POET FROM KENYA by Henry Thiong'o

She was young, Paying a debt she knew nothing of. Now she is grown, Seeking revenge For love, a thing she’s never known Now she must avenge. A sword for another. Like a hunter, S he will wait for the opportune time. She vowed on their grave. Her family's bed, Where they now lay dead! For years she's waited for this day, She will make him pay. Blood for blood she swore. Her thirsts now even more. Now that she knows him, She hates him. So much she can’t breathe S he sees him smirk like a fool. And she burns inside. Hungers to smell his blood. Fresh in the morning cold. She dreams of it. Now she will live it. Her dream has lived to fruition. She has a mixture of emotions. He took away her childhood, Life and even womanhood; He took way her entire being Every reason to be a human being Her innocence and dignity’ Her virginity! But with that sword in hand, Like a magic wand. Will settle the scores. She is brave. At least for her parents she has...

Do not shed a tear. Do not confirm my fear. Listen not to them. Do not weep for me. I’m only asleep. Since when do you weep? When someone takes a nap. Do not weep for me. I got carried away. Reeled to a land far away. Dreamland to peace and bliss. Do not weep for me. Make my favorite dish. That’s my only wish. Right before I wake. Do not weep for me. Death walks alone. It went past me it’s gone. Love, my love fought for me. Do not weep for me. Tell them to stop mourning. It’s such a beautiful morning. They are disturbing my peace. Do not weep for me. I was kidnapped by slumber. That is all I remember. I'm already making him a deal. Do not weep for me. Soon I will be released All your anguish eased Together forever in unending bliss. Do not weep for me.

All i did was borrow. Borrowed without the owners consent. The sun rose and has now set. I have not made a cent To feed my hungry child, To tend to my sick son. Lying unconsciously probably even dead. I have failed as a man and father. But I die, not for myself, but for that child struggling to breathe Even as you drain all your energy on me Ask yourself this; are you better than me? Then you will understand. That I die for others but myself. I can stomach having nothing, In my stomach for one week. But the pain would be too much. For my three year old son. huddled somewhere in the cold. The only thing on, his skinny frame. And now you beat up his only hope. All because I borrowed a packet of milk. To save my only lifeless child. My life is in your hands and so is my son's. I cry these tears not for the pain I feel. But I cry for that little child. Cuddled up in the cold Perhaps waiting for me with hope of something to eat. God look after him for me ...