The Gong

The GONG Of my childhood rings louder Its echo hurtles in, faster Catching up with me Every night in my dreams The bicycles, donkey-carts The farmers' open vans Raced up and down this pebbly road Leaving behind trails of dust I sat here, on this anthill On a market day Counting people, donkeys I was a loner then The mantis as my teddy bear. "A very good insight into the writer's perception of life - as a child, the woes of African teachers, life and death, religion, prostitution, marriage, witchcraft, love, hatred and existence. "These poems are genuine; and convey the heartfelt experiences of a very sensitive, honest and articulate spirit. You can tell that Christopher is talented. "Poetry is a concentrated form of expression. It's not for the prosaic or the talkative. Christopher is fortunate to belong to the class of humans who can say a lot in a few words." - Charles Phebi-Agyekum, Author "Christopher Okemwa is a master of mixing the voice of rapture with despair, an exceptional voice, in many ways unlike the usual voice we hear from Africa , longing to unravel the secrets of life and of love, striving to reach the unreachable, accomplished and lyrical." - Anna Petkova Mwangi "The Gong is an excellent work that engages the reader. Each poem leads to a journey; a weaving of Stories, Sayings and Truths, each one creating an imprint on the mind. It is an unforgettable experience and a remarkable record of the times which must be shared." - Estella Muyinda