Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato' Dr Limkokwing Founder President ...

Published byLimkokwing University of Creative Technology (Co No. 231000-H)Innovasi 1-1, Jalan Teknokrat 1/1, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Tel: 603-8317 8888 Fax: 603-8317 8988enquiry@limkokwing.edu.my www.limkokwing.edu.myISBN 978-967-5139-01-7Printed byPercetakan Printpack Sdn Bhd (Co. Registration: 56939-M)No.3, Jalan U1/23, Hicom Glenmarie industrail Park, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor D. E., Malaysia Tel: 603-7805 3722Fax: 603-7803 5370 e-mail: printpac@tm.net.myPublication: 2008-5Editing, art direction and design by Limkokwing University of Technology.Copyright 2008 Rachael Manda and Limkokwing University of Creative TechnologyAll rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means,electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission of the copyright owner.

thePoemsfrom the heartRacheal Manda

A tribute to the young and the talentedThere is talent in abundance in the world. Given the opportunity young peoplewill always shine in their efforts. These talents must be congratulated, asthe experiences they gather will help mould them into the people they wantto become. Botswana is wealthy with creative people and it is necessary thatwe highlight them, as they should be to the rest of the world.This book is the university's way of saluting the dedication of Rachael Manda,who, at such a young age is able to write with passion and insight beyond heryears. Her poems are a worthy example of the importance of the written word.That she will grow to become a poet of significance is without doubt. Giventime she will be able to transform her pain and struggles into inspiration andher words will have the power to change people. I am happy to provide themotivation for Rachael to progress in her work. I will certainly be there to helpher in any way to transform her talent and bring it to the world stage.Congratulations Rachael.Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato' Dr LimkokwingFounder PresidentLimkokwing University of Creative Technology4

IntroductionIt is with great pleasure that I present to you what I picked up from mysoul's market place with different vendors selling different poems that willhopefully impact your lives as you open the preceding pages of this book.They can be a useful tool or a magnificent treasure that you will cherishgreatly on your bookshelves.It is not very common to find young poets like myself that are handed theopportunity to publish their own anthologies at such a young age. Thisgreat opportunity was handed to me by Tan Sri Limkokwing; a man withdreams and visions, a man who seems to turn everything he touches intogold and a man whose every word seems to stick in every listener's heart.One of the things that I will never forget, spoken by him is, “think aboutthe person you want to be and be that person”.The person I want to be to you is a brilliant poet and writer who will keepyou glued to this book and books that will follow after this one in future.They will be books that will not only be read for pleasure but books thatwill speak to you inside and that can instill change. I wish to write wordsthat will become unforgettable; wise and true to all of their readers. Mywarmest thanks go to this great man Tan Sri Limkokwing who not onlysaw a poet in me but someone with something to say.“Opportunity is a haughty goddess who wastes no time with thosewho are unprepared.”George.S.Clason, The Richest Man In Babylon, 19558

I snatched my opportunity and held it tightly and not once did I let a singledrop of this opportunity waste away until I finally completed the worksand was ready to share them with the world. A gift is given only once andwhen that gift is not put to use and wasted, it slowly dies out. I have beenwriting poems everyday since the age of fifteen, and always believed thesewords on the pages I scribbled on in my small bedroom, would bringstrength to those who read them. My skills have matured since then andto this day I continue to nurture and feed them all the energy they requireto keep afloat.My dad once asked me how I manage to produce music, sing, write andfocus on my school work all at the same time and my answer to him was,writing and music are all parts of me and doing them, ironically, is the easiestway to relax, leaving me with enough mental energy to do my schoolwork. I am glad to have these opportunities and am determined to learnfrom every experience. This applies to everything we do in life. The moreyou do something, the easier it gets and the faster and better you do it. Iam someone with big dreams and this is one dream come true.The poems to follow are a description of the ups and downs and beauty oflife that I have witnessed. I am pleased to be sharing them with you andam humbled that I am able to. This book is dedicated to young people asan example of the reward of hard work and passion. We must never giveup. Please enjoy.9

The world revolves around the mind. Our every thought - the meansby which we express ourselves through life. Poetry is complex but it iseasy to decipher when one is focused and in touch with the world.10

The little seedI was once, a helpless little seedYou tenderly planted me in a safe dwellingSacrificed your routine, to watch me slowly swellingPatiently waited for me to shootAs you selflessly shared, your precious nutrients and foodI was once, a weak little seedlingSpreading out majestically, in your abodeYou gently transplanted me to a new homePainfully bitten by insects, and parched by the sunYou endured the pain, and introduced me to lifeI was once, a fragile little plantProtected me from pests, and diseases but I still yellowedYou fought for my life, keeping me rooted belowYou, decontaminated and made my little bed as snug as you couldFed me, nurtured and taught me to stride, till I grew11

I was once, a fruitless little treeYou guided me towards the lightGave up your life, just to teach me to fightEquipped me with knowledge, to survive a cruel worldAnnihilated every weed around me, and every thornI was once, a self directed treeGrowing out bad buds, no matter how much you prunedBroke your heart, constantly, but your ground, you stoodI lost respect for you, and associated with thornsYou reached out for my hand, before I chokedI am a fruitful treeProtecting young seeds from the sun, as you protected meImmune to the world’s dry grounds, and bad seedsWith beauty and majesty, I stand from your bloodI am the strong work of your hand, the fruit of your sweat12

EducationSuffer the nation, without an educationIlliteracy, a common diseaseMinds war torn up, no peaceChildren stuck in farms, jobless, nursing pigsOld men trying to make a living from figsSuffer the nation, without knowledgeEndless fights among family membersPassion killings, from January to DecemberAlcohol, a daily cravingPresidents and Ministers, endlessly debatingSuffer the nation, with no schoolsEducation the solution, the mind's foodKnowledge the leader to education's truth13

Suffer the nation, with no knowledge, education and schoolsWithout schools there is no knowledge and educationWithout education, there are no jobsWithout jobs, there is no foodSuffer the people, with no foodSuffer the nation, without an education14

Who am I?Who am I?They can't live without meThe catalyst of their greedThe Archbishop of their livesKeeper of their wivesWho am I?I am despised like a goblinDark as a forest morningThe devils bet and handBuilder and destroyer of their landWho am I?Without me they are nudeBeggars in the streets with no foodImpoverished and extremely malnourishedRejected by all Mankind and banished15

Who am I?I am the elector of their PresidentsFinancier of their residentsSource of ammunition for their warsTheir peacekeeper, their growthWho am I?I annihilate their relationshipsSabotage their companionshipsLand them in jail for my sakeIt is for me in the morning they awakeWho am I?I am their entertainerI've become their ruler and creatorThey worship me everydayI am their God so great16

Who am I?I am ugly yet so adoredThrown around and never boredI keep them healthy and safeThey protect me with their lives in returnWho am I?They keep me locked up and heavily guardedI am respected by their own childrenAll kings fight for my throne and try to be meYet, I am nothing more than MONEY17

My wooden lifeMy birth was one rough rideChopped, filed, varnished and paintedJust one of them dreams, I get everydayI was bought by a young man, with facial patchesWell, he was kind of ugly with round nothings, that kept poppingThe floor had neat square-like cracklingsI mean cracks, and some irritating baby kept laughingWatching them from afar, well, my life was peacefulCompared to that warehouse, with screaming machinesMy life changed, when he started inviting people overConstantly covered me, as though their meetings were secretThere was a type of darkness; it seemed to have an odourOne minute I'm watching, the view of the sunsetThe next, its all darkness, and I'm rocking with disorder18

This one time a loud sound crawled from my darknessGosh, I was choked by the stench that surroundedOne day it rained, and the dark covering was irritatingly, wetOn hot days, a salty, smelly mixture left me disgustedThey came in different shapes and sizesSome heavy and soft, others were extremely boneyOthers seemed to be smelly and fidgetyThe rest were still dead, but extremely jello-like, wobblyThis went on for all the years of my life, till I grew old and wiseI was just a chair on the young man's front porch19

My idle eyesAt times I look around me and seeThe different attitudes portrayed at me by peopleA variety of both loving and hating heartsCute as can be, the only person I thought I loved, pulling me apartI am not really sure of where to startBut still, I look around me and seeHuman beings, shedding tears heavily in churchesThe very beings that throw me into painful, emotional crutchesFriends I thought I knew to be true enough, to shelter me from dangerInstead, knocking me out of their lives, into the darkest chamberOut of desperation of truth I look around and seeThrough the window of my childhood life with all its strainA young girl living like a pregnant woman in labour painsThe loneliness, of not having close friends, out of fear, and low esteem20

Trying to shut my eyes forever, but still around me I seeWar torn countries, mothers eating up their newborn babiesThe pain within my heart, but limited to sobs as I watch the screenReminiscent of the day, I stood alone, when the life light was dimWith a daily feed of nicotine, as my only comfortLord you gave me eyes, I thank you,Out of appreciation and comfort, I seeOne stage at a time, life switching to and fro, different directionsNursing my bruises, due to experience from ignoring correctionsGlaring at my only friends, wearing out on drugsBut failing to advise them, being a part of their group,Holding onto acid in mugsThrough my idle eyesFrom a distance ever watching21

The busSitting opposite me with his shades onLooking like a mess, the dog's breakfastFace fat and shiny like fat cakes in a tuck shopMouth open and loose like underwear with old elasticIt was my first time on this half-built bus, with loose windowsHe seemed to have been looking at me for the past two kilometersAfter my terrible car accident, I was forced to join other widowsI felt uncomfortable, as a cripple on this bus, with that man staringI never noticed him walk towards me, as I struggled to standHaving to rely on crutches, made it hard for me, to take care of myselfThe stench hit me, before I noticed himStanding in front of me, offering a handAn electric-like surge passed through my body, at his gentle grip22

With shock I found myself standing,Without the support of my iron sticksHe smiled at me so warmly, with his lips as cracked as concreteAs he jumped off the bus,I ran after him to thank him, and question himLooked to my left and right,But that ugly man, was nowhere to be found23

The interviewShe was beautiful and well dressedDreadlocks long and well pressedHer smile was warm as the sunsetShe looked exhausted, fighting to concentrateAs she pulled a chair to sit downI noticed her face had a hidden frownHer handshake was hard and coldThe pain in her eyes reflected a story, yet to be toldShoes dusty, she must have walked a long distanceSaid her name’s Long Suffering, held back her surnameHeld a pen with ease, but failed to read the questionnaireHer intelligence though, was amazing, but her English fair24

She knew exactly what she wanted in lifeHad cuts on her arms, a victim of the knifeThe story of her life, left me trembling with fearWar left her hungry, thirsty and drinking her own tearsShe always stood up, from her many fallsPrecious minerals in her safe, all sent to her rich cousins abroadHer whole family suffers from a terrible diseaseShe smiled at me, but I could see hunger, mind was not at peaceStrangers in the night, replaced her trees with land minesShe's tried to leave her past, behind the hands of timeAll her fifty-four cultures are dyingHer children are hungry, and never stop crying25

I held her in my arms, but she eventually pulled awayShe was strong, yet so vulnerable and easy to manipulateAfter the interview, I took her out for lunchShe then told me about her many fathers, constantly strungSome of her fathers were mentors, and others blind, cruel and greedySome were concerned about economic growth and others were needyShe had a strong belief, that things, would someday changeBut her lack of self reliance always held her backI was just a mere reporter, and not a psychologistAnd getting to the bottom of things, would probably get me killedThe best I could do was ask, for her surname before we partedShe hesitated, 'My surname's Africa', the interview restarted.26

A child's prayerAs I kneel beside my bedI pray to see a brighter dayWith no more pain and sour tearsAs I kneel beside my bedSounds of laughter echo in my headGone are the days of pure joyAs I kneel beside my bedSalty tears running down my cheeksThe taste of sorrow, the taste of painAs I kneel beside my bedI pray to be free and fly awayTo the world of peace I see in my dreams27

LessonsIn my life I've learntJust how much love healsThe heart when it's been broken beyond repairWhen loneliness takes over, killing all, none to spareThe act of thinking too much choking over mealsIn my life I've learntThe pain of sweating for survivalClose to tears, I prayed for an easy life revivalStill the only solution placed before me, hard workUnderstood the experience of hunger and financial lackIn my life I've learntThe pain of losing a lover to deathDown six feet, wishing for the return of the good old pastPalpitations, trying to quit smoking, when I failed to catch my breathOnce flesh, keeping me warm and loved, now returned to the dust28

In my life I've learntTo handle my fellow human beings, cautiouslyI can be evil; I'm no different from my acquaintancesNever had a true friend, but actuallyThey all just enjoy money from my pursesIn my life I've learntConfidence, strength and courage to be myselfTo do what I believe to be right, despite staresAnd enjoy own company, reading every shelfWalking with my head up high, with no fearIn my life I've learntExpression of self, openly and carefullyEmbracing my therapeutic poetry, through all nightsTo indulge, accept and handle life, patientlyControlling my short temper, no more fights29

In my life I've learntTo love beyond all boundariesA smile, something I never showed in the pastReduced my chocolate eating habits, losing caloriesMy heartland instincts, I learnt to trustIn my life I've learntThat life is like an open bookEverything having an end, you can't always be a crookWe were all born on a course we've been sentOne of my duties is to write down that, which in life, I've learnt30

Still my own company makes me nervous, as I pop my pimplesIf I were to start asking questions, would I get answers?At least I wish I had the courage, to stand on my feet and askSchool books and novels, to me are like masksIt's much easier for me not to say Daddy, and just stick to SirNothing seems to bring me the happiness I seekIf only I could get just one glimpse, of my real parentsThe only child I must have beenBrothers and sisters, if any, I haven't seenWhat about that letter I found, in Mr. Koliken's officePlease take care of our daughter, SophieThat letter must have been from my folks, but whyWhy did they abandon me to this alien family?My questions unanswered dailyThe world seeming even more alien around me32

Save meShe never seems to let me beNothing is as clear for nowFrom my mind’s eye darkness is all I seeLocked me she did, behind a frownI couldn't prevent the wrinkles from emergingEvery morning, next to her, awakingShe tortured me during the day with work and stressAt times she embarrassed me, trying to impressShe impressed the onlookers, with nothing but mistakesEvery night she held me back from sleepingAnd when I eventually slept, the nightmares were endlessSeveral counseling sessions, failed33

It was hard to expose herI sometimes wondered, whether, she was evilShe seemed to have a strong sweet end to her characterBut rather exposed, the unpleasant side of herHer past seemed to have been, her mouldShaping her into what she is, todayA Taurus, her shining star signA quiet, peaceful ever-thinking individual, with no smileWhen she did smile, it was beautifulBut what she truly turned out to be, was pitifulI couldn't help her, many have triedNeither could I truly support her sideGetting away from her, as far away as possible, for restSave me please from myself, I need some rest34

That girlThe most pleasant person to be aroundSmiling, but deep within her heart a great woundExcruciating, the pain she feltDespised by the world, in which she dweltWas it the emotional abuse as a child?Or the fact that her life, was wild?Mind switching, two different channelsThe reality of her life, never a denialTried with all might, to love herselfHer hurting only increased, feared all thoughts of seeking helpIf there was one thing to do, it was, acceptRevealed herself, lost friends, despised, church she leftFinally gained the strength, to accept herself, as she wasLonged to tell parents, but instead,Secured her secret behind deadly clawsPaper diaries she lost trust in, when her mama read the first oneHer treasured truth, never on paper work done35

Was it ambiguous, that her destination was hell?She knew well, that Satan fellHer amiable pastor stressed, that she was next in lineAccused of choosing a dirty lifestyle on a loose pipeThat, which her heart hungered for she foundHer true lover behind a cloudLove finally found, life worth livingQuit all her smoking habits, for upliftingPassionately explored her lover’s bodyClosed out to the world's animosity, forgotten past, suicide in the lobbyInexplicable, the dramatic change of her life of painThat which is hidden, eventually comes to light, it's always been saidStrongly longed for the world, to know her sexualityFeared the worst, if her parents, ever faced such a realityStill, at all costs, she longed to be, close to her lover, indeedTruth hurts, her lover was a she36

RejectedShe held her first cigaretteViciously dragged its contentsCautiously lighting up anotherAttitude, that of a kid raised in the projectsSo young and tender, only eleven years of ageYet, eyes glowing with hidden pain, fear and rageSmoking away her angerHer parents wondered, about her bad grades in schoolThey never noticed her withdrawal from her peersNor the articles she scribbled in tearsA sign of depression, still they called her a foolShe had no one to trust, and no one to open up to37

Deeply hid her secret, for nine whole yearsDaydreaming, was what her friends thought she always didFrequently deep in thought of her lifeQuit smoking for a while, plans for a suicide gigIt failed, decided on church insteadWhere she received what turned out a fake?Finally, came out of the closetReplaced her cigarettes with chocolates and cakeTried to change when she lost all friendsBut her hormones totally refusedLife became peaceful when she acceptedWhat she truly was meant to beWith her true self exposedLife went on even after she was rejected38

PreciousYou are preciousYour smiles amplify abundant peace of mindAdversities reflect deep within thine eyesSeemingly in touch with the world, yet so autisticStuck to the few friends like a vampire to it's preyYou are preciousYou can't seem to let go of the painful pastReminiscent of good times, now reduced to dustYou've been tampered with, and taken for a rideTime will eventually heal your deepest pain and sorrowsYou are preciousYou are nothing, but an imbecile to themMessed up a lot in life, there's no one to blameWishing you could just disappear foreverBut your will to succeed, keeps you going39

You are preciousThe pain inflicted upon you seems irreparableYour anger within, is growing extremely unstableRejected by your own parent for being youYour strength, your refuge and friendYou are preciousBeen used, and overworked, and never paidEverybody is crying for you for their own gainYou've stood in the cold rain, filled with tearsExtremely tired of your acquaintances in sheep clothingYou are preciousBeyond your silence, deeper thoughts lingerAlways been the tail, chasing every leaderStuck in a relationship for survival’s sakeA lovesick human being, with a confusing upbringing40

You are preciousYou are looked down upon, and judged for your mistakesSuffered pain of your own doings, and regretsYoung at age, but physically old, from drug abuseSurvivor, a fighter at heart you are....Precious....41

Second chanceA well-ground tree I was, in your midstAn artifact covered in colourful tattoosFeared by all that lived under my reignThe food was as plentiful, as our crimesUntil the day I murdered someone's sonMy history was as familiar as the BibleMissing daddy dead, mama a survivorThe streets, my home, the kids, my rearFed them, and they dressed me in fearMy stray bullet, introduced me to lifeThey found me, and chained me upFlashbacks of a family business lostIf I had just stuck to that as my chanceI would've never been sentenced to toastLife in prison, awaiting the hated chair42

Two wrongs don't make a right, she saidReleased by her forgiveness of my wrathTook away her only son, and me, she uncuffedFreed me from the anal injections, of jail nightsThe terrible food, and angry faces, so coldIn a tie and well-ironed suit, head up I stoodTwo million hungry lions, looked up at meOnly the mic, next to me, felt warm and friendlyI, the man who was once feared and hatedMy first sermon, that Sunday, was about second chances43

Best times of my lifeI felt your strength around my neckBegged not to kill me, I feared deathTried to reach out for safety, the doorPinned me to the ground, choked me moreI fought for my life, to see you smile, another dayYou let my neck go, and looked at meWhen I thought it was all over, you kicked me in the tummyAt every excruciating blow, I love you, was all I screamedLike a mother, for her dead child, in pain, I weptI loved you, no matter how much pain you causedYou were cheating on me, the woman you lovedI knew you were in another's arms, when not in mineBut it was to you, I gave my whole heart and lifeAfter eleven months, I felt the distance between us44

You knew me, then dumped me, my loveI begged for you, but eventually, I got on the next busMy life came to a halt, I cried every day, was hurtI then decided to snap out of it, and awokeYou know you hurt me, but I also hurt you in returnDespite all the pain, and anguish I feltI became stronger, and those were the best times of my life45

II have seen many prophets and teachersThey taught you, and led by exampleYour ways of life, outweighed my teachingsMurdered my messengers, and destroyed my templesI rebuilt, yet again, and forgave your every blemishRepainted with your favorite colours as requestedLit a candle for you to read my holy writingsYou discover electricity, and put your mind to a screenI equipped my teachers, with your modern knowledgeGave them permission, to broadcast my teachings to youHalf dressed bodies of children, glued you to one channelYou rated me, eight stars boring, and poured me away in a funnel46

The cell phone's birth, introduced you to many friendsI choked from your smoke, and burnt from your drinkEach time trouble emerged, you turned to me, and I answeredAfter that, you went back to your ways, and got worseThe internet kept you busy, with the world of bored speciesEntertained each other, even after I gave you temple musicShared your criminal ideas, as well as your many creativitiesI got lonely, but watched you carefully, from my golden throneThen he, my rival came, with a deadly disease that petrified youYou walked five steps up my throne, stinking of death's breathNo questions asked, I healed you, through your many doctorsYou thanked them, instead of me, but I held back my wrath,And kissed you47

New WorldThe world is changingMan hungers more, and more for goldLove is but only a simple stupid wordOur body parts are replaced by plasticWe have waged war upon the trees we uprootThe world is changingThe computer has stolen our social skillsOur kids carry around fire in their pocketsWe don't even know, the fathers of our kids' kidsMoney is made in clubs from under-aged drunkardsThe world is changingLife has become more and more worthlessToo many life-threatening risks we takeFrom education to business is important and backA confused species we are in God's eyes48

The world is changingWe are having a hard time adapting, but we tryPollution and chemicals in food, has reduced our life spanSex used to be a way of expressing, our love to our partnersIt is now a business, and a toy to our premature sonsThe world is changingWe deceive ourselves, thinking, our long dead cultures existControl our children, and destroy them in the processHIV/AIDS has taken over the devil’s throne in hell’s mansionThe cigarette has replaced our meals, and alcohol is our weekend's dessertThe world is changingThey lock us up, but we end up committing crimes in our jail cellsWe take life for granted, waste opportunities, and choose the fast laneJudge each other outwardly, and lose good people in the processWe have turned God,Into an unimportant neighbour that we visit, once a week49

The world is changingWe have joined the witches and wizards,Working overnight, we never sleepA child used to be, as precious as a diamond, in Mankind's livesNow we send them out into the scorching sun,To mine and fight our warsWe copy everything, everybody else does that we think is rightThe world is changingWe used to just shoot our loves, now we chop them into pieces of meatSlavery is strongly being re-introduced into our livesWe work so hard for riches,But remain empty after losing love over moneyThere so much positive in the world butWe would rather stick to negativity and drama50

GoneWhen all is goneThrough jungles of confusionTrying to find your self emotionsA random rush of angerBut none to destroy, the little leftWhen all is goneBetween hills with dead endsCloudy days growing aheadLights a shine, yet unreachableThese are the days that make us humbleWhen all is goneTo retain the little requires workIt all grows and pride returnsFeeding the flesh to produce a pot plantAnd satisfied being fast asleep51

Her own makingThey stood, in a semi circleConcentrating on the human object, before themAccusing, cursing, and viciously spittingTongues lashing over a continuous anthemThere were more than ten, I assumeA dark-skinned being, so young and beautiful, surroundedDifficult to see the faces, as they angrily fumedThey were so close to stampeding her to deathEngulfing her, it seemed the closer they gotEyes filled with tears, it was difficult to seeStill they approached with loud snortsFrom different streets passers-by wondered and askedIt's a thief and criminal, they were toldHer friends joined the mob, as though she were masked“Oh God, please help me, and I will never steal again”The only words she uttered, as life seemed cold52

Thinking back to the past, wishing to return for maintenanceCrimes and robberies, uncontrollably piled upCraving for one more chance, for repentanceAll along she thought, she would get away easilyVision blurred, as little kids blew dust, teasinglyMessed up a good life, and future from petty crimesRan out of clever defenses, weakThrew away all the blessings and opportune timesLife is what you make it, she knew the words, from base to peakRipe and ready, no more mercy in jailGreed was all it took, for her life to go down, a dry well53

Man’s worst enemyWe look over our heads in the darknessFear failure and chase after successEven something as sweet as love, is fearedDiseases have been dressed up in scary masksFatigue becomes fear, when presented with heavy tasksPoverty has been promoted, from crisis to fearWe spend half our lives, trying to fight our fearsBut what few don't realize, is that, time is our enemyWhile we linger, it passes on, and never waitsIt ages us, and eventually throws us back to the dustAn enemy that lives, and follows us around, unnoticedAn enemy that we ignore, every day of our lives54

Man’s natureA negatively interpreted cultureRequires no clarification to the judgesThere they point fingers, eventually waveStave off their accusations to barterWhat leads from jealousy to miseryWhen all that’s been hidden, is revealedA negatively associated tag, is commonIn every thing that makes our societyTags that develop from man’s curiosityIts only natural for man to be jealousFor success is a threat to lazy people under crownsMan keeps his hands filled with his nature and forgets caution55

Troubled mindThe birds of the air are invisibleIs that the sound of sweet music?That girls talks so much, its hurtingFour dresses, which one am I choosing?I can't stand my job, but it pays a lotMy workmates irritatingly smile and jokeThe manager is such a sucker and pleaserLook, if you're not happy, go somewhere elseI read a book yesterday on positive self talkI am so stressed out today, let's go and smokeBeen hurt so much, I am failing to accept your loveNo thank you, computers are too hard for meHeart diseases and cancer, run in my familyI never want to die, from any of those diseasesDid you know, that depression is a state of mind?My doctor says, I should take these anti-depressants56

We live onceWe live onceGrab every opportunity in lifeLove with all your heart, unconditionallyHave fun, forget all about age factorsStop worrying, think of what really mattersWe live onceWe are not immortal, and never will beLet go of the dead, leave them in peaceIt's your turn, live, forget all about your sorrowSpeed kills, but try to put things at a good paceWe live onceLive like you are dying tomorrowWork as though you were being paid a millionNever let people walk all over you, but don't be too harshIf you can't beat them, join them, be a chameleon, but a good one57

We live onceNever leave your tasks, unfinishedIt's alright to save, but try to enjoy your money tooEducation comes once; take it seriously, your play days will comeGrow up, but don't get too old to enjoy life, for we live onceWe live onceUse the gifts God has given you, what are you waiting for, death?Don't get too busy to look around your world and its beautyIn all that you grow, never forget to water your spiritWhy destroy your body with drugs, before its time?We live once, only once58

The futureIn ten years from nowWill I be still breathing?Smiling forward, or looking back, sadDown on my knees, repentingWriting my tenth anthologyAsleep at night, or still gate-crashingTrying to win my pals back with apologyRich in my mansion with inbuilt barsIn ten years from nowWhen I'm thirty one years of ageWill I be married or still searching?For all my crimes, free, or locked up in a prison cageHopefully I'll have a fat account from good earning59

I wonder if I will still be wonderingIn ten years time from now, when all has been said and doneWill I still be able, to successfully get a hug, or grudgeKids if any, a daughter or sonIn ten years from nowAs the seasons change, will I develop wrinkles on my facePermanent dwelling, will I still be in this town?Or somewhere north, watching a horse raceWith cheering, a smile or a weird frownWould I have overcome fate, and enjoy my dreams come trueIn ten years time from now, as I proudly read throughWould my handwriting have gone uglier or improved?60

LostI watched her die slowlyShe struggled to live, but to no availThought I heard her say, forgive meHer body shook, as her soul departedPlease wait, I begged her in sobsHer soul must have returned, in that instantHer eyes slowly opened, a short distanceShe told of her short life, forever trapped in a cageA cage of hurt, pain, a cage of rageShe wasn't going forever, like I fearedShe was transforming into a different being, much strongerA cold hearted monster, so careless and harmfulI begged her to reconsider the transformation, and forgive“Forgive who?The people that will hurt me, even after being forgiven?”61

ImagineImagineA man jumping off the edge of a cliffWings outstretched from the elbowDancing to the song of the windAnt-like structures, a green valley belowSoaring through the clouds with easeA world of flying animals and insectsWings on man, just a dreamImagineIf war was sited on a board gamePenalty of death to the loserNo guns, cannons or missiles of dameNo assassinations at the hands of a shooterThe world as united nations working togetherPoverty a bedtime folktale for the kidsOur young men asleep in their beds, not coffins62

ImagineA world with no deadly diseasesNo heartbreaks, rejections and angerEverlasting love, marriage of significancePeaceful midnight walks, with no exposure to dangerEmpty prison cells and crowded religious hallsHighways with no accidents and casualtiesHomosexuality and disabilities, accepted human realitiesImagineEvery rapist behind bars, on death rowAll our loved ones, still alive and breathingIf only every man, opened his destined doorHeaven, as close as your bedroom ceilingMoney, a none existent entity in our livesImagine, if all imaginations were as solid as buildingsAnd thoughts, could write themselves on papers63

ImagineIf every song was a prayer to GodDream’s world could be viewed on your television screenThe walls had ears, eyes and mouths to speakAnd a holy Angel was President in human formEvery street sparkling clean, no toxins and human peeGlobal warming, a science fiction in movies and booksFriendship, love and employment were beyond money and looks64

RebornI died last nightFound myself in a dark roomBlue lighting everywhere I lookedA pretty woman sat at the bar, smokingI died last nightFound myself next to a nude womanMissed calls from my wifeDidn't mean to but I slept out againI died last nightFound myself in a very noisy placeI was talking out loud but nobody listenedStumbled on everything before I died again65

I died last nightFound myself with a blood all over my handsKnelt down next to this unknown woman and apologizedIn the corridor I managed to recognise my kids filled with fearI died last nightFound myself in a white room surrounded by aliens in whiteI heard a voice say 'He's awake, it's a miracle!' and felt fearOne of them held my hand and apologized for my legsI died last night?Now I remember the terrible car accidentMy vision was blurred from whatever was in my cupMy legs went to ashes with the badly damaged vehicle66

The NarrowsTheir eyes are filled with the cold of winterTouch is quick and beyond carelessChained to their narrow mindsWork so hard, but see little of their sweatTheir only children fear them terriblyClosed up in their rooms, haunted by booksLonging to mingle with other children in peaceUnable to, for fear of being screamed at, and judgedTheir walls feel as sorry for them, as their neighboursLiving on simple food, for fear of spendingStuck to their old ways, and refusing to changeLiving in a warm-looking home, caged67

The world around them is growing and changingDressed up in the same clothing, they remainSelf expression is considered rude to themA smile is an abomination, in their narrow worldThey love their simple lives, to deathEntered the world of the dead, as they cameHaving learnt nothing in life, and earned the sameBig babies in a grown world, the narrows fall68

StupidChanged your dress code for themTo fit in, you even talk like themDrink like a fish, dying of thirst in a tankYou are stupidThey say all men are intelligentYet, you give in, each time you are fed the word impossibleYou plan children, then become totally negligentYou are stupidHIV ain't a joke, you keeping eating it uncoveredWhat do you gain from being an unfaithful partnerTake things for granted, yet all your life you've sufferedYou are stupid69

You smoke to get over your stress and ugly emotionsBut you do know that cancer has no cure, right?There's nothing you ever do, without asking your family for solutionsYou are stupidYou drive like a wild horse, that's just gone mad with speedWho are you trying to impress, pedestrians who are walking?Money is material, it runs out but my advice will never end your greedYou are stupidAlcohol is a drink; you can't blame it for beating up your wifeSelf-control is not inborn; it is a learned and mastered artYou are telling me life is bad and want to commit suicideYou are stupid70

Hush now my sonHush now, my sonYou left home with my blessingsSeeking greener pastures for survivalI let you fly away, from under my wingsFar away from a nation, crying for revivalHush now, my sonThey made you stand in line, for long hoursYou were pushed around, by authority with questionsFinally they let you into their world, with its high towersLived in a crowded room, with people uninterested in relationsHush now, my sonI know you are highly qualified with a PhDBut from your letter, you mentioned that you are a gardenerYou've been scorched by the sun, you long to be freeYou work so hard to send out money, for your own family's hunger71

Hush now, my sonYour new world is filled with so much opportunityIt's hard for you, though, because you are groupedDiscriminated against as a foreigner with no purityStripped of your humanity, you feel nudeHush now, my sonSchool dropouts have better jobs, for being localYou are used, being overworked, yet paid lessThey treat you like a thug, but you stick to your moralsForever looking over your shoulder, trying to be safeHush now, my sonI can't ask you to come home for we are sufferingThe shops are empty, the economy is crumbling everydayMy son, you are our bread winner, our source of food in this familyBe strong and stand tall in the foreign land72

My best friendYou were so excruciatingMade yourself at home deep within my heartBut why did you only come to break me apartInstead of joy, what I gained was you, painNever admitted, that I tried to flee youNeither would one say I did woeThe suffering you caused me was unexplainableShould I have hated or loved you? ConfusedEvery corner taken in my life, you were thereSuicide my first thought, without you, life seemed unfairThrough love, peace, sacrifice and unity, you appearedI wondered who exactly had sent you, painWere you really worth the stayTried to ignore you everydayBut there you were smiling like a virgin brideYour touch, so gentle but far from sweet, sour pain73

You made me hate my lifeAlways realized late that you saved me from the knifeHard work and open mindedness, I developed because of youA part of my life you became, despite my remorseOh, how I longed for you to just leave, at firstYou were there at my birthI tried to embrace you, you got me somewhere in lifeMeant to be there from the beginning, but I never appreciated you, painWhen I finally came to my normal sensesThe only footprints left in the graveyard were scars and past tensesTried looking around for you, too late you had already leftCouldn't invite you back, you came only when you felt like itAt your revisit I hated you againEvery time you left, there was always something you learntYour presence resulted in my many headaches,And nail-biting habits to returnThrough you, courage I gained, and overcame my fears, pain74

Cried, night and day, begging you to leaveAt your own season you quietly departed, always with a lesson to giveYou beat me up so bad,That knowledge and wisdom, I received the hard wayBefore I could thank you, you disappeared againStill, I knew you would return like a soldier from the front linesAt the door step, I would welcome you, with frowns and fake smilesYou stood and worked for months, with no bed, food nor chairSurviving my anti-pain environment, and still returning because you careTo survive is to survive with you in every landYou were, and will always be, the most despised best friendI hate to say this, but without you, painThere is, and will never be, any existence of that, which I gain75

The patientSitting by this hospital windowThrough my hollow eyes little kids on a seesawThinking, how innocent and jolly they all lookI dreamt of someday, writing a bookA bird glides by, looking strong and energeticFar from my own strength, to chew on garlicMissing the laughter, friends, and foodMy years of fancy cars, living goodClubs and parties, never missedClip drift mixed with lemon twistReaching the emotional heavens, with my climaxMy every day and nights joy, sex76

Those beautiful babies I longed forIntimate with more than one, but fourThe human interchange, was funBut when the unexpected shows up, hard to runNeedles and pins filled with ecstasyMedicine fighting to keep me alive, far from fancyOnce high on weed, and wine’s tasteThe opposite invades with sickness and painsI have no one to blameThe truth was told, but to me the message was the sameStill reminisce the posters in my school yard gateLooking at the mirror image, hard to believe my state77

Unbearable pain, within my bodyFriends all gone, all by myself, nobodyThe physical pimples blotted up, deep yellow pus so visibleLips invaded by sores, throat no syllableCancerous cells, gnawed at my tissuesEyesight blurred visionIf only I had paid more attention to life's webNever would I have sat here, with drips and torn braidsStill, as I sit here by my windowWishing to tell the truth, to those kids on the seesawListening to my intimate pain, calling death's chainsIf given one more chance, I would have avoided you, AIDS.78

Blood is thicker than waterThey are the most irritating group of people, that ever existedNoisy about everything you try to keep private in your lifeYour every partner is judged, or dismissed or simply selectedThey will be the ones at the prison gates, when you are releasedThey never let you go out, and have fun with your only friendsSneaking out through the window, or simply walking out is the only wayThey think they are holy,By being home all the time, cooking and cleaningWhen your eyes are closing forever, they will be the ones to prayThey go to their usual boring church, in their usualBoring, old fashioned clothingThey embarrass you, around your sophisticatedFriends, with big cars and housesWho paid for your school fees,Right from the day you started your first classes?When you are old, and all your riches and friends are gone,They will be waiting79

Please tell meWhen I sat patiently to write thisI thought of one final wish.One that gnarled at my heart for monthsA wish that caused me to follow, too many shortcutsRunning from one partner to another, is tiresomePlease, tell me you are finally the last oneI met you once, with a magnetic urgeTo love again, and never look into that loneliness pageOne who would always be there, even before I scream in painWill I ever be single, and seeking again?Like a widow raped, and left to nurse an illegitimate sonPlease, tell me you are the oneMy room was as cold as iceStill, my longing for you strengthened me to writeWe don't know each other yet, but you are special to meYou've attracted, the still eyes of my cold teaNaturally bought warmth, and sweetened my personalityPlease, tell me you are not a ghost, but reality80

At first sight, I loved every puzzle of youStared at you sideways, you had no clueFound it hard to approach you, and mumbleOut of nervousness, I thought I would fail and stumblePlease, tell me you are the oneLike a snake I snarled, slithered and waitedYour courage to call, and talk for hours to me, amazingUnexpectedly, there I was sharing a meal with my fantasyI'm trying to make my expressions simpler with clarityUnexplainable, I keep feeling I'm finally doneBut could you please, please, tell me, if you are the oneWill you truly catch me when I fall, as much as I'm willingI want you, and that's what I'm truly feelingWill your hugs and kisses comfort and nurture me, into a better loverIn a world of pain, cold and hate and hungerPlease be the last and onlyTell me, please, that you won't leave me, feeling sorry81

Is it destiny or fate that we met?To win your heart, I'm willing to fight and sweatLet's take it nice, and slow, I will patiently endureI've had enough of playing around, and feeling insecureHave I finally found, the cure to my hollow lifePlease, tell me you are the last brick, on my building site82

ThoughtsI sat down to try and thinkThe floor was extremely coldCold air seeped, through the windowUnbothered, I sat down to thinkThere was a lot of on my mind that eveningLetting it go, would be self cheatingAnd thinking was not the best solutionAs I sat down to thinkMy mind focused on my pastAll the deliberate mistakes, unforgottenWere they really deliberate, or just faultsLike a house cracking, from the rain's moistureCurled up on the cold floor, my only postureReady to open up like a cocoon, thinkingOf the continuously repeated mistakesTried to relax, but tears engulfed my thoughtsA salty mixture, trickling down my eyelids83

Like a foolish child, I loudly sobbedWet as the river banks, I was soakedSwimming in my own saliva and tearsTried to reopen the thinking doors, and thinkBut all I found in there, were fearsFear of being alone, lonelyFear of hanging around the poor soulsVictimized by my loose tongueTrustworthy, I knew I wasBut, did I really understand myself enoughI had to change my character, which I knewBut how was I to accomplish thatAs I sat down, trying to thinkOn the cold floor, tears flowing down at every blinkI sat down, trying to think.84

When you passed awayWhen you passed awayHeat went coldComparable to the winter rainTears, uncontrollably flowedLife, filled up with painI kept asking myself why, whyWhy, you had to go so earlyWedding plans on the entanglement of our lipsI love you, the speech of the dayMy lover, slowly dying on dripsLife was unfair to meBut maybe to you, it was the best thingPeacefully you slept, to no returnSuicidal thoughts, poisoned my mindDeath, an every day torturous pattern85

Unforgettable, those happy daysAlways there, when I needed you mostHugged and kissed my pain awayLifting me up, when all was downNow your beautiful being, is only a ghostUnforgiving, your given time to leaveA baby boy, held him for only a weekFriends, an orphan and lover, you leftThat fateful day, I will never forgetWhen you, my love, passed away86

What happened?What is happening to us?We used to smile at each other, everydayOur lives were daily jolly and gayCompassion existed more than beingsWords on our lips, so sweet one could singWhat is happening to us?We used to kiss good morningYour kiss to me was like a beautiful drawingWe used to kiss goodnightGone are the days, we would passionately hold tightWhat is happening to us?We used to desire one anotherYour dream was for me to bear, and you to fatherWe used to be in love with passionAll that's left of it, is leaves on the ground, in a season87

What is happening to us?We used to cry on each other's shouldersNow our tears are wasted, in grounds across bordersWe used to express our hearts outAll we do now, is scream, cuss, fight, and shoutWhat is happening to us?We used to be lovers and best friendsFear was unknown to us, as our hearts held handsWe used to have unforgettable funThat part of our lives, is no longer bright as the sunWhat is happening to us?We used to look out for each otherIt looks like we are in different armies that hate each otherWe never used to cussNow words are nothing to us, but mere pus88

What is happening to us?We used to be happily marriedNow it seems like a duty and burdenWe used to glow in the eyes with loveOur eyes are full of question marks, and our hearts in cuffs89

Loving youIf loving you was a diseaseI would stop visiting the doctorInject myself with infected bloodDrink the water straight from a floodSmoke ten boxes of cigarettes a dayPour my antiseptics down the drainOpen my mouth each time you sneezedDance naked each time it heavily rainedIf loving you was a fatalityI would dive off the highest bridge to drownForce a head-on collision with a fuel truckLick the live wires of the power lines in townAttempt to assassinate the President in publicThrow myself in a cage full of vicious lionsOpen the gas chamber and light a cigaretteThrow myself in a hidden hole till I get stuck90

If loving you was grubbyI would bathe in mud, and lotion myself in filthSwim in the toilet sewers, every single dayNever, ever, change my underwear and socksUse my bed as a toilet and sleeping placeLeave my ears all filled up with waxKeep my hair long and never shaveMy kid's potty would be my kitchen potsIf loving you was a childI would give birth as many times as possibleGive the child all the attention in the worldTell the child I love him, every millisecondAdopt every single orphan child, that existsClothe and feed every child that's chained in povertyGive all the street kids a warm home to live inHelp every child that's hooked on common drugs91

MotherMother is cryingTrying to defend herself, denyingDaddy's beating her up, he says she is creepingIts five am I'm trying to keep my head under, sleepingMother is cryingDaddy wants a divorceHe can't hold back his hate and remorseMother wants to stay for the kids' sakeStick around, do what daddy can't do, bakeMother is cryingDeep within her heart, she loves daddyBut daddy is crazy, acting all shadyWhatever is truth, he wants proofI can't sleep; I wish I lived on the roof92

Mother is cryingI can't bear the sounds of her sobbingThey've been fighting for years non-stoppingCould somebody please adopt me, pleaseI can't bear her crying, I long for peaceMother is cryingWashing blood, every year, off her skinLocked herself up, daddy broke through with a pickDragged her from the roomBroke her right leg like a broomMother is cryingForced to leave us behind in tearsShe's failing to hold a comb, shivering with fearsNo more peace in the homeIt has all crumbled down to Rome93

Mother is goneLife is different nowCan't stand daddy with his frownHome is very cold without the warmth of motherWe need both father and mother, but now we are stuck with father94

People vs pimplesPeople are like pimplesThey smile at you with their dimplesBut when their lives shift from pit holeThey make you look like a cripplePeople are like pimplesThey rise like horny nipplesPower makes them swell, with pride so fickleThen burst back to their original flat state, so simplePeople are like pimplesThey come in two different colors, like frecklesOne day they love you, the next day prick you with needlesComfort you today, tomorrow hit you with chiselsLove you in health, and hate you when you get measles95

People are like pimplesThey see a new face and marvelWondering how it would feel to be a couplePuberty and maturity make them jump and topplePreventing most from pursuing the careers of pretty modelsPeople are like pimplesThey can be hard or as soft as pillowsWill you marry me today, and tomorrow will you be my widowDon't be surprised the day they all scream 'Kill him! Leave, you yellow!'Warning: People are exactly like blotted, ready-to-burst pimplesYep, them round little fellows on your face, that make you miserable96

A message to women from the manDon't ask me why I am a playaI once had this other fine galEverything was wonderful about herShe was my guide, my companion and palThen one day I caught her in bed, with my best friendI moved on and gave love a second chanceFell in love with a girl, who promised me to always beEverything was OK, until she held too tight for me to seeThat her idle eyes had fallen on a man with richesSo don't ask me why I am a playaThey say I am a playa to have more than one womanBut even my main woman, out of all my extras, is rottenShe was alright, until my friend visited with his wifeShe turned out to be a queer, under the license of pretenceSo stop asking me why I am a playa97

Don't ask me why I am a playaI was once married, but luckily had no kidsUntil I found out, my wife was using me for my moneyI divorced her, and she lost every case, but stole all my lovingThen they say, all men are bad, because some of us are playasDon't ask me why I am a playaI've given women, all the respect and loving in this worldBut in return, I got stabbed in my heart with a swordWhat else is there to do, with a woman I don't love?Love hurts, I'm a man, a human being, not superman, and I hurt, too98

You or your boss?Do you work for you or your boss?When your sweat's odour spoils your perfumeStanding for long hours till the blisters birthWhen month end comes, your greasy hands you stick outDo you work for you or your boss?You have kids to support in your well-furnished homeA comfortable life, you love to live, in this world of luxuriesYou rush to the bank, as though it was about to burn downDo you work for you or your boss?You curse, and cuss whenever your boss complainsWhen the work load is heavy, you start demanding more moneyBut when there's cash in your fat pocket, the load seems lighterDo you work for you or your boss?If you did not have that job, you would still be a walkingWould you even be able to afford, that expensive cell phoneDo you work for you or your boss?99

A young men’s chick talesFor the sake of politeness, I've used euphemismCharacterizing my first girl, to be, on an espionage missionShe was black, and just experimentingIt was easily noticeable, that she was just, pretendingBroke up with her, and her heart in the shape of a prismMoved on to my second girlfriend, a new pageNow, an Eskimo lives in very cold surroundingsColdhearted in my warm environment, but funShe was light skinned, beautiful and demandingNever wanted to be around me, when I was broke and strugglingA great mistake, her name was Bunny, I called her BunI had no choice but to quickly leave, I was bankrupt100

Words and more words and they study etymologyGirls and more girls, my third girl girl-logyShe was the best in bed, in exception of her forged namesTaught me about love, discovered my soft spot through her loveSacrificed a lot for me, she proposed marriage no more gamesDeath took her away, once again left to seek or starveThe girl sitting on number four was a playerFully knew that she was engaged, and playing on her man, for meDo not fall in love, with a married girl. It hurts real deepWithdrew and waited for the words “it's over,”I felt free, and much betterIn a way she helped me get over my third girlI can't date forever; I have to find one to settle with, sweet as a pearl101

ShadowsThey say that fear haunts the weakI tried to wake from my horrible nightmareEnticed by small white pills that help me sleepPushed down my throat, as they pinned me downI am fighting and struggling, just set me freeTo walk the streets, like a normal human being102

The PoetA poet is a beingIn beggar's clothingBegging for the soul's spillageAn overfilled cup of emotionA poet is a trainTraveling long distancesReaching the being's sub-consciousnessHaving gate-crashed the moody consciousA poet is a mealWarm when constantly usefulCold and stale when left unattendedA meal for the world, to discover, poetry's rich taste103

A poet is a poetEvery word reveals the natureLives lived and moments to matureThe amazing power of the mind withinA poet…104

Wake up, pleaseWake up, pleaseThe words I screamed out, with easeI tried so hard to revitalize youPumped chemical energy into youStill, I had to keep begging you to wakeYou understood me, so wellWell enough to know my hunger and painJoy and peace were of the things, you lovedYour worst days were, those of strainAs I sat down to work, and you watchedAt times you concentratedImpressed I was, with pride, I was fascinatedIt was you, that took me through, major decisionsAiming and focusing I did out of ambitionOther times you blacked outForcing you I had to shout105

Wake up, pleaseReading novels was your favoriteWriting poetry your giftFreely composing songs at any time and dayThe best thing you remember is, my birthdayWe were born on the same date, the ninth of MayPapers, books and pens, your targetBut as I sat in that library, like an attached magnetI was totally glued, to my booksExams around the corner, you gave me strange looksYou knew I was serious when I begged you for helpKnowledge in bulk, waiting for me to chew on, over, and over againYou hated working under pressure, and kept on shutting down on meWhy can't you study early, you asked, then like a drunkard, passed outI shed a tear and begged you, wake up, please, my brain106

DreamsI dream of someday, looking into the eyes of successBuying a poor orphan girl, a dressTaking in a homeless child, out of the coldKeeping a record of events, as my life unfoldsI dream of sitting, twenty-four hours in a studioSaving a life, from suicide through my music on the radioSweating my way to the stageAfter my death, my name in every encyclopedia pageI dream of a friend, so trueStanding by me, through life's tiring queueSo loving, kind, and understandingAlways there, and never pendingI dream of a million-dollar accountShoes and clothing, I can't even countRiding in cars of my choiceSystem on the maxi, my kind of noise107

I dream of dying, with a smile towards heavenSomeday on God’s lap, twenty-four sevenAfter all my dreams achieved and fulfilledMy spiritual cup of thirst fully filledI dream of the day, I read this poem againJolly and happily, hugging successLying next to my lover, ready to caressWatching lovingly, my little babies, making a messI dream of more visions and dreamsTo amalgamate, like quick grown lawnMy brain cells accumulating, and discovering, more ideas to growStill to amend my dreams, as I am not just a dreamer108

StrangerI woke up, next to a strangerRushed to the john, to puke my stomach outMy body, dehydrated, an alcoholic droughtGot home to sleep, catch up the lost sleepI had a dream, that I died of a terrible diseaseMust have been hallucinations, from last night's dopeI woke up, next to a strangerHer fingernails stained with tobaccoThe lips were soft with patches, as dark as charcoalShe was beautiful, yet physically exhaustedEyes filled with pain, a warm smile, as she smiled at meI smiled back, but it was only a reflection of me109

ScriptOur tonguesDanced, to a slow jamUnder a waterfall of attractionI responded, like a lion so tameFloating, to your every touch, and actionOur hairsShook hands with the windThe world spun, as we kissedTime stopped, to watch us closelyA bird flew over us, chirping melodicallyYour lipsRaised the hairs on the back of my neckAs you wrote the love story, of the centuryI felt as warm and fresh, as a cakeYou left a love mark, penned a painless memory110

Your touchWeakened my flesh, and exposed my soulI soared, with the birds of the sky, to the wetlandsYou gently knocked, and entered my doorI found my lost voice, and beautifully sangOur bodiesUnited in a sweet ink anthemIt rained heavily as our pores smiledWarm rivers flowed through my blood vesselsYou were gentle through every mileOur heartsConversed, at every touch, every motionYou looked into my eyes, and, I, in yours, it was timeMy nails dug into your flesh, as we gasped with emotionAn unforgettable moment, writing wonderful crimeDo not be quick to judge.This poem is simply a pen writing on paper, hence, the name Script.111

GratitudeMy warmest appreciation and thanks to Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’Dr Limkokwing for believing in me and making this book possible.Barbara for encouraging me all the way as I worked against time to writethe best fifty poems possible, Tiffanee who acted as a liaison, communicatingwith me and updating me on the book, my professional communicationslecturer Isaiah, for encouraging me to write and present a poemto Tan Sri on the day he came to visit (the poem that opened up doorsfor me). And to everyone that lent a hand in the production and publishing…Thankyou.Racheal Manda2008112