright 2010
ALGAE WITHOUT HABITAT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I`m not an octopus
Or Bate Besong`s unplucked bacchae
If anything, I`m a refrigerated greeen filamentous algae
In search of rejected juicy fructus.
Copyright 2010
I`m not an octopus
Or Bate Besong`s unplucked bacchae
If anything, I`m a refrigerated greeen filamentous algae
In search of rejected juicy fructus.
Copyright 2010
SHEER NECESSITY
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
No, it`s not futile
So, don`t be tight up
What you need is a glottal stop
Not another poisoned missile.
Copyright 2010
No, it`s not futile
So, don`t be tight up
What you need is a glottal stop
Not another poisoned missile.
Copyright 2010
FREEDOM OF SPEECH
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
They too must have a say
Give them the floor
When it comes to pay
You won`t be shown the door.
Copyright 2010
They too must have a say
Give them the floor
When it comes to pay
You won`t be shown the door.
Copyright 2010
WE AS WE ARE
For MaryAnn
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It`s difficult for anyone to trust
And when we do, we become capital fools
I know that very well
Because I know myself
And that`s the plain truth to me
Not an ounce more, not an ounce less.
But that doesn`t mean we are the earth`s crust
Neither are we in any way Caesar`s tools
It`s just that each time we have to sink a well
We forget all about the Cancerian book shelf
And if necessary we go down on one knee
Until my soul mate comes and takes off the stress.
Copyright 2010
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It`s difficult for anyone to trust
And when we do, we become capital fools
I know that very well
Because I know myself
And that`s the plain truth to me
Not an ounce more, not an ounce less.
But that doesn`t mean we are the earth`s crust
Neither are we in any way Caesar`s tools
It`s just that each time we have to sink a well
We forget all about the Cancerian book shelf
And if necessary we go down on one knee
Until my soul mate comes and takes off the stress.
Copyright 2010
mardi 17 août 2010
THE ULTIMATE MESSAGE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I have finished you
Washed you, stripped you naked
You`ll never rise again
You`re doomed for life
So pack your bags
The train is steaming already
When you go
Take this to my ancestors:
"We were faithful to you.
But they betrayed you
That`s where we stand!:
Copyright 2010
I have finished you
Washed you, stripped you naked
You`ll never rise again
You`re doomed for life
So pack your bags
The train is steaming already
When you go
Take this to my ancestors:
"We were faithful to you.
But they betrayed you
That`s where we stand!:
Copyright 2010
NO-GO AREA
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I can`t go there
The place is too foul
So in the mass boys so dear
Otherwise, simply repeal old Raoul.
Copyright 2010
I can`t go there
The place is too foul
So in the mass boys so dear
Otherwise, simply repeal old Raoul.
Copyright 2010
THE STARRY-EYED ONE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I want to follow the vicar
Even if the pill is bitter
What does it matter
After all, weren`t we too deprived of manna?
Copyright 2010
I want to follow the vicar
Even if the pill is bitter
What does it matter
After all, weren`t we too deprived of manna?
Copyright 2010
PAPAL INTERVENTION
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The pantry bird wails
And poor Bob`s apple tree bleeds
We need all types of veils
So that pope can destroy the creeds.
Copyright 2010
The pantry bird wails
And poor Bob`s apple tree bleeds
We need all types of veils
So that pope can destroy the creeds.
Copyright 2010
WORK AND FEVER
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Do you work here
Or are you just visiting?
If I`m insisting
It`s because my worst enemy is fear.
Copyright 2010
Do you work here
Or are you just visiting?
If I`m insisting
It`s because my worst enemy is fear.
Copyright 2010
THE QUEEN`S SPEECH
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
What do you say
`Anos horibilis`?
Why? Is there another crisis?
Or are you just quoting what the Queen says?
Copyright 2010
What do you say
`Anos horibilis`?
Why? Is there another crisis?
Or are you just quoting what the Queen says?
Copyright 2010
KILBURN WITHOUT MEAT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I want to eat
But I don`t want meat
For too long cows have been beasts of burden
To escape it all, let`s pack out to Kilburn.
Copyright 2010
I want to eat
But I don`t want meat
For too long cows have been beasts of burden
To escape it all, let`s pack out to Kilburn.
Copyright 2010
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CHURCH
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Here we don`t ask questions
We simply execute orders
If you know about the Holy Orders
Then forget about the published excommunications.
Copyright 2010
Here we don`t ask questions
We simply execute orders
If you know about the Holy Orders
Then forget about the published excommunications.
Copyright 2010
SPOT CHECK
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Have you examined it
And you`ve found it usable?
If I don`t look well
It`s because it looks fishy and questionable.
Copyright 2010
Have you examined it
And you`ve found it usable?
If I don`t look well
It`s because it looks fishy and questionable.
Copyright 2010
RENT EMBARGO
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
How about you?
Are you exempt?
You haven`t paid your due
So don`t mention the word, `rent`.
Copyright 2010
How about you?
Are you exempt?
You haven`t paid your due
So don`t mention the word, `rent`.
Copyright 2010
THE AFARS AND THE ISARS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I see far
Very far
So don`t deceive yourself
All these table bird shelves
Singing out there in the rain
Were once rain gods on tour.
Today as we quibble about tar
And trip on the name Czar
The only solution appears to be Elf
Whether we ask the chairman or we speak ourselves
If we want to relieve the pain
Then we must restrain, not simply pour.
Copyright 2010
I see far
Very far
So don`t deceive yourself
All these table bird shelves
Singing out there in the rain
Were once rain gods on tour.
Today as we quibble about tar
And trip on the name Czar
The only solution appears to be Elf
Whether we ask the chairman or we speak ourselves
If we want to relieve the pain
Then we must restrain, not simply pour.
Copyright 2010
THE PIPING BIRD
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I`m not a jute bag
But I`m the singer bird
At noon I pipe
And at midnight I pipe down.
Don`t give me a tag
Lest I become a poor third
If my jute bag were ripe
Then wouldn`t all the chips be down?
Copyright 2010
I`m not a jute bag
But I`m the singer bird
At noon I pipe
And at midnight I pipe down.
Don`t give me a tag
Lest I become a poor third
If my jute bag were ripe
Then wouldn`t all the chips be down?
Copyright 2010
lundi 16 août 2010
LES DES SONT JETES
A ABIGAIL
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je ne sais pas quoi dire
Franchement, car c`est trop utopique et amorphe
Pourtant ma coupe est pleine
Et le fleuve de la communauté débordé
Le vieux sage se récuse contre tout propos
Et le voisin d`en face vient de tirer son rideau.
Il ne s`agit pas de la langue de bois
Encore moins d`un complot contre l`État
C`est un ratissage de poches de résistance
Il faut nettoyer la basse cour du roi
Tu me demandes a quelle heure le curé passera
A vrai dire, je suis dépassé, époustouflé, sidéré.
Copyright 2010
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je ne sais pas quoi dire
Franchement, car c`est trop utopique et amorphe
Pourtant ma coupe est pleine
Et le fleuve de la communauté débordé
Le vieux sage se récuse contre tout propos
Et le voisin d`en face vient de tirer son rideau.
Il ne s`agit pas de la langue de bois
Encore moins d`un complot contre l`État
C`est un ratissage de poches de résistance
Il faut nettoyer la basse cour du roi
Tu me demandes a quelle heure le curé passera
A vrai dire, je suis dépassé, époustouflé, sidéré.
Copyright 2010
BEANS FOR SUPPER
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I saw her walk past
She raced up the road
Not down, as you guys think
Her blue umbrella in her right hand
And her black handbag slung over her shoulder
She looked gorgeous in her rastas
And her irresistible, tight-fitting jeans.
The flag was not at half mast
And I managed to put together this very odd ode
All that while, our neighbor`s wife looked at me with a wink
Without an elegy or a country churchyard brand
I don`t believe in canon fodder
Although seven days a week, I can eat Italian pastas.
That`s why if she asks what I want, I`ll shout: “Beans!”
Copyright 2010
I saw her walk past
She raced up the road
Not down, as you guys think
Her blue umbrella in her right hand
And her black handbag slung over her shoulder
She looked gorgeous in her rastas
And her irresistible, tight-fitting jeans.
The flag was not at half mast
And I managed to put together this very odd ode
All that while, our neighbor`s wife looked at me with a wink
Without an elegy or a country churchyard brand
I don`t believe in canon fodder
Although seven days a week, I can eat Italian pastas.
That`s why if she asks what I want, I`ll shout: “Beans!”
Copyright 2010
IMAGINE A LABORATORY IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The idea of writing text books for use in our schools is no longer new as it has been done for decades. Thanks to that turn of events, gone are the days when most, if not all, secondary school text books were imported, at great cost to both school and parents. Now that the trend has been reversed, students are having on offer, more and more “Made in Cameroon” textbooks. It is precisely in the category of what I call the “home-made textbooks” that Nathaniel Okenyi`s Biotechnology: An Introductory Approach, falls squarely.
Even so, Okenyi`s book is not just one of those “made in Cameroon”. The book is totally and entirely in a class of its own because it embraces a discipline which is new in the country`s school curriculum and one on which little if not nothing has been written specifically. Two leading authorities who have written the forward to the book – Helen Agborbesong who is National Pedagogic Inspector for Biology and Akonumbo Derrick who is Assistant Chief Examiner for Advanced Level Biology – support this view: “The introduction of the study of Biotechnology in our educational system has been very timid. The reasons for this may not be very evident but as a teacher, one would be tempted to think that we need an appropriate text book. Secondly, if we do have a text the next problem would be how to exploit it. This is to say our teachers are not adequately versed on the subject matter. The Cameroon General Certificate of Education Board has introduced this area of study as an integral part of the Ordinary Level as well as the Advanced Level. This makes its study imperative in our schools. The coming up of Biotechnology: An Introductory Approach will certainly be of relief to many a teacher of biology”.
When one examines Okenyi`s profile, one has no doubt that he is quite qualified to write such a book. He has studied biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology and biology education. He holds a BSc and a Maitrise in biochemistry as well as the DIPES II from the Higher Cycle of ENS Yaounde. In terms of practical field experience, Okenyi is Head of the Department of Biology and Science Coordinator at Government Bilingual High School, Tiko. He is also a GCE examiner in Advanced Level Biology. Perhaps to crown it all, he serves as a member of the Cameroon Science Teachers` Association (CAMSTA) as well as the Natural Science Teachers` Association (NASTA).
That being the case, it is therefore not surprising that Okenyi begins his study by giving a definition of biotechnology. According to him, “Biotechnology is any technological application which uses biological systems, living things or derivatives thereof to make and modify products or processes for specific uses (…) Biotechnology can be compared to biology because both studies are carried out on living things. But their differences are enormous. While biology, basically involves the understanding of living things and systems, biotechnology delves into the use of these systems and their understanding. When compared in terms of production we note that biotechnology can be considered as the economic aspect of biology. It involves the stepping up of biological processes. Biological production is measured in terms of grams while biotechnology harnesses knowledge and skills to modify life. It is geared towards production and developmental perspectives”.
Okenyi`s definition ties in with the following one from the website, Wise Geek: “In its most general sense, biotech can be used to refer to any sort of technology that uses biology to accomplish its end. This includes such ‘low-tech’ methods as grafting different plants together, adding yeasts to a drink to ferment it into beer, or supplementing soil with organisms to help manage pest problems. In a more specific sense, biotech is usually used to refer to a higher level of technological intercession, especially in the field of agriculture. There are four main subfields of biotech, which most implementations fit under: green, blue, white, and red. Green biotech has to do with plants and growing, blue biotech has to do with aquatic uses of biological technology, white biotech is used in industry, and red biotech is used for medical purposes. While all four subfields have contributed a number of valuable processes, green biotech is probably the most widely used, while blue biotech is still relatively rare”.
To buttress his definition of biotechnology, the Okenyi adapts an illustrative Biotechnology Knowledge Tree from Wikipedia.org which links 15 other disciplines directly to biotechnology. These are agriculture, genetics, energy and environmental management, biochemistry, chemical engineering, food processing, immunology, parasitology, genetic engineering, bioprocess technology, fermentation technology, medicine, microbiology and cell and molecular biology.
The book is broken up into six broad chapters, each of which is further divided into sub sections. The six are biotechnology and scope, traditional biotechnology, modern biotechnology, techniques of modern biotechnology, sustainability and some applications of biotechnology, and finally bioethics. Some sub chapters taken at random are production of dairies, production of wines, grafting, organisms used in biotechnology, culture media, fermentation technology, tissue-cell culture, protoplast fusion, genetic engineering including polymerase chain reaction and recombinant DNA technology, production of human insulin, biogas production, micro-propagation in plants, the use of pectinase to extract fruit juice, ethanoic and acid production, as well as making soap, ice cream, ginger bread and bread.
Okenyi somehow manages to balance a certain equation that could easily have wrong-footed him. It is the unenviable task of giving satisfaction to both teacher and student in terms of the usefulness of the book. That is why he says in the preface: “A common misconception among teachers is the thought that biotechnology only includes recDNA technology and genetic engineering. To keep students abreast of this current knowledge, some teachers at times have emphasized the techniques of DNA science as the “end-and-all” of biotechnology. This trend has led to a misunderstanding in the general populace Biotechnology is broader than these two techniques. In this book therefore I have not only presented the scope of biotechnology but have also emphasized other techniques and their basic principles. The book will serve as a handbook for both students of the formal and informal education sectors. To teachers, it should serve as the framework for thoughtful teaching not only to make better the creation of God but to render it purposeful and useful”.
The outer back cover of the book says even more about its usefulness: “Biotechnology: An Introductory Approach provides the clearest access to the vast pluri-disciplinary field of biotechnology. It emphasizes the experimental and economic aspects of biotechnology which can be exploited by scholars in the developing world. This book is relevant primarily to teachers given that it provides first hand information and the basics of biotechnology. It is equally relevant to A-Level biology and undergraduates of biochemistry, microbiology and biotechnology. Biotechnology: An Introductory Approach offers clear and simple explanations of biological concepts in biotechnology, progression of concepts from simple to complex with thoughtful insights, real and comprehensive texts for students to explore, experiments and laboratory activities that can be converted into business ventures, as well as revision exercises and past questions of the London and Cameroon GCE examination on biotechnology, with answers traceable inside the text.
The author goes the extra mile for the sake of the student, by setting at the end of chapters, examination-like revision questions. At the end of the entire work he sets what he calls “General Question” which are in fact a bird`s eye view revision of the entire book. The book is written in simple English, with sufficient care being taken to ensure that even when scientific formulas and equations are used, the non-scientific mind is not scared off. It contains an appendix which gives a table for ammonium medium for nitrosomonas, one for Emmons` Culture Medium for Fungi and one on the Phage Growth Medium. The book also contains a glossary which defines useful related terms such as absorption, antibiotic, cloning vector, hemocytometer, molasses, pasteurization, restriction endonuclease and sparging. Further on he includes a selected bibliography of proven authors such as Lealy & al, Mullis, Lodish, Benson, Cooper, Nagamani and Ramasamyi, Jens and Villadsen as well as an alphabetical index.
Biotechnology: An Introductory Approach was published in 2008 by Bookhouse, P.O. Box 14030, Yaounde.
Author`s contact details:
Mr. Nathaniel Okenyi
GBHS Tiko
Fako Division
South West Region
Republic of Cameroon
TEL: (237) 9981 9775 or (237) 7658 8733
EMAIL: nathokenyi@yahoo.com
Copyright 2010
The idea of writing text books for use in our schools is no longer new as it has been done for decades. Thanks to that turn of events, gone are the days when most, if not all, secondary school text books were imported, at great cost to both school and parents. Now that the trend has been reversed, students are having on offer, more and more “Made in Cameroon” textbooks. It is precisely in the category of what I call the “home-made textbooks” that Nathaniel Okenyi`s Biotechnology: An Introductory Approach, falls squarely.
Even so, Okenyi`s book is not just one of those “made in Cameroon”. The book is totally and entirely in a class of its own because it embraces a discipline which is new in the country`s school curriculum and one on which little if not nothing has been written specifically. Two leading authorities who have written the forward to the book – Helen Agborbesong who is National Pedagogic Inspector for Biology and Akonumbo Derrick who is Assistant Chief Examiner for Advanced Level Biology – support this view: “The introduction of the study of Biotechnology in our educational system has been very timid. The reasons for this may not be very evident but as a teacher, one would be tempted to think that we need an appropriate text book. Secondly, if we do have a text the next problem would be how to exploit it. This is to say our teachers are not adequately versed on the subject matter. The Cameroon General Certificate of Education Board has introduced this area of study as an integral part of the Ordinary Level as well as the Advanced Level. This makes its study imperative in our schools. The coming up of Biotechnology: An Introductory Approach will certainly be of relief to many a teacher of biology”.
When one examines Okenyi`s profile, one has no doubt that he is quite qualified to write such a book. He has studied biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology and biology education. He holds a BSc and a Maitrise in biochemistry as well as the DIPES II from the Higher Cycle of ENS Yaounde. In terms of practical field experience, Okenyi is Head of the Department of Biology and Science Coordinator at Government Bilingual High School, Tiko. He is also a GCE examiner in Advanced Level Biology. Perhaps to crown it all, he serves as a member of the Cameroon Science Teachers` Association (CAMSTA) as well as the Natural Science Teachers` Association (NASTA).
That being the case, it is therefore not surprising that Okenyi begins his study by giving a definition of biotechnology. According to him, “Biotechnology is any technological application which uses biological systems, living things or derivatives thereof to make and modify products or processes for specific uses (…) Biotechnology can be compared to biology because both studies are carried out on living things. But their differences are enormous. While biology, basically involves the understanding of living things and systems, biotechnology delves into the use of these systems and their understanding. When compared in terms of production we note that biotechnology can be considered as the economic aspect of biology. It involves the stepping up of biological processes. Biological production is measured in terms of grams while biotechnology harnesses knowledge and skills to modify life. It is geared towards production and developmental perspectives”.
Okenyi`s definition ties in with the following one from the website, Wise Geek: “In its most general sense, biotech can be used to refer to any sort of technology that uses biology to accomplish its end. This includes such ‘low-tech’ methods as grafting different plants together, adding yeasts to a drink to ferment it into beer, or supplementing soil with organisms to help manage pest problems. In a more specific sense, biotech is usually used to refer to a higher level of technological intercession, especially in the field of agriculture. There are four main subfields of biotech, which most implementations fit under: green, blue, white, and red. Green biotech has to do with plants and growing, blue biotech has to do with aquatic uses of biological technology, white biotech is used in industry, and red biotech is used for medical purposes. While all four subfields have contributed a number of valuable processes, green biotech is probably the most widely used, while blue biotech is still relatively rare”.
To buttress his definition of biotechnology, the Okenyi adapts an illustrative Biotechnology Knowledge Tree from Wikipedia.org which links 15 other disciplines directly to biotechnology. These are agriculture, genetics, energy and environmental management, biochemistry, chemical engineering, food processing, immunology, parasitology, genetic engineering, bioprocess technology, fermentation technology, medicine, microbiology and cell and molecular biology.
The book is broken up into six broad chapters, each of which is further divided into sub sections. The six are biotechnology and scope, traditional biotechnology, modern biotechnology, techniques of modern biotechnology, sustainability and some applications of biotechnology, and finally bioethics. Some sub chapters taken at random are production of dairies, production of wines, grafting, organisms used in biotechnology, culture media, fermentation technology, tissue-cell culture, protoplast fusion, genetic engineering including polymerase chain reaction and recombinant DNA technology, production of human insulin, biogas production, micro-propagation in plants, the use of pectinase to extract fruit juice, ethanoic and acid production, as well as making soap, ice cream, ginger bread and bread.
Okenyi somehow manages to balance a certain equation that could easily have wrong-footed him. It is the unenviable task of giving satisfaction to both teacher and student in terms of the usefulness of the book. That is why he says in the preface: “A common misconception among teachers is the thought that biotechnology only includes recDNA technology and genetic engineering. To keep students abreast of this current knowledge, some teachers at times have emphasized the techniques of DNA science as the “end-and-all” of biotechnology. This trend has led to a misunderstanding in the general populace Biotechnology is broader than these two techniques. In this book therefore I have not only presented the scope of biotechnology but have also emphasized other techniques and their basic principles. The book will serve as a handbook for both students of the formal and informal education sectors. To teachers, it should serve as the framework for thoughtful teaching not only to make better the creation of God but to render it purposeful and useful”.
The outer back cover of the book says even more about its usefulness: “Biotechnology: An Introductory Approach provides the clearest access to the vast pluri-disciplinary field of biotechnology. It emphasizes the experimental and economic aspects of biotechnology which can be exploited by scholars in the developing world. This book is relevant primarily to teachers given that it provides first hand information and the basics of biotechnology. It is equally relevant to A-Level biology and undergraduates of biochemistry, microbiology and biotechnology. Biotechnology: An Introductory Approach offers clear and simple explanations of biological concepts in biotechnology, progression of concepts from simple to complex with thoughtful insights, real and comprehensive texts for students to explore, experiments and laboratory activities that can be converted into business ventures, as well as revision exercises and past questions of the London and Cameroon GCE examination on biotechnology, with answers traceable inside the text.
The author goes the extra mile for the sake of the student, by setting at the end of chapters, examination-like revision questions. At the end of the entire work he sets what he calls “General Question” which are in fact a bird`s eye view revision of the entire book. The book is written in simple English, with sufficient care being taken to ensure that even when scientific formulas and equations are used, the non-scientific mind is not scared off. It contains an appendix which gives a table for ammonium medium for nitrosomonas, one for Emmons` Culture Medium for Fungi and one on the Phage Growth Medium. The book also contains a glossary which defines useful related terms such as absorption, antibiotic, cloning vector, hemocytometer, molasses, pasteurization, restriction endonuclease and sparging. Further on he includes a selected bibliography of proven authors such as Lealy & al, Mullis, Lodish, Benson, Cooper, Nagamani and Ramasamyi, Jens and Villadsen as well as an alphabetical index.
Biotechnology: An Introductory Approach was published in 2008 by Bookhouse, P.O. Box 14030, Yaounde.
Author`s contact details:
Mr. Nathaniel Okenyi
GBHS Tiko
Fako Division
South West Region
Republic of Cameroon
TEL: (237) 9981 9775 or (237) 7658 8733
EMAIL: nathokenyi@yahoo.com
Copyright 2010
vendredi 13 août 2010
NSO CULTURE RE-ENACTED IN KUMBO
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
(alias Lukong Mbilam, Wan Shufai Ndzendzev wo Mandze, wo Kimbo)
There is something mythical about Nso sons and daughters: generally, they like their culture, but especially their language. This statement is borne out by two facts, the first of which is that when someone from outside arrives in that homeland to take up residence, they are told in Lamnso: “A ked fo ye’ lamnso’eh!” meaning, “You must learn Lamnso, eh?” The other supporting evidence is that Nso people generally like to marry among themselves. Although they marry outside of the Nso clan, such instances are few and far between.
One thing no one can deny Nso people is that they have a very rich cultural background. Aware of this, they have in recent years sought to revamp and showcase their patrimony whenever they can. An example is Mfu` House in Ghana Street Bamenda which is a replica of what such a `meeting House` looks like back home. On Mfu` days, members all clad in the corresponding traditional regalia, come together, deliberate, drink, sing, and clash their Mfu` `swords`. When they at the climax, they can be heard exclaiming joyously in the name of the Mfu` secret society: “Mfu` eh!”. A Mfu` meeting is an event worth witnessing, the more so as it really looks like what one might call a piece of Nso in Bamenda. Another eloquent demonstration of Nso culture is the Ngon-Nso 2010 Festival that was held in Kumbo in April of this year. To be more precise, the cultural bonanza took place from April 3 to 11. As part of the celebration, a special magazine was produced with the participation of the Nso royal family, the NSO Development Association (NSODA), internal and external elite as well as many other Nso sons and daughters.
Ngon-Nso was more than a cultural festival. It was a celebration whose focus was on Ngon-Nso, the founder of the Nso dynasty. Ngon-Nso was a sister to Nchare-Yen and Mfomban. It turned out that the two brothers left their ancestral land for greener pastures but carefully avoided informing their sister because they wanted her to stay at home. However, Ngon-Nso got wind of the departure and also took off with her own followers. While Ngon-Nso founded the Nso clan, Nchare-Yen founded the Bamoun clan and Mfomban started the Mbam family which is today found in the Mbam and Inoubou and Mbam and Kim Divisions around Bafia and Ntui in the Centre Province of Cameroon.
As might be expected, the cover of the magazine is dominated by a remarkable figure of Ngon-Nso sitting on a stool (or so it seems) that forms part of her lower body. In conformity with royal taste, the ancestor’s entire body – except for the face, ears and hands - is covered with cowries carefully planted so that they form an exquisite architecture capable of wooing anybody who looks at it: children and adults; women and children; primary, secondary and university scholars, researchers and even the laity. On the illustration, Ngon-Nso is alone with not a single other soul anywhere around her. In a way, this could be interpreted as an emphasis of her absolute power over her kingdom and those over whom she rules and has dominion. This is so because according to tradition, a Fon never dies. The Fon “goes missing”. It is therefore believed that wherever this mother ancestor of the Nso clan is, she is still brooding over her children and keeping them out of harm`s way, like every good mother would do. On another note, the inside front cover of the publication carries the photograph of the Head of State, Paul Biya while on the opposite page is that of Prime Minister Philemon Yang. The third page features Culture Minister Ama Tutu Muna.
It was in the year 1394 that the three siblings - Nchare-Yen, Ngon-Nso and Mfomban - went their separate ways and it was in that same year that they founded their respective dynasties. Not irrelevantly, the current Fon of Nso, the relatively young, handsome and dynamic Sehm Mbinglo III, in his address published in the magazine on the occasion of Ngon-Nso 2010, lays emphasis on the need for the families of the three dynasties to work in synergy with each other. He even goes the extra mile to advocate a football tournament whose matches would take place alternately in Kumbo, Foumban and Bafia.
In his own address also published in the magazine, the National President of NSODA, Shey Wilfred Banmbuh says: “The primordial objective of the festival is to transmit and indeed inculcate our ancestral norms, values and traditions in our offspring. It could not be otherwise because our tradition, norms and values are what together bind us as one people, give us one culture and one identity”.
The publication is rich in its treatment of different aspects of Nso culture. It is thus that in it one finds an article on the Nchumelu, ‘the Matrilineal Line of the Nso Fon’, written by Bulami Edward Fonyuy and Prof Daniel Lantum. ‘Nso Traditional Orders and Etiquette’ is handled by Mzeka Nzegha Paul and ‘The Political Organization of the Nso Paramouncy from 1970 to 2010’, by Sakah J. Tatah. ‘Ngon-Nso Cultural Festival 2010: A Scientific/Literary Appreciation and Appraisal’ is a contribution by Dr. Faay Woo Bamfen’. Grace Bonglamonyuy Lafon writes on the topic: ‘Hiding the Umbilical cord: For Women Only’. The exploits of Milano Kumbo Sports Academy, flag bearers of sports in Bui Division are recounted by its Executive President Mbenkum Roland Kiven. Some poetry is thrown in for good measure by the young and dashing Mirabel Fonyuy aka Myra.
Bui Community Radio (BCR) which has become a celebrity in its own right in Bui Division takes up the whole of the back page of the publication to advertise itself. In its own words, it “has 450 000 listeners in Bui, Donga Mantung and parts of Noun, Ngoketunjia and Mezam”.
Nonetheless, the magazine has some weaknesses which the editors would do well to examine and rectify. These include the fact that its pages are not numbered and it has no contact details just in case a reader wants to get in touch. This is regrettable because spontaneous reactions from Nso people and well wishers in the diaspora, for example, might want to support the venture by either contributing towards the next edition of Ngon-Nso, or even going further to ensure that the Nso community worldwide has a permanent periodical magazine to report on their events and in the process, mirror and propagate Nso culture.
Despite these shortcomings, the publication is worth acquiring and keeping. It is more than just a magazine. It is a photo album. Magazines are read and then put away. Photo albums are looked at and then returned to often as a means of reconnecting with the past and reliving the good old days.
Beri ven feyi. Abeni.
Thanks a lot. See you.
Copyright 2010
(alias Lukong Mbilam, Wan Shufai Ndzendzev wo Mandze, wo Kimbo)
There is something mythical about Nso sons and daughters: generally, they like their culture, but especially their language. This statement is borne out by two facts, the first of which is that when someone from outside arrives in that homeland to take up residence, they are told in Lamnso: “A ked fo ye’ lamnso’eh!” meaning, “You must learn Lamnso, eh?” The other supporting evidence is that Nso people generally like to marry among themselves. Although they marry outside of the Nso clan, such instances are few and far between.
One thing no one can deny Nso people is that they have a very rich cultural background. Aware of this, they have in recent years sought to revamp and showcase their patrimony whenever they can. An example is Mfu` House in Ghana Street Bamenda which is a replica of what such a `meeting House` looks like back home. On Mfu` days, members all clad in the corresponding traditional regalia, come together, deliberate, drink, sing, and clash their Mfu` `swords`. When they at the climax, they can be heard exclaiming joyously in the name of the Mfu` secret society: “Mfu` eh!”. A Mfu` meeting is an event worth witnessing, the more so as it really looks like what one might call a piece of Nso in Bamenda. Another eloquent demonstration of Nso culture is the Ngon-Nso 2010 Festival that was held in Kumbo in April of this year. To be more precise, the cultural bonanza took place from April 3 to 11. As part of the celebration, a special magazine was produced with the participation of the Nso royal family, the NSO Development Association (NSODA), internal and external elite as well as many other Nso sons and daughters.
Ngon-Nso was more than a cultural festival. It was a celebration whose focus was on Ngon-Nso, the founder of the Nso dynasty. Ngon-Nso was a sister to Nchare-Yen and Mfomban. It turned out that the two brothers left their ancestral land for greener pastures but carefully avoided informing their sister because they wanted her to stay at home. However, Ngon-Nso got wind of the departure and also took off with her own followers. While Ngon-Nso founded the Nso clan, Nchare-Yen founded the Bamoun clan and Mfomban started the Mbam family which is today found in the Mbam and Inoubou and Mbam and Kim Divisions around Bafia and Ntui in the Centre Province of Cameroon.
As might be expected, the cover of the magazine is dominated by a remarkable figure of Ngon-Nso sitting on a stool (or so it seems) that forms part of her lower body. In conformity with royal taste, the ancestor’s entire body – except for the face, ears and hands - is covered with cowries carefully planted so that they form an exquisite architecture capable of wooing anybody who looks at it: children and adults; women and children; primary, secondary and university scholars, researchers and even the laity. On the illustration, Ngon-Nso is alone with not a single other soul anywhere around her. In a way, this could be interpreted as an emphasis of her absolute power over her kingdom and those over whom she rules and has dominion. This is so because according to tradition, a Fon never dies. The Fon “goes missing”. It is therefore believed that wherever this mother ancestor of the Nso clan is, she is still brooding over her children and keeping them out of harm`s way, like every good mother would do. On another note, the inside front cover of the publication carries the photograph of the Head of State, Paul Biya while on the opposite page is that of Prime Minister Philemon Yang. The third page features Culture Minister Ama Tutu Muna.
It was in the year 1394 that the three siblings - Nchare-Yen, Ngon-Nso and Mfomban - went their separate ways and it was in that same year that they founded their respective dynasties. Not irrelevantly, the current Fon of Nso, the relatively young, handsome and dynamic Sehm Mbinglo III, in his address published in the magazine on the occasion of Ngon-Nso 2010, lays emphasis on the need for the families of the three dynasties to work in synergy with each other. He even goes the extra mile to advocate a football tournament whose matches would take place alternately in Kumbo, Foumban and Bafia.
In his own address also published in the magazine, the National President of NSODA, Shey Wilfred Banmbuh says: “The primordial objective of the festival is to transmit and indeed inculcate our ancestral norms, values and traditions in our offspring. It could not be otherwise because our tradition, norms and values are what together bind us as one people, give us one culture and one identity”.
The publication is rich in its treatment of different aspects of Nso culture. It is thus that in it one finds an article on the Nchumelu, ‘the Matrilineal Line of the Nso Fon’, written by Bulami Edward Fonyuy and Prof Daniel Lantum. ‘Nso Traditional Orders and Etiquette’ is handled by Mzeka Nzegha Paul and ‘The Political Organization of the Nso Paramouncy from 1970 to 2010’, by Sakah J. Tatah. ‘Ngon-Nso Cultural Festival 2010: A Scientific/Literary Appreciation and Appraisal’ is a contribution by Dr. Faay Woo Bamfen’. Grace Bonglamonyuy Lafon writes on the topic: ‘Hiding the Umbilical cord: For Women Only’. The exploits of Milano Kumbo Sports Academy, flag bearers of sports in Bui Division are recounted by its Executive President Mbenkum Roland Kiven. Some poetry is thrown in for good measure by the young and dashing Mirabel Fonyuy aka Myra.
Bui Community Radio (BCR) which has become a celebrity in its own right in Bui Division takes up the whole of the back page of the publication to advertise itself. In its own words, it “has 450 000 listeners in Bui, Donga Mantung and parts of Noun, Ngoketunjia and Mezam”.
Nonetheless, the magazine has some weaknesses which the editors would do well to examine and rectify. These include the fact that its pages are not numbered and it has no contact details just in case a reader wants to get in touch. This is regrettable because spontaneous reactions from Nso people and well wishers in the diaspora, for example, might want to support the venture by either contributing towards the next edition of Ngon-Nso, or even going further to ensure that the Nso community worldwide has a permanent periodical magazine to report on their events and in the process, mirror and propagate Nso culture.
Despite these shortcomings, the publication is worth acquiring and keeping. It is more than just a magazine. It is a photo album. Magazines are read and then put away. Photo albums are looked at and then returned to often as a means of reconnecting with the past and reliving the good old days.
Beri ven feyi. Abeni.
Thanks a lot. See you.
Copyright 2010
jeudi 12 août 2010
A LOOK AT FODJE JOHN TAITI’S MIRROR
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
When one examines the book industry in Cameroon one notices that there appear to be more curriculum-related books in circulation than those on subjects that one may call ‘abstract’. The book, The Twisted Nature of Man by Fodje John Taiti, is an eloquent example of a writer who has decided not to follow the crowd but to chart his own way as it were. It is not about everyday routine subjects such as mathematics, chemistry, history or economics. No, it is about the philosophy of life.
Although the book was published eleven years ago, today it is still as relevant as it was in 1999. It still challenges and prods the reader in the same way. The author summarizes the work as follows: “It is an effort to put into words some of the very essential things I have come to have faith in. I have therefore written this book with the trust that many people who read it would appreciate and appraise not only the nature of other people but theirs as well. When we see other people with the ‘eyes’ that we see ourselves the world would surely become a happier home for all of us.” Fodje dedicates the book to a Rev. Pastor Fondo who according to the author first told him “that there was a twist in human nature”. Last but surely not the least in his dedication are those whom he terms “far and near, past, present and future who love me despite the twist in my nature.”
Concerning the twist, Fodje writes: “There is a twist in human nature which is difficult to explain. No matter how sincere, no matter how straight, the human being has exhibited a twist in his nature at one time or another that does not tally with the overall image he normally presents.” According to the author, this twist in man’s nature makes it hard for man to listen to the other person. Yet, this inability or unwillingness to lend an ear inhibits the learning of new things and the acquisition of new experiences. Fodje argues that between right and wrong, man is not obliged to choose wrong. Consequently, man must not cover up personal weaknesses such as lateness for events with the false claim that lateness is an African thing. On the matter of politics, he contends that it is wrong to claim that free and fair elections are impossible in our community and our context. Fodje frowns at the fact that in a country like Cameroon, so much undue emphasis is placed on the origin of appointees when appointments are being made: “A village which produces a minister has no more right to the services of the ministry he heads than the rest of the country. The author clears any doubts that might limit the readership of the book to just Christians: “Although it uses examples from the Bible, the book cuts across denominational and religious barriers. It is therefore a book for all people and for all seasons.”
The Twisted Nature of Man is a 100-page portable pocket size book, written in plain English and therefore easy to read and understand. Even so, it is not simplistic as it is still rich in metaphors and humour. Although the book contains eighteen chapters, they are so artfully arranged that the reader can pick and choose which chapters to read first, and therefore not be tied down to linearity. Chapters are fairly short which means that once begun, a chapter is soon finished. Some of the chapters include ‘Situation ethics’; ‘God, Man and the Concept of Good and Bad’; ‘Happiness and Sorrow’; ‘The role of Traditional Doctors’; ‘Dishonesty’; ‘The Price of Popularity’; ‘The Dirt Around Us’; and the tantalizing question phrase, ‘Building Bridges or Creating Gulfs?’.
Fodje John Taiti who is a retired secondary school teacher served as principal of GBHS Bamenda and GBHS Ndop. He is currently Social Democratic Front (SDF) Alternate parliamentarian for the Bamenda/Bali constituency.
Copyright 2010
mercredi 11 août 2010
THE NEW WORLD ORDER
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
If I could change the world
If only I could change it
I would do it at once
I would reverse its entire order
And reshuffle all its constituents
But it wouldn`t be quite random sampling.
The world would again be the word
And all that goes with it
The rest wouldn`t falter one ounce
No one would be made canon fodder
Or the sour nucleus of imported peppermints
A new world order dictated by what one is doing.
Copyright 2010
If I could change the world
If only I could change it
I would do it at once
I would reverse its entire order
And reshuffle all its constituents
But it wouldn`t be quite random sampling.
The world would again be the word
And all that goes with it
The rest wouldn`t falter one ounce
No one would be made canon fodder
Or the sour nucleus of imported peppermints
A new world order dictated by what one is doing.
Copyright 2010
THE WHITE ELEPHANT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Why on earth purchase spanners
If you won`t use them?
Monocotyledonous seeds are better
For the sake of photosynthesis
Forget about atmospheric pressure.
When in the end you ask for diapers
Even the archbishop of Bethlehem
Won`t remember St. Paul`s letter
And declare that you need some leisure.
Copyright 2010
Why on earth purchase spanners
If you won`t use them?
Monocotyledonous seeds are better
For the sake of photosynthesis
Forget about atmospheric pressure.
When in the end you ask for diapers
Even the archbishop of Bethlehem
Won`t remember St. Paul`s letter
And declare that you need some leisure.
Copyright 2010
THE ESCAPEES
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
The swan birds have flown off
Or flown away
Which ever
In any case, they aren`t here
Their costly cage is empty
Void of its prisoners.
Are they trying to act tough?
Or are they simply getting out of harm`s way?
But how? Where is the go-getter?
Maybe they all fled out of fear
They even left behind unfinished cups of tea
And an odd pair of binoculars serving as pointers.
Copyright 2010
The swan birds have flown off
Or flown away
Which ever
In any case, they aren`t here
Their costly cage is empty
Void of its prisoners.
Are they trying to act tough?
Or are they simply getting out of harm`s way?
But how? Where is the go-getter?
Maybe they all fled out of fear
They even left behind unfinished cups of tea
And an odd pair of binoculars serving as pointers.
Copyright 2010
MY AFFLICTED CAGED BIRD
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
My caged bird chokes
It suffocates, unprovoked
Every so often and I panic
I fear for its life.
If life in the lagoon was all jokes
Then no power of attorney would be revoked
Call it the law of tort or the Council versus Yanick
In the end,bigotry will still be rife.
Copyright 2010
My caged bird chokes
It suffocates, unprovoked
Every so often and I panic
I fear for its life.
If life in the lagoon was all jokes
Then no power of attorney would be revoked
Call it the law of tort or the Council versus Yanick
In the end,bigotry will still be rife.
Copyright 2010
STOOD UP
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I listened to the song full of her
And all the while, I nodded knowingly
When I got up to dance
My feet of clay gave way.
Copyright 2010
I listened to the song full of her
And all the while, I nodded knowingly
When I got up to dance
My feet of clay gave way.
Copyright 2010
SHORT-CHANGED
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I left all of them with him
And took a leap in the dark
When I returned
He had replaced my pegs with rakes.
Copyright 2010
I left all of them with him
And took a leap in the dark
When I returned
He had replaced my pegs with rakes.
Copyright 2010
MAN OF LITTLE FAITH
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
My faith fails me badly
And I`m weak at the knees
Each kind word uttered
Is like another coffin nail.
If I lose all, sadly
Who will pay the fees?
When the name was altered
I immediately sent the boss a mail.
Copyright 2010
My faith fails me badly
And I`m weak at the knees
Each kind word uttered
Is like another coffin nail.
If I lose all, sadly
Who will pay the fees?
When the name was altered
I immediately sent the boss a mail.
Copyright 2010
THE GUEST PRIEST
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
They who called the priest
Must also pay his fare
Without a time piece on the wrist
How can they claim to be fair?
Copyright 2010
They who called the priest
Must also pay his fare
Without a time piece on the wrist
How can they claim to be fair?
Copyright 2010
A BAD BET
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Don`t count them yet
Stack them up against the wall
If the stolen horse starts to crawl
Then, call it your worst bet.
Copyright 2010
Don`t count them yet
Stack them up against the wall
If the stolen horse starts to crawl
Then, call it your worst bet.
Copyright 2010
A SONG FOR ONE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
For how much longer shall you sing, all alone
With no one listening
Perhaps if you stood on the family stone
Everyone would be clapping.
Copyright 2010
For how much longer shall you sing, all alone
With no one listening
Perhaps if you stood on the family stone
Everyone would be clapping.
Copyright 2010
A FORCE AS A PULL
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Shall we push or shall we pull?
And what if the string snaps?
Shall we blame it on the hapless chaps
Or shall we say our cup was full?
Copyright 2010
Shall we push or shall we pull?
And what if the string snaps?
Shall we blame it on the hapless chaps
Or shall we say our cup was full?
Copyright 2010
THE PRESIDENT`S FAREWELL
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Human hearts will always be heartless
Walking like dead spirits
To join hands and fight for seats
Until the president steps down, powerless
Copyright 2010
Human hearts will always be heartless
Walking like dead spirits
To join hands and fight for seats
Until the president steps down, powerless
Copyright 2010
OUR INNER THOUGHTS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Our hearts are full
But our minds, empty
Sloth, dead wood and sleaze
That`s what we are.
Copyright 2010
Our hearts are full
But our minds, empty
Sloth, dead wood and sleaze
That`s what we are.
Copyright 2010
FROM HOLLAND WITH LOVE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
We love them so much
Even when they`re pregnant
But if you`re indignant
They call you Dutch.
Copyright 2010
We love them so much
Even when they`re pregnant
But if you`re indignant
They call you Dutch.
Copyright 2010
STAND YOUR GROUND
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Stand firm and steadfast
And let nothing bother you
If the parson`s daughter calls you too
Tell her to forget about the breakfast.
Copyright 2010
Stand firm and steadfast
And let nothing bother you
If the parson`s daughter calls you too
Tell her to forget about the breakfast.
Copyright 2010
CLOWNS OF OUR OWN MAKING
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Shall Cameroon catch the democratic train
And kick corruption in the teeth, finally and at last?
Or shall it again miss the chance, and miss it woefully
As it did CAN 2010 and South Africa 2010?
That is the question of the day
We read it on the lips of citizens
And the answer is simply blowing in the wind.
We drunk country men and women, have acted the clown, even in rain.
Perhaps we shall wake up too late only to hear the blast
What we need most now is ability to speak truthfully
We may not yet be in a boat for ten
Nonetheless, with an engine axle wobbling sixty times a day
Why would they not rob us of our status of deacons?
Frankly, we must learn to sign and not rescind.
Copyright 2010
Shall Cameroon catch the democratic train
And kick corruption in the teeth, finally and at last?
Or shall it again miss the chance, and miss it woefully
As it did CAN 2010 and South Africa 2010?
That is the question of the day
We read it on the lips of citizens
And the answer is simply blowing in the wind.
We drunk country men and women, have acted the clown, even in rain.
Perhaps we shall wake up too late only to hear the blast
What we need most now is ability to speak truthfully
We may not yet be in a boat for ten
Nonetheless, with an engine axle wobbling sixty times a day
Why would they not rob us of our status of deacons?
Frankly, we must learn to sign and not rescind.
Copyright 2010
mardi 10 août 2010
OF MONKS AND PASTOPRS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It doesn`t make any difference
Whether a monk`s shoe or a pastor`s wife
All I want is a kilo of kindness
And an ounce of forgiveness for good measure.
So, whatever you don`t sit on the fence
Otherwise, you`ll be accused of fueling strife
Even if you haven`t been to the monastery for fullness
You must have been to church for pleasure.
Copyright 2010
It doesn`t make any difference
Whether a monk`s shoe or a pastor`s wife
All I want is a kilo of kindness
And an ounce of forgiveness for good measure.
So, whatever you don`t sit on the fence
Otherwise, you`ll be accused of fueling strife
Even if you haven`t been to the monastery for fullness
You must have been to church for pleasure.
Copyright 2010
MOOD SWINGS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I suspected it but didn`t dare to voice it
I knew his swinging moods only too well
They oscillate like Galilee`s pendulum
And always, they keep you hanging on in there.
Even when you mean well, he misinterprets it
And makes it look like you put him in hell
That makes you feel like a hoodlum
And a sacred object laid bare.
Copyright 2010
I suspected it but didn`t dare to voice it
I knew his swinging moods only too well
They oscillate like Galilee`s pendulum
And always, they keep you hanging on in there.
Even when you mean well, he misinterprets it
And makes it look like you put him in hell
That makes you feel like a hoodlum
And a sacred object laid bare.
Copyright 2010
RED ALERT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
You`re losing all your best men
Yes, but only one at a time
Even so, remember that it`s tiny drops
That make up the ocean.
The vestry isn`t a place for a weak abdomen
Or is it that you simply don`t give a dime?
One day when you need props
Everywhere you search, you`ll only find the sea.
Copyright 2010
You`re losing all your best men
Yes, but only one at a time
Even so, remember that it`s tiny drops
That make up the ocean.
The vestry isn`t a place for a weak abdomen
Or is it that you simply don`t give a dime?
One day when you need props
Everywhere you search, you`ll only find the sea.
Copyright 2010
PERSONNE EN DETRESSE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Elle est sur le pont
Je te dis, frère de sang
Crois-moi
Elle n’a rien pris
Ni son sac à main
Ni son rouge à lèvres.
Elle fait les cent pas
Et refuse de parler à qui que ce soit
Que veut-elle ?
Nul ne le sait
Pourtant le danger pèse
Il pèse lourdement
Qui faut-il appeler ?
Le sous préfet ?
Non, pas lui
Il viendra lire le discours du chef de l’Etat
Le prêtre ?
Non, pas lui
Il viendra dire que l’évêque a dit que
La police ?
Non, pas elle
Elle n’aura pas le carburant pour venir
Et le sapeur pompier ?
Surtout pas lui
Il n’arrivera jamais à temps.
Alors que faire ?
Eh bien appelons Dieu le Tout Puissant
Prions !
Prions !
Prions !
Copyright 2010
Elle est sur le pont
Je te dis, frère de sang
Crois-moi
Elle n’a rien pris
Ni son sac à main
Ni son rouge à lèvres.
Elle fait les cent pas
Et refuse de parler à qui que ce soit
Que veut-elle ?
Nul ne le sait
Pourtant le danger pèse
Il pèse lourdement
Qui faut-il appeler ?
Le sous préfet ?
Non, pas lui
Il viendra lire le discours du chef de l’Etat
Le prêtre ?
Non, pas lui
Il viendra dire que l’évêque a dit que
La police ?
Non, pas elle
Elle n’aura pas le carburant pour venir
Et le sapeur pompier ?
Surtout pas lui
Il n’arrivera jamais à temps.
Alors que faire ?
Eh bien appelons Dieu le Tout Puissant
Prions !
Prions !
Prions !
Copyright 2010
NOS GARS AU CHAMP DE BATAILLE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Nos proches sont au front
Ils se battent pour nous et pour la patrie
C’est une vie de chien
Mais c’est leur choix.
Il n’est pas donné à tout le monde de se sacrifier
Alors, chapeau !
Quand viendra l’heure du bilan
Ne nous plaignons pas
De leur part du gâteau
Car ils auront mérité
Et largement aussi
Qui dit mieux ?
Copyright 2010
Nos proches sont au front
Ils se battent pour nous et pour la patrie
C’est une vie de chien
Mais c’est leur choix.
Il n’est pas donné à tout le monde de se sacrifier
Alors, chapeau !
Quand viendra l’heure du bilan
Ne nous plaignons pas
De leur part du gâteau
Car ils auront mérité
Et largement aussi
Qui dit mieux ?
Copyright 2010
UN HOMME DE SUBSTANCE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Sac de raphia sur l’épaule
Il est à pied d’œuvre
En parfaite harmonie avec son créateur
Sa cadence mesurée dit tout
C’est un vieux routier
Un habitué de la maison.
Il poursuit son petit bonhomme de chemin
En toute tranquillités et en toute sérénité
Sachant bien ce qui l’attend
Il sait aussi qu’il est seul, tout seul
N’ayant ni père, ni frère, ni fils
Il a l’habitude de la vie rude et sans merci
Voilà justement pourquoi il doit réussir son coup.
Copyright 2010
Sac de raphia sur l’épaule
Il est à pied d’œuvre
En parfaite harmonie avec son créateur
Sa cadence mesurée dit tout
C’est un vieux routier
Un habitué de la maison.
Il poursuit son petit bonhomme de chemin
En toute tranquillités et en toute sérénité
Sachant bien ce qui l’attend
Il sait aussi qu’il est seul, tout seul
N’ayant ni père, ni frère, ni fils
Il a l’habitude de la vie rude et sans merci
Voilà justement pourquoi il doit réussir son coup.
Copyright 2010
DE DEUX CHOSES, L`UNE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Du fond de mon cœur
Je te remercie
Je te remercie infiniment pour tout
Tu seras déclarer chevalier de l’Ordre de Mérite.
Ce jour-là, avec un peu de beurre
Le plus pauvre te dira, ‘merci’
Et Dieu enregistrera tout
Ainsi seras-tu à la fin professeur émérite.
Copyright 2010
Du fond de mon cœur
Je te remercie
Je te remercie infiniment pour tout
Tu seras déclarer chevalier de l’Ordre de Mérite.
Ce jour-là, avec un peu de beurre
Le plus pauvre te dira, ‘merci’
Et Dieu enregistrera tout
Ainsi seras-tu à la fin professeur émérite.
Copyright 2010
PROFESSEUR EMERITE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Du fond de mon cœur
Je te remercie
Je te remercie infiniment pour tout
Tu seras déclarer chevalier de l’Ordre de Mérite.
Ce jour-là, avec un peu de beurre
Le plus pauvre te dira, ‘merci’
Et Dieu enregistrera tout
Ainsi seras-tu à la fin professeur émérite.
Copyright 2010
Du fond de mon cœur
Je te remercie
Je te remercie infiniment pour tout
Tu seras déclarer chevalier de l’Ordre de Mérite.
Ce jour-là, avec un peu de beurre
Le plus pauvre te dira, ‘merci’
Et Dieu enregistrera tout
Ainsi seras-tu à la fin professeur émérite.
Copyright 2010
LE VIEUX SAGE DE CHEZ MOI
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Que fait le vieux sage en ce moment ?
Compte-t-il toujours es bœufs
Ou prépare-t-il ses propres funérailles ?
Rien de lui ne peut plus me surprendre.
Il a fait montre d’assiduité
Et de créativité
Unique comme espèce humaine
Il ira loin, très loin.
Copyright 2010
Que fait le vieux sage en ce moment ?
Compte-t-il toujours es bœufs
Ou prépare-t-il ses propres funérailles ?
Rien de lui ne peut plus me surprendre.
Il a fait montre d’assiduité
Et de créativité
Unique comme espèce humaine
Il ira loin, très loin.
Copyright 2010
LE PASTEUR DUREMENT EPROUVE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Trois jours dans le même bateau
Vous ne pensez pas que c’est trop,
Trop c’est trop !
Vous m’entendez ?
Alors, changeons un peu de refrain
Pensons pour une fois à la caisse noire
Ayons un vœu pieux pour la disparue du pasteur
Ne soyons pas si égoïstes !
Copyright 2010
Trois jours dans le même bateau
Vous ne pensez pas que c’est trop,
Trop c’est trop !
Vous m’entendez ?
Alors, changeons un peu de refrain
Pensons pour une fois à la caisse noire
Ayons un vœu pieux pour la disparue du pasteur
Ne soyons pas si égoïstes !
Copyright 2010
PARI GAGNE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Je rentre dans ma concession
Satisfait
Un homme heureux
Car c’est mission accomplie.
Il n’y a pas eu de balles perdues
Encore moins de coquilles vides
Alors, qu’est-ce que vous voulez ?
Que je sois le président de la République ?
Copyright 2010
Je rentre dans ma concession
Satisfait
Un homme heureux
Car c’est mission accomplie.
Il n’y a pas eu de balles perdues
Encore moins de coquilles vides
Alors, qu’est-ce que vous voulez ?
Que je sois le président de la République ?
Copyright 2010
SPECTACLE EN PLEINE RUE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Il me regarde mais ne me dit rien
Et moi, dans mon état d’ébriété
Je grince les dents
Je déambule
Je serre mon pantalon noir.
A quelques pas de nous un vaux rien plein de bouillie
Récite le fameux poème de Nditsouna
Seul, tout seul
Les oiseaux d’en haut applaudissent
Et moi encore, pauvre de moi
Je suis dépassé, sidéré, médusé, interloqué, ébahi, abasourdi
Comme Alice au pays des merveilles.
Copyright 2010
LES DEUX PLATS
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Du poisson braisé ?
Non, merci
Je préfère le gibier salé
Alors, bon appétit.
Copyright 2010
Du poisson braisé ?
Non, merci
Je préfère le gibier salé
Alors, bon appétit.
Copyright 2010
A DEUX PAS DE DIEU
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Du haut de cette tribune du peuple
Je vous fais un clin d’œil
Comme je siège maintenant parmi les savants
J’ai élu domicile parmi les rois
Je suis au Palais
Moi aussi je m’achemine vers le Tout Puissant.
Alors, je vous dis ceci
Gardez bien mon fauteuil et mes bœufs
Pensez aux multiples nombrils de vos cousins les Français
Quand vous aussi vous serez comme moi
Ici dans l’éther du Père de Jésus
Vous serez en mesure de mieux cerner le sens de son somptueux firmament
Pour le moment, priez
Priez sans cesse, jour et nuit
Priez pour qu’il vous envoie des calebasses
Des gourdes d’eau bénie.
Copyright 2010
Du haut de cette tribune du peuple
Je vous fais un clin d’œil
Comme je siège maintenant parmi les savants
J’ai élu domicile parmi les rois
Je suis au Palais
Moi aussi je m’achemine vers le Tout Puissant.
Alors, je vous dis ceci
Gardez bien mon fauteuil et mes bœufs
Pensez aux multiples nombrils de vos cousins les Français
Quand vous aussi vous serez comme moi
Ici dans l’éther du Père de Jésus
Vous serez en mesure de mieux cerner le sens de son somptueux firmament
Pour le moment, priez
Priez sans cesse, jour et nuit
Priez pour qu’il vous envoie des calebasses
Des gourdes d’eau bénie.
Copyright 2010
LE MAL DU SIECLE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
SIDA, tu es laide
Alors, qui cherches-tu ?
Tes victimes sont toutes raides
Et tu cherches encore des chouchous ?
Copyright 2010
SIDA, tu es laide
Alors, qui cherches-tu ?
Tes victimes sont toutes raides
Et tu cherches encore des chouchous ?
Copyright 2010
L`HEURE DES COMPTES
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Nous saurons comment répondre
Ne t’inquiète pas
Bénédiction à louer ou malédiction à rompre
Tout se soldera à Douala.
Copyright 2010
Nous saurons comment répondre
Ne t’inquiète pas
Bénédiction à louer ou malédiction à rompre
Tout se soldera à Douala.
Copyright 2010
LA HISTORIA DE MERCEDES
Tikum Mbah Azonga
Mercedes, ahora voy a escribir tu historia
Sera un cuento de amor
Amor con paz y eternidad
Amor con patiencia y corazon desnudo
Sera un cuento de amor
Sin columna de finitas
Y sin rana muerta .
Ahora mismo voy a contar tu historia
Voy a escribir de la memoria
Solo
Por la manaña
Voy a esperar
El viente del ouest
Y mi camisa de Madrid
Si hay
Martes con mi padre
Vamos a mirar a la luna llena
Despues, vamos a regresar en casa
Para dormir.
Copyright 2010-08-10
Mercedes, ahora voy a escribir tu historia
Sera un cuento de amor
Amor con paz y eternidad
Amor con patiencia y corazon desnudo
Sera un cuento de amor
Sin columna de finitas
Y sin rana muerta .
Ahora mismo voy a contar tu historia
Voy a escribir de la memoria
Solo
Por la manaña
Voy a esperar
El viente del ouest
Y mi camisa de Madrid
Si hay
Martes con mi padre
Vamos a mirar a la luna llena
Despues, vamos a regresar en casa
Para dormir.
Copyright 2010-08-10
A LA PLACE PUBLIQUE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
De cette plante jailliront mille et une autres
Croyez-moi
Un miracle se produira dans le silence de plomb de Mère Terre
Cette terre rouge que vous voyez
C’est la terre de nos ancêtres
Alors on peut s’attendre à tout
Même un miracle.
Je ne vous demande qu’une chose
Ce jour-là ; soyez fidèles au rendez-vous
Oh Dieu de nos ancêtres
Exauce nos prières ce jour-là
Pour que ceux qui doutent de toi
Puissent croire en toi
Par ce qu’ils ont vu
Vu de leurs propres yeux.
Copyright 2010
De cette plante jailliront mille et une autres
Croyez-moi
Un miracle se produira dans le silence de plomb de Mère Terre
Cette terre rouge que vous voyez
C’est la terre de nos ancêtres
Alors on peut s’attendre à tout
Même un miracle.
Je ne vous demande qu’une chose
Ce jour-là ; soyez fidèles au rendez-vous
Oh Dieu de nos ancêtres
Exauce nos prières ce jour-là
Pour que ceux qui doutent de toi
Puissent croire en toi
Par ce qu’ils ont vu
Vu de leurs propres yeux.
Copyright 2010
PURE PROVOCATION
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Ton apparition m’a surpris
Te prends-tu pour la Sainte Vierge ?
Apparaître ainsi, un beau matin d’août
Pendant qu’il pleut
N’as-tu pas peur ?
Les yeux bandés
Et les mains liées
Veux-tu me faire peur ?
Tu n’aimes pas ce beau soleil pourtant gratuit ?
Veux-tu que je me jette sur tes terrasses
Et que je songe encore à l’Ile Magique ?
Copyright 2010
LA FEMME DEPOURVUE
Par Tikum Mbah Azonga
Peu de femmes parlent sans réfléchir
Tout comme
Peu de fleurs tiennent tête aux péripéties du temps
Mais toi tu es différente
Pourquoi ?
Tu ne mâches pas tes mots
Tu ne les pèses pas bien
Tu les vomis
Et tu penses que quel homme peut t’épouser ?
Ce que l’homme veut
C’est le parfum
Ton parfum
La pulpe pure
Le jus sucré, voire miellé
Le mot juste
Pas une parole de trop
Le mot qu’il faut à la place qu’il faut.
Copyright 2010
Peu de femmes parlent sans réfléchir
Tout comme
Peu de fleurs tiennent tête aux péripéties du temps
Mais toi tu es différente
Pourquoi ?
Tu ne mâches pas tes mots
Tu ne les pèses pas bien
Tu les vomis
Et tu penses que quel homme peut t’épouser ?
Ce que l’homme veut
C’est le parfum
Ton parfum
La pulpe pure
Le jus sucré, voire miellé
Le mot juste
Pas une parole de trop
Le mot qu’il faut à la place qu’il faut.
Copyright 2010
LO QUE VOY A HACER
Tikum Mbah Azonga
Ahora deseo estudiar algo
¿Qué sera?
¿Alemán ?
¿Historia ?
¿Comercio ?
No sé.
Pudede ser no voy a estudiar hoy.
Voy en la playa de Limbe
Quiero bailar con mis amigos
Y los niños de nuestros vecinos
Es mejor para mi
¿No piensas ?
La semana que viene
Voy en el mercado
Quiero comprar frutas
Naranjas, piñas, ponelos
Voy tambien a comprar unos caudernos
Los necesito mucho
Para escribir los cuentos de Bata
Y los chistes de Salamanca.
Copyright 2010
Ahora deseo estudiar algo
¿Qué sera?
¿Alemán ?
¿Historia ?
¿Comercio ?
No sé.
Pudede ser no voy a estudiar hoy.
Voy en la playa de Limbe
Quiero bailar con mis amigos
Y los niños de nuestros vecinos
Es mejor para mi
¿No piensas ?
La semana que viene
Voy en el mercado
Quiero comprar frutas
Naranjas, piñas, ponelos
Voy tambien a comprar unos caudernos
Los necesito mucho
Para escribir los cuentos de Bata
Y los chistes de Salamanca.
Copyright 2010
THE DEATH SENTENCE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I turned to the flower bearers
But they were no comfort
I looked at my mother
But she looked away
Then I knew the game was up
I started preparing myself for the hangman
When the hour came
Before I was called up
I had stepped forward like a German soldier
Hood, priest’s last confession
“Do you have any last words?”
“No, Father. I’m ready!”
Then I woke up.
Copyright 2010
I turned to the flower bearers
But they were no comfort
I looked at my mother
But she looked away
Then I knew the game was up
I started preparing myself for the hangman
When the hour came
Before I was called up
I had stepped forward like a German soldier
Hood, priest’s last confession
“Do you have any last words?”
“No, Father. I’m ready!”
Then I woke up.
Copyright 2010
IMAGES OF CONTROVERSY
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
It was in front of the pharmacy
In full view of everyone
Including returning children
I couldn’t believe my dad said it
But he did
“I also love the pictures!”
Copyright 2010
It was in front of the pharmacy
In full view of everyone
Including returning children
I couldn’t believe my dad said it
But he did
“I also love the pictures!”
Copyright 2010
A REGRETTABLE LOSS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
She came out smiling
And I leapt for joy
Then her jaws fell
And she said, “We lost him!”
Copyright 2010
She came out smiling
And I leapt for joy
Then her jaws fell
And she said, “We lost him!”
Copyright 2010
FRIENDLY FIRE
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Our neighbour’s dog snarled at me
And I thought, “what a way to target the wrong enemy!.”
Then the pastor’s cat jumped on me
And I said, “what a way to preach the gospel!”.
Copyright 2010
Our neighbour’s dog snarled at me
And I thought, “what a way to target the wrong enemy!.”
Then the pastor’s cat jumped on me
And I said, “what a way to preach the gospel!”.
Copyright 2010
THE TRUTH THAT HURTS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I told her she had gone too far
And at that she took offence
I don’t know why
Why is it so hurtful to say the truth?
Why do people reject whitewash for tar?
Others prefer to sit on the fence
Yet the fence only makes you sigh
In the end, you become uncouth.
Copyright 2010
I told her she had gone too far
And at that she took offence
I don’t know why
Why is it so hurtful to say the truth?
Why do people reject whitewash for tar?
Others prefer to sit on the fence
Yet the fence only makes you sigh
In the end, you become uncouth.
Copyright 2010
THE CHAIR AS WEAPON
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
She tipped the chair
She did it intentionally
On purpose
She did it so that I would fall
And then she would play the Good Samaritan.
But I also have my fair share
That’s why I sensed it intuitively
And quickly fetched the red rose
Surely, it wasn’t her childhood football
But it was God-given salvation from Satan.
Copyright 2010
She tipped the chair
She did it intentionally
On purpose
She did it so that I would fall
And then she would play the Good Samaritan.
But I also have my fair share
That’s why I sensed it intuitively
And quickly fetched the red rose
Surely, it wasn’t her childhood football
But it was God-given salvation from Satan.
Copyright 2010
MY DAUGHTER
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Sure, I recognize the face
It’s that of my daughter
When she was small, very small
What a world of a difference!
Today, though, she’s an ace
She’s big subject matter
Everywhere she walks tall
Ready to leap to my defence.
Copyright 2010
Sure, I recognize the face
It’s that of my daughter
When she was small, very small
What a world of a difference!
Today, though, she’s an ace
She’s big subject matter
Everywhere she walks tall
Ready to leap to my defence.
Copyright 2010
THE REAL AIDS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Did you say, ‘Visual Aids’?
And nobody responded?
What if you had said, ‘Sexual AIDS’
Would they have riposted?
Copyright 2010-08-10
Did you say, ‘Visual Aids’?
And nobody responded?
What if you had said, ‘Sexual AIDS’
Would they have riposted?
Copyright 2010-08-10
BY THE WRONG GARMENT
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I don’t like coats of any type
They make me look and feel small
They always attract popular hype
Especially when bought at the Mall.
Copyright 2010
JUST EMPTY VESSELS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Do not put it down if you won’t pick it up
Smoke-coated vessels are bad enough already
What more of broken ones?
And you say you trust the Lord Mayor?
Although wise men have always got it right
How about the weather men and women who get it wrong?
Shall you not pay their bills?
Aren’t they still members of the clan like you?
Fair enough I saw the last wave and heard the last cry
But that was before the ship went day
That was when all the eunuchs came out
And like one man, cried out: “Rape! Rape! Rape!”
I know we have no more meteors
And no more curtain drawers
But is that any reason to split the congregation choir?
Put it down if you’ll pick it back up.
Copyright 2010-08-10
Do not put it down if you won’t pick it up
Smoke-coated vessels are bad enough already
What more of broken ones?
And you say you trust the Lord Mayor?
Although wise men have always got it right
How about the weather men and women who get it wrong?
Shall you not pay their bills?
Aren’t they still members of the clan like you?
Fair enough I saw the last wave and heard the last cry
But that was before the ship went day
That was when all the eunuchs came out
And like one man, cried out: “Rape! Rape! Rape!”
I know we have no more meteors
And no more curtain drawers
But is that any reason to split the congregation choir?
Put it down if you’ll pick it back up.
Copyright 2010-08-10
HEMMED IN FROM ALL SIDES
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Now, go home
Go home quickly and tell them
Tell them that the Iron Gate is locked
No one goes in, no one goes out
Tell them that even so
There is yet no black smoke from the central chimney
Tell them to forget about beautiful women
Great poetry, repaired ribs, housewives’ combs
Tell them the Fon – the Supreme Ruler
Is hostage taken
And there is no appeal
Tell them the whole place smells
No, it stinks of politics, lies, deceit, pornography
And it’s too far gone
Tell them the only thing that can save us
I mean there are only three things
These are
The Almighty
The Almighty
And the Almighty.
Copyright 2010
Now, go home
Go home quickly and tell them
Tell them that the Iron Gate is locked
No one goes in, no one goes out
Tell them that even so
There is yet no black smoke from the central chimney
Tell them to forget about beautiful women
Great poetry, repaired ribs, housewives’ combs
Tell them the Fon – the Supreme Ruler
Is hostage taken
And there is no appeal
Tell them the whole place smells
No, it stinks of politics, lies, deceit, pornography
And it’s too far gone
Tell them the only thing that can save us
I mean there are only three things
These are
The Almighty
The Almighty
And the Almighty.
Copyright 2010
THE CHARMER GIRL
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Somewhere, somehow lies in wait the charmer girl
Although I know not where nor how
Our paths shall cross
And when that moment comes
It will be like magic.
I will gird my loins like a Roman soldier
And defying all the odds
I will walk up to her and declare my love
Then, it will be too late for rivals.
Copyright 2010
Somewhere, somehow lies in wait the charmer girl
Although I know not where nor how
Our paths shall cross
And when that moment comes
It will be like magic.
I will gird my loins like a Roman soldier
And defying all the odds
I will walk up to her and declare my love
Then, it will be too late for rivals.
Copyright 2010
ALL FOR GOD
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
I leave everything in God’s hands
I let him decide
I am an unearthed burrow mammal
Very gentle and harmless
But if provoked, I can burst a blood vessel.
Even so, I know nothing about your accusations
I didn’t do it
It wasn’t me
But you know what, I’m confident
Because I’ve left everything in God’s hands.
Copyright 2010
I leave everything in God’s hands
I let him decide
I am an unearthed burrow mammal
Very gentle and harmless
But if provoked, I can burst a blood vessel.
Even so, I know nothing about your accusations
I didn’t do it
It wasn’t me
But you know what, I’m confident
Because I’ve left everything in God’s hands.
Copyright 2010
JESSIE`S MISSION
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Jessie is not a gypsy
Neither is she a dream-parrot
If anything, she’s a an American spy
Out here on a mission to make our country rot.
Copyright 2010
Jessie is not a gypsy
Neither is she a dream-parrot
If anything, she’s a an American spy
Out here on a mission to make our country rot.
Copyright 2010
SHOW OF STRENGTH
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
If you have arrived
Then by all means, speak!
Speak now and let the people hear you
Let them hear you loud and clear
And know you are a man, not a wimp.
Show us what’s in your tool box
Bits and pieces of unwanted textile
Old and raped and bleeding bottle covers
Paper tigers, paper ships and paper aeroplanes
Missing shirt buttons and unattached trouser zips.
Copyright 2010
If you have arrived
Then by all means, speak!
Speak now and let the people hear you
Let them hear you loud and clear
And know you are a man, not a wimp.
Show us what’s in your tool box
Bits and pieces of unwanted textile
Old and raped and bleeding bottle covers
Paper tigers, paper ships and paper aeroplanes
Missing shirt buttons and unattached trouser zips.
Copyright 2010
AGRICULTURE BY ANOTHER NAME
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Agriculture is our mainstay
And there is no doubt about that
That is what spices up lovers’ meetings
And silences all one-syllabled speech makers
Even if blackberries and strawberries have been halved
We still want our farm machinery
We need tractors, harvesters and grading machines
We also need storage facilities for perishable products
Shall you all stand with us?
Shall you give us a hand?
Shall you make our dreams come true?
Copyright 2010
MAKING HUMAN RIGTHS AN ISSUE FOR YOUTH
TIKUM MBAH AZONGA ON HUMAN RIGHTS
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Surely, we have all heard of human rights, especially when there are so many Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) out there championing the cause. However, such bodies are usually adult ones in the sense that they are set up by adults and run by adults. As might be expected, some of these organizations have focused on the protection of the rights of children and youth, thus making this vulnerable group a major beneficiary of human rights protection initiatives.
Innovation
However, that status quo is set to be reversed now because one NGO is already on the field and working all out with youth as its target group. Not only is the organization championing human rights for youth, it is actually also involving youth and empowering them by encouraging them to step in and run the show by themselves. The NGO is called Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) and is based in the United States.
In its publicity publication entitled What Are Human Rights?, the NGO states that it “is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization headquartered in Los Angeles and with chapters across the world. YHRI was founded in 2001 to educate youth in human rights so they can become advocates for tolerance and peace.”
Methodology
YHRI has a practical hands-on approach which consists of sending out carefully prepared and packaged audiovisual and printed human rights materials to those who request them. It does not mater in what part of the world the interested person is. The organization distributes its materials to anybody anywhere. The ultimate aim is to sensitize young people worldwide and get them actively involved in human rights advocacy, each participant working in his or her region.
Involvement
The first thing to do to get involved is to order the package from the organization. This can be done by either telephoning the organization or by emailing it, or even in writing. The contact details of the organization can be found at the end of this article. Once you receive your package, there are a number of things you can do. According to the recommendations spelt out by YHRI in the publication entitled The Story of Human Rights, you can visit the website in order to find out what other youth are doing in support of human rights. You can watch the CD that was enclosed in your package. It is a captivating well designed and executed piece of work depicting activities in human rights advocacy. You can start your own youth human rights group in your area, with YHRI supporting you every inch of the way. Having done all the groundwork, you can now start teaching other youth about human rights issues. If you need more CDs or booklets or the entire package, you can always contact YHRI.
What are human rights?
According to YHRI, “these are the rights to which everyone is entitled – no matter who they are or where they live – simply because they are a human being.” YHRI goes on to point out that there are thirty human rights which include the right to live in freedom and safety, the right to travel, the right to belong to a country, the right to own things and share them, the right to believe what you want to believe and the right to say what you believe. These rights also include the right to do the things you enjoy doing.
The YHRI publication states: “Over the centuries, the idea that everyone should have rights became more accepted. But it wasn’t until after World War II, the most terrible war in history, that the leading nations realized they had to create a document to include all human rights. That document is called the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and it contains the thirty rights to which all people are entitled. The first of these rights states that everyone is born free and equal. Everyone has their own thoughts and ideas. And everyone should be treated the same way.”
Contact details
Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI)
1954 Hill Hurst Ave # 416
Los Angeles
CA 90027
USA
EMAIL: info@youthforhumanrights.org
ZEBSITE : YouthforHumanRights.org
Copyright 2010
By Tikum Mbah Azonga
Surely, we have all heard of human rights, especially when there are so many Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) out there championing the cause. However, such bodies are usually adult ones in the sense that they are set up by adults and run by adults. As might be expected, some of these organizations have focused on the protection of the rights of children and youth, thus making this vulnerable group a major beneficiary of human rights protection initiatives.
Innovation
However, that status quo is set to be reversed now because one NGO is already on the field and working all out with youth as its target group. Not only is the organization championing human rights for youth, it is actually also involving youth and empowering them by encouraging them to step in and run the show by themselves. The NGO is called Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) and is based in the United States.
In its publicity publication entitled What Are Human Rights?, the NGO states that it “is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization headquartered in Los Angeles and with chapters across the world. YHRI was founded in 2001 to educate youth in human rights so they can become advocates for tolerance and peace.”
Methodology
YHRI has a practical hands-on approach which consists of sending out carefully prepared and packaged audiovisual and printed human rights materials to those who request them. It does not mater in what part of the world the interested person is. The organization distributes its materials to anybody anywhere. The ultimate aim is to sensitize young people worldwide and get them actively involved in human rights advocacy, each participant working in his or her region.
Involvement
The first thing to do to get involved is to order the package from the organization. This can be done by either telephoning the organization or by emailing it, or even in writing. The contact details of the organization can be found at the end of this article. Once you receive your package, there are a number of things you can do. According to the recommendations spelt out by YHRI in the publication entitled The Story of Human Rights, you can visit the website
What are human rights?
According to YHRI, “these are the rights to which everyone is entitled – no matter who they are or where they live – simply because they are a human being.” YHRI goes on to point out that there are thirty human rights which include the right to live in freedom and safety, the right to travel, the right to belong to a country, the right to own things and share them, the right to believe what you want to believe and the right to say what you believe. These rights also include the right to do the things you enjoy doing.
The YHRI publication states: “Over the centuries, the idea that everyone should have rights became more accepted. But it wasn’t until after World War II, the most terrible war in history, that the leading nations realized they had to create a document to include all human rights. That document is called the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and it contains the thirty rights to which all people are entitled. The first of these rights states that everyone is born free and equal. Everyone has their own thoughts and ideas. And everyone should be treated the same way.”
Contact details
Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI)
1954 Hill Hurst Ave # 416
Los Angeles
CA 90027
USA
EMAIL: info@youthforhumanrights.org
ZEBSITE : YouthforHumanRights.org
Copyright 2010
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