Kofi Anyidoho: My Song
My Song
Here
on
this
Public
Square
I
Stand
I sell My Song for those with ears to buy
It is to a tree that a bull is tied
You do not bypass the palm’s branches
to tap its wine
The things I have to say
I say them now
I shall stand aside
from those who care
to clear their throat and
dress their shame in lies
When you meet a poorly-dressed neighbour
at a great durbar
you do not spit on the ground
and roll your eyes to the skies
The umbrella I bought
You stole from my rooms at dawn
Now I walk in the early morning rain
You point at me to our young maidens
And they join you in laughter
Think
My People
Think
Think well before you laugh at those who walk in the rain.
The gifts that bestows at birth
Some had some splendid things
What was mine?
I sing. They laugh.
Still I sell My Song
for those with ears to buy
My cloth is torn, I know
But I shall learn to wear it well
My voice is hoarse, I know
But I shall learn to wear it well.
lovely poem sir!
you have been and will always be my inspiration.
i really enjoyed your peom it has always been ma interest to write peoms n i have written a couple of them but yours is just to inspiring i have not puplished any yet but am always afraid people might not like them
I’AM AN ARDENT FAN OF YOURS WHO WRITES POETRY AS A HOBBY. THIS IS A LOVELY PIECE
this is beautiful, thank you for posting it
I have read and continue to read your poems in PraiseSong for The Land in which you merge the written word and voice. Even though my pursuits in life are in biomedical sciences, I continue to be inspired by your works. They give me a framework and hope for a life and humanity for Africa. Should I visit Ghana one day, I will seek the honour of meeting you in person and will no doubt pick a leaf of wisdom for life from you and your associates.
Today I have discovered this website, like I, by chance came across your small book of poems two years ago. I wish you and all those who research and articulate the inner struggle of mind, soul and body for our collective liberation, continued success.
l first thought the last time that i will ever read your poem was when i read them in EFUA SUTHERLAND’S TALENT FOR TOMORROW. as i got to this site, i read this lovely piece of yours, sir. it is a very great poem, sir. you have been among those i would want to look up to. or if i may not be that wrong, i thnk you are the same Mansfield C.K Anyidoho.
Hello,I m asmaa from Marocco.so,I liked your poem.You have the ability of expressing ideas and convincing others.Therefore,I really read your wok.Thank you again.
Great poem sir. We have been studying it in the Universty Ibn Tofail in Morocco. I am looking for more poems of yours to read.
beautiful model of what african poetry ought be!
Please i want the notes on Kofi Ayindoho poem “Go tell Jesus”
i am inspired by your works. i am proud to have you as my mentor. i am an upcoming poet who features on open air theatre. thanks .i will visit you these days . you are great prof. 13 oct. 2008.
Hi Sir,
It’s a beautiful piece you have. Keep it up because it’s a song of inspiration for Africa as a whole.
Your Song …My Song…Our Song.