Poetry & Works by Kaffi & Kaffy

by.Mwangi Njoroge. words to my weak faith, injections of hope into my veins, smiles and blushes of pain, defeat and misery drenching me like the long rains, am scarred and tainted by life, my skin,heart and soul bruised and stained by life's challenges, mine is a story of too much too tardy, a hymn of a soul too valiant but of a conviction too afraid.

maybe after this bottle, i will stop, maybe after this puff, i will realize its enough, maybe after tonights one-night stand, i will say she is my last, maybe if i find you, i will undestand this is lust, ..... http://ping.fm/kNOHT

i started a blog with the objective of sharing my work and works from other people,been away from Nairobi hampers my blogging frequency but i try to share whenever I can.I give you the liberty to comment,critique and share any piece or article on the blog. http://ping.fm/5wRui

hunting for Google+ invite :'( ¤*smh*¤

as a poet and photographer i get so many opportunities to travel in this country of hours,am comfortable to say I have been to almost all the cardinal points of Kenya,from the white beaches of Mombasa to the cold hills of the Mau Ranges,I have broken bread with the Karamajong of Northeren Kenya and gone fishing with the Luo in the Eastern and Western part of Kenya,I have gone for nature walks in the Kakamega forest and hiked the great Mt.Kenya. In all my travels around kenya I have encountered different cultures but simillar brotherhood,a norm characterised by smiles and a helping hand,despite where I was i felt at home because I was at home,the dances and food may have been different but the KENYAN BROTHERHOOD was constant every where I went,I was constantly reminded of what been a Kenyan really meant. MKENYA...to be continued

You are not the girl I see when I close my eyes, Not the girl I want to spend with the rest of my life, You are not the one to understand the rythm of my cries, You are not the girl I dream of, Not the one I wish to betroth, You are my friend and true I do love you but........we are Imperfect

....she don't want to trim her hair.... ....she want it wrap up in a turban.... ....I love the little skirt she wears.... ....she doesn't want to expose her rear.... ....she don't want to use them skin care.... ....I love the way she is programmed.... ....Her meditation so strong.... ....what a black woman she is.... ....A real woman she is.... ....Queen of the mother land....

The July/August issue of Poetry Magazine is now available online at http://bit.ly/mP8mLo you can also follow and like the magazine by visiting http://ping.fm/JDyWw

Overview Details Discuss Real-life sharing, rethought for the web. Join A quick look at the first pieces of the project.   Sharing is a huge part of the web, a part that we think could be a lot simpler. That’s why we’ve been working on adding a few new things to Google: to make connecting with people on the web more like connecting with them in the real world. We hope you like what we’ve cooked up so far. And stay tuned, because there’s more to come. Take a tour Watch video Watch video Circles   You share different things with different people. But sharing the right stuff with the right people shouldn’t be a hassle. Circles makes it easy to put your friends from Saturday night in one circle, your parents in another, and your boss in a circle by himself, just like real life. Sparks   Remember when your Grandpa used to cut articles out of the paper and send them to you? That was nice. That’s kind of what Sparks does: looks for videos and articles it thinks you’ll like, so w

http://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/popup?id=5536783 Doctors diagnosed Dede with the common human papillomavirus, HPV, and a rare immune deficiency, which, in combination, caused Dede's warts to spread over his entire body. Dede's gnarled growths sprouted from his face, hands and feet. In a photo taken last year, he sits with his father in their house. At the time Dede hoped a doctor would be able to treat the horn-like extensions that started appearing on his body when he was a teenager. He is known as "Tree Man" throughout Indonesia. (Supri/ Reuters)   Dede Koswara is covered in bark-like warts that have swollen his limbs and sapped his energy and limited his mobility. Treatment appeared to help, until side effects and a medical turf war stymied the effort.     Inside a dimly lighted living room in the heart of the Javanese forest, Dede Koswara blankly examines his bulky hands, which have morphed to the size of catcher's mitts. He shuffles along on blackened, bloat

poetry and articles by kaffy mwangi are back on http://ping.fm/JV27H feel free to read and share what pleases you. for those with blogs and websites please send me your web address/URl,also follow me on twitter to know what *cheeky* business am up to on @kaffymwangi. all in all thanks for the continued support ¤check out the spread¤

http://ping.fm/K7dkP

What do they care, when they dare.... to come into my home full of greed? Just THEIR need!!! This, I’ve guessed, THEIR POSSESSED!!!! Is it someone I know? Should I stay? Should I go? Will I ever be sure I’m secure? It’s hard to find...peace of mind... in the ghetto... A lifeless life, full of strife. Dirty dealings, no real feelings. N-E-G-A-T-I-V-E... N-E-V-E-R give... Unpure hearts who tear apart your life and theirs... Because they have none,... because they want some. They want your things. Perhaps your rings!! Or better yet, they want to get your peace of mind, a PRECIOUS find. Because they have none,... because they want some. No life, low life, puny ghetto rats, I think you stink!! Why don’t you think?!! There ARE other ways to make a living. Instead of taking, just try giving. Fill that void inside of you with something new. Try out love and try out peace. Or at least, try to remember that we, the others, we’re your sisters and we’re your brothers. So, while you grow fatter on

When we Love self first waves of energy comes from within Racing through all space and time what do we find, true shine a blinding dime pieces glisten i see it even when im asleep its a diamond necklace to give to you would be reckless priceless perfect peace life I pledge to protect it my years have been put into proper prospective my past, present and future objective a nation building specialist i think we can handle this as long as we project it and align straight science never will we forget its not ya booty its ya beauty

Gul I love you, Skraight up Fo’Sho. Or I wouldna told dem ova girls not to call me no mo. I knewed it was true, da first day I seenteded you. Why you thank I do, da thangs I do? Remember how I use ta wine and dine you, Schlits Malt Liquor and Bar-Ba-Que. I gave you a bubble baf and fed you grapes. Dey was on sale that week, a dolla ninedy-eight. Romanic evenins after dark, Skreet light walks around the block. Like da very first time, you came ova to my crib. And you got all scared, cause that roach was on yo Timbs. I was right dare, wit a can of spray. To be yo Super Man, and save da day. I ain’t even pay my light bill, so I can take you to da club..... Don’t knock ova does candles and burn up my rug! And dat nite we made luv, for a long liddle bit of time. I hope you got yours, cause I Sho’nuff got mine. I woke up early and made you brekfas in bed. Sep fo I ain’t have no juice, no grits, o no eggs. Didn’t have no cereal and was fresh outta milk, so we had some toast and some potada ch

walkin thru thiz bed of roses: cross roads and headstones: R.I.P's 2 friends gone: thiz rollin stone hard as a rock: when tha best of both worlds combine: R-KELLS and JAY: hard shells decay: that's why we take L's 2 tha face: cause any day be our last: that's why we cast roles 4 tha way we play: when it gets hot outside: we cast that shade: that protects chest 2 nabel: cause my tech's give labels that wrap round toe's: that means those shoes ain't fit bro: tryin 2 tip-toe: on my shift that's graveyard: them feins love that gray hard: weither it's slab or cookies: professional,rookie: god or tookie: take a look n my crystal ball: tha way that crystal ball when hot water hit that crystal jar

Yea you see the hard composure but theat's far from the real me i have the softest heart in the world don't get it twisted though yo girls' not weak i've seen things an average 17 year old haven't seen i've been threw stuff that you only have nightmares about in your dreams yes i live good now but i've been threw the struggle i've been to the point where we didn't have any food in the house but it didn't make me weaker God threw alot of test at me but it actually made me stronger i'm not a G or a thug but i'm far from a punk i'm not a fake or a phony I know where the hell i'm from but i don't go around flauntin this cause that's not what real niggas do i'm 100% real too bad i can't say the same thing for you.

Shame to be seen when neither of you have a dream. Shame to step out when all the both of you ever do is scream and shout. Shame of what they think of you? When luv comes around you're sure to find a simple reason to end it! Shame to be having an unwanted candle light dinner, Shame on you for doping up the light bill funds... Shame to be sitting there sharing a stale honey bun? It's out there somewhere... Ghetto shame...... SunShine.....................

It’s boring being a monster, Chasing kids around, Hiding underneath their beds, Not making any sound. It’s boring waiting on the stairs, Hoping they’ll walk by - Boring making little creaks, Trying to make kids cry. It takes so long to learn this trade, To skulk and tap and moan, It’s boring waiting all the time In someone else’s home. I’d like to slide down bannisters, And shriek and yell and scream, Boogie to some disco songs, Let off a little steam. I’d like to run around the house, Turn on all the lights, Eat marshmallows, watch T.V., On dark and dismal nights. I’d like to have a bath sometimes, And clean my smelly hair - Put some decent clothes on, For someone who would care. I’d like to sit down to a meal, Smile and laugh and chat, Have a coffee and ice-cream, Put on a little fat. I dream of being normal, Of having a little fun - It’s boring being a Monster When all is said and done.

Anonymous sex is very hot and pleasing. A girl like me loves to tease. So do with me, as you please. You got to be an adult to go to this place. Its a secret so I try to go without a trace. I go under the darkness of the night. Always having a tinge of fright. Glory holes are there for people like me. To be able to go have anonymous fun and then let it be. People come from all around. To be able to have a chance of getting down. When I go I always have a plan. I try to fuck as many men as I can. The sizes differ each time they come in. I can only hope for a ten. They can be small and thick or big and thin. As long as I am capable of getting it in. In between my wet juicy lips is where I crave. For me to turn into his sexual slave. If its not big enough and unable to fit in between. I turn them into a queen. The men are anonymous to me. I have no idea who they could be. As they come in one by one. I get aroused knowing I may be able to make one of them cum. My pleasure is giving him som

I think back in time, Where we had fun. I thought it was a time, But i still don't know. I think of you, All day long. I love you, do you love me too? I don't think so, But i do hope! I hoped you would never go, But you did. Loved it, your smile, Your looks, your hair. I would even walk a mile Just to find you standing there. I'm thinking of you, I really love you!

Do you ever feel like you're dreaming Because everything is finally in its place Its like you've gotten every wish That is how i feel with you mase Ever since the day i met you I've had that tingle down my spine As i watched you everyday Deep in my heart,wishing you were mine Never thought I'd have the chance To prove my love was true Until that day you surprised me Whispering the words "Jess,god i love you" Now as i sit here in my room All i can think about is your eyes,your smile, your kiss Counting the days I'll be lonely For you i will surely truly miss I don't know how I'm gonna last 10 weeks without you When i can't even last a single day Truthfully and honestly, you're all i think about Can't stop but i also cant stay I know its only 2 months and a bit But tell me, how am i going to last? Because i miss you when you're not near me And i don't want you to think of me as your past So don't worry i won't be gone for

Do you think of me at all? Do you remember the good and true? Do you remember what turned it bad? Are you happy? Are you sad? Do you know what went wrong? Could you hear my painful song? Nor could I though I was more aware I just did not know how to take us there Are you in that dreadful place? Have you really used this space? I took your lessons and learned them well But on your laurels do you dwell? Did the master learn from the pupil? For thee and thine and me and mine Rights and wrongs, mistakes and misconceptions All are futile without reflections Look inside and look so true What is coming back at you? Is it perfect? Is it bad? Are you happy? Are you sad? Did you do the best you could? If you did forgive yourself Forgive me too if you would For me and mine and thee and thine Are complex reactions of their time. To err is human to love divine Be happy my dear my love so true Is always there shining through Lighting a path, it’s there to take But if another road you choose instead

Fighting for your sanity Reliving the wounds no one can see When they do they want to talk, Answers to questions, to try to understand But you have no voice to answer with No words no images So it must be nothing much really Just try harder, do this do that Look we can do it what’s your problem You have so much ability So what’s your problem? Why aren’t you trying? When your problem is you try too much You make it look easier than it is You work so hard you don’t even realise You’ve done it so long you think exhaustion is relaxed Yes you have extraordinary abilities What about the abilities you don’t have? Yes you are strong and a survivor But you have to know your limitations Fighting hard for your sanity When you don’t fit the boxes When part of you dazzles so much That it hides the other that needs so much Fighting for your sanity When you don’t know what’s happening You can’t talk or explain Fighting for your sanity Reliving the wounds you yourself cannot see Fighting for your sani

Get the fuck away from me Be safe and well but away from me I too have needs of my energy Get the fuck away from me It’s too scary when you can see What it is you mean to me Get the fuck away from me If you can’t cope with my vulnerability Get the fuck away from me Get the fuck away from me The walls are there for those who see Do you have the ability? Get the fuck away from me

Hush now baby don’t you cry I cannot sing you a lullaby I hurt too much to take your pain And make it all right as rain So hush now baby don’t you cry I cannot sing you a lullaby But let’s pretend its all ok Then I don’t have to make it go away So hush now baby don’t you cry I cannot sing you a lullaby I love you baby and meant it well Even though I left you in a private hell Hush now baby don’t you cry I cannot sing you a lullaby Forgive me dear for not being strong Forgive me for getting it so wrong Cry my baby and let it out Cry my baby and be in no doubt I loved you then and always will I never ever meant you ill I want to sing that lullaby To hold you close as you cry Cry my baby and feel my love It’s all I have and it’s enough Cry my baby let go of the pain That’s what makes it right again Cry my baby for now I see What it is you need from me

When I woke up I wondered if, today I’d take my leave, everything just seemed to go wrong. I thought of giving in, no more coping or pretence, took forever just to get out of bed. But I chose to live today. I picked a different way. even when it all seems so wrong. Yes I’ll make a different day. I choose to breathe today. Wont give in, give up or go down. Yes I choose to live today, and believe me when I say, it’s harder than it seems to hold on. So if you feel a different way, think back to better days, take my hand and choose to move on.

What’s it like inside of me? The inner bit that’s rarely seen Sometimes I give out just a smidgeon See how the reaction is Do you have the ability? Can you cope? Is it safe? Is NOW the time? Do I have the skills yet? Do I have a safety net? Each time I tried to reach out Next time will be harder there’s no doubt And then along comes someone who sees a bit And tries to fix that little bit Then gets annoyed and gives up They hear one note and think they know the song And lash out when they are wrong The silent screaming is at the wrong pitch for them What’s it like inside of me? Deep inside where it’s hard to see Surrounded and hidden by a light so bright Hiding away the pain, fear, hurt and shame Described as tight as a clam but that’s not quite right More like an iceberg. Mrs 90% that’s my name

Let me take you by the hand let me show you i understand let me show you it is safe. I let you take me by the hand but you only took the outer band the smaller one buried deep inside was left behind screaming wide screaming out so urgently quiet to you but loud to her why does no one see her there? the gap so wide it’s hard to see the strings that keep her still, there please don’t let her disappear she deserves to grow and to flourish all she needs is a gentle nourish Cut the strings you may say, let her go, just float away but if i do what becomes of me? that great void will grow and swell and collapse in its outer shell for i am she and she is me there is no one without the other. Better still to take those strings fill the gaps, make them sing let them resonate with the same song She did no harm, she did no wrong why can’t you hear her painful song? she does not want to be the strident voice she agreed the split, she made the choice one to grow and f

Suicide it’s plain to see Means different things to you and me For some it’s such a heinous thing And for that must be classed as a sin “Don’t be so selfish” “don’t be so stupid “don’t be so pathetic” Selfish is not living or dying as one wishes, It’s expecting others to live or die as you wish. Death is so feared, don’t think of it, or talk or do it Death is also a merciful release It really is just another experience It does not always mean you have no coping skills Sometimes it means you have too many and too much to cope with. For some it is a knee jerk reaction, momentary, fleeting And not really to be acted on. For some it is just there, always waiting in the wings. Brooded upon until it is the only point of focus For others, it’s the comfort that motivates them to keep going “Ok if it really is too hard then it’s ok to die. But just get through today/this hour/this minute first See if you can find some fun to focus intently on, See if you can learn a new skill to get you through

Some will go straight from A to b Some will also go through C+d Some will start at Z to get to B Some will wander where they will Knowing they will get there still But on the way enjoy the thrill Some will cry and hold their head Wishing they were somewhere else instead Tis not fair they do say Never realising they want it that way

Of all the friends I have ever met, you’re the one I won’t forget. And if I die before you do, I will go to heaven and wait for you. I will give the angel’s back their wings, and risk the loss of everything. Just to show my friendship’s true, I am thankful to have a friend like you.

In my friendship garden, grows a flower, rare and true. I look a little closer, and find that it is you. To me it means all is well. My sky is clear and blue, and that is how it always is, whenever I think of you.

Enough.I have come to realise, What a coward I've been. Overwhelmed by the hype, And teenage life, That has slowly beaten me down. I should have listened. And I never should have said those things. I'm sorry. I was flicking back, Through snapshots in my mind, Trying to find a time, I was happy. I was shocked to find, At the back of my mind, The people I left behind. And I'm sorry. I became dismissive. Fake smiles and dirty looks, Were allies of mine. They replaced you. Your originality and quirks. I swapped late night talks, For cheap kicks. And I'm sorry. Call this my second attempt, At being a better person. But I yearn for happiness, And crave affection, Just like I always did. This is my confession, A chance at redemption, And I'm sorry. My hypocrisy is a talent. I cannot say anything, To justify my actions, And callous words. Blinded by petty drama, And fashion disasters. Selfish doesn't come close, And sorry isn't good enough.

Take that knife out your back, Cry to those who'll listen; You can't have drama without an audience. Close your eyes, In, And out... No, you're still here. Hearts are made for breaking, Charm falls hand in hand with deceit. Is this really what you're looking for? Smile, sunshine. He was never yours to begin with. Illusion is as illusion does, It never does well to assume; It just makes an Ass out of U and Me. What does it take to kill a girl? Three words like a gun to the head, Lie to me, she whispered. I love you, he said

Maybe someday the world will make sense maybe someday it will stop feeling wrong maybe there’s hope for a heart badly battered maybe someday I will feel I belong Maybe someday I’ll stop feeling frightened knowing that somehow I’ll find my way maybe someday I’ll remember the promise the hope that accompanies each dawn of day Maybe someday I’ll discover a reason maybe someday I’ll make sense of the pain maybe someday I’ll see past these tears to discover a rainbow has followed the rain Maybe someday I will not be disgusted and saddened with every thought of me maybe someday I’ll forgive myself for all that I am, and for all I can’t be

An empty vessel made of clay a frightened lamb who lost her way A precious spirit…floundering a stifled voice…afraid to sing But God, it seems, had other plans a Heavenly Task for earthly hands A life to lead…a home to make a path to travel for His Sake Children to raise making memories sweet with the other half she would make complete Accomplishing tasks that were far beyond scope inspiring so many with her faith and her hope A heart that kept beating despite being broken A soul that kept shining through hurts left unspoken Pleasing her Lord with her spirit so tender and teaching us all what it means to surrender

Must my words go unheeded if, by chance, they’re not loud If their author falls silent in the midst of a crowd? In the hustle and hurry of your daily routine are you able to hear me do you care where I’ve been? If framed in bright sunshine would I merit your sight Would you slow down to help me or begrudge me the light? I’m silently watching while you're running your race I'm feeling abandoned and so out of place. As you go through the motions with your life in high gear it's so sad you can't see me I'm usually here

There must be a place where the darkness subsides where the safe warmth of light begins A place where the rhythm of life is intact where we aren't made to squirm for our sins A place where we're given acceptance and love and taught to return these in kind A place where we know in our souls that true love is the greatest gift we'll ever find A place where "family" is more than a word implying a bloodline we share A place where the burdens weigh just a bit less because of the people who care A place where "I love you" isn't just an expression a commonly tossed about phrase A place where love's meaning can carry a soul through life's most unbearable days This place, though elusive, is not hard to find once you understand where you should start The things we've been searching so frantically for all exist in our Unified Heart

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size But when I start to tell them, They think I'm telling lies. I say, It's in the reach of my arms The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me. I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees. Then they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees. I say, It's the fire in my eyes, And the flash of my teeth, The swing in my waist, And the joy in my feet. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me. Men themselves have wondered What they see in me. They try so much But they can't touch My inner mystery. When I try to show them They say they still can't see. I say, It's the arch of my back, The sun of my smile, The ride of my breasts, The grace of my style. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's

A Last love, proper in conclusion, should snip the wings forbidding further flight. But I, now, reft of that confusion, am lifted up and speeding toward the light.

You declare you see me dimly through a glass which will not shine, though I stand before you boldly, trim in rank and making time. You do own to hear me faintly as a whisper out of range, while my drums beat out the message and the rhythms never change. Equality, and I will be free. Equality, and I will be free. You announce my ways are wanton, that I fly from man to man, but if I'm just a shadow to you, could you ever understand? We have lived a painful history, we know the shameful past, but I keep on marching forward, and you keep on coming last. Equality, and I will be free. Equality, and I will be free. Take the blinders from your vision, take the padding from your ears, and confess you've heard me crying, and admit you've seen my tears. Hear the tempo so compelling, hear the blood throb through my veins. Yes, my drums are beating nightly, and the rhythms never change. Equality, and I will be free. Equality, and I will be free.

Dancin' the funky chicken Eatin' ribs and tips Diggin' all the latest sounds And drinkin' gin in sips. Puttin' down that do-rag Tighten' up my 'fro Wrappin' up in Blackness Don't I shine and glow? Hearin' Stevie Wonder Cookin' beans and rice Goin' to the opera Checkin' out Leontyne Price. Get down, Jesse Jackson Dance on, Alvin Ailey Talk, Miss Barbara Jordan Groove, Miss Pearlie Bailey. Now ain't they bad? An ain't they Black? An ain't they Black? An' ain't they Bad? An ain't they bad? An' ain't they Black? An' ain't they fine? Black like the hour of the night When your love turns and wriggles close to your side Black as the earth which has given birth To nations, and when all else is gone will abide. Bad as the storm that leaps raging from the heavens Bringing the welcome rain Bad as the sun burning orange hot at midday Lifting the waters again. Arthur Ashe on the tennis court Mohammed Ali in

Even sunlight dares and trembles through my bars to shimmer dances on the floor. A clang og lock and keys and heels and blood-dried guns. Even sunshine dares It's jail and bail then rails to run. Guard grey men serve plates of rattle noise and concrete death and beans. Then pale sun stumbles through the poles of iron to warm the horror of grey guard men. It's jail and bail then rails to run. Black night. The me myself of me sleeks in the folds and history of fear. To secret hold me deep and close my ears of lulls and clangs and memory of hate. Then night and sleep and dreams. It's jail and bail then rails to run

My Fathers sit on benches their flesh counts every plank the slats leave dents of darkness deep in their withered flanks. They nod like broken candles all waxed and burnt profound they say "It's understanding that makes the world go round." There in those pleated faces I see the auction block the chains and slavery's coffles the whip and lash and stock. My Fathers speak in voices that shred my fact and sound they say "It's our submission that makes the world go round." They used the finest cunning their naked wits and wiles the lowly Uncle Tomming and Aunt Jemima's smiles. They've laughed to shield their crying then shuffled through their dreams and stepped 'n' fetched a country to write the blues with screams. I understand their meaning it could and did derive from living on the edge of death They kept my race alive.

There are some nights when sleep plays coy, aloof and disdainful. And all the wiles that I employ to win its service to my side are useless as wounded pride, and much more painful. Preacher, Don't Send Me Preacher, Don't Send me when I die to some big ghetto in the sky where rats eat cats of the leopard type and Sunday brunch is grits and tripe. I've known those rats I've seen them kill and grits I've had would make a hill, or maybe a mountain, so what I need from you on Sunday is a different creed. Preacher, please don't promise me streets of gold and milk for free. I stopped all milk at four years old and once I'm dead I won't need gold. I'd call a place pure paradise where families are loyal and strangers are nice, where the music is jazz and the season is fall. Promise me that or nothing at all.

You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I'll rise. Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? 'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells Pumping in my living room. Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I'll rise. Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops. Weakened by my soulful cries. Does my haughtiness offend you? Don't you take it awful hard 'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines Diggin' in my own back yard. You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I'll rise. Does my sexiness upset you? Does it come as a surprise That I dance like I've got diamonds At the meeting of my thighs? Out of the huts of history's shame I rise Up from a past that's r

She lay, skin down in the moist dirt, the canebrake rustling with the whispers of leaves, and loud longing of hounds and the ransack of hunters crackling the near branches. She muttered, lifting her head a nod toward freedom, I shall not, I shall not be moved. She gathered her babies, their tears slick as oil on black faces, their young eyes canvassing mornings of madness. Momma, is Master going to sell you from us tomorrow? Yes. Unless you keep walking more and talking less. Yes. Unless the keeper of our lives releases me from all commandments. Yes. And your lives, never mine to live, will be executed upon the killing floor of innocents. Unless you match my heart and words, saying with me, I shall not be moved. In kiambu tea fields, leaning into the curve of Limuru pianos, along Tigoni , in the red hills of Banana, into the palms of her chained hands, she cried against calamity, You have tried to destroy me and though I perish daily, I shall not be moved. Her universe, often summarize

Byways and bygone And lone nights long Sun rays and sea waves And star and stone Manless and friendless No cave my home This is my torture My long nights, lone