THE WORLD'S PEACEMAKER FROM AFRICA (Title copied from Dr. Strive Masiyiwa)

The death is bloodcurdling:
It is such a great loss!
Mother Africa's heart is grieved
With a grief, so gross!

Death wants to paralyse some of us
And, keep our mouths gagged.
But poets will pour out their words:
Words with true peace packed.

We think of him: we think of a great man
A great man, with a great heart.
We think of some lovely peaceful Figure,
Who would not with peace part.

Aw, we think of his very beginnings
And his manner of life
As those of some humble Quiet Spirit,
Who gainstayed strife.

We wished he would forever live:
At least for Peace's sake.
We didn't know, that that which we love
Death would away, take.

He is gone. The UN's pride is gone!
Uncle Kofi, sleep well.
He is gone, Strive Masiyiwa's confidant...
Uncle Kofi, sleep well.

Now, please listen to me, World:
Uncle Kofi Annan was Peace!
Therefore let his painful departure
Cause all fatal wars to cease!

Rest In Peace, Uncle Kofi Annan...

ISAAC ESSOUN

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WHAT IT MEANS TO LOVE

Some people call it “a passion.”
Others, “a burning desire” name it.
Some say it means to make love;
Others say it means to score.
If it really means to make love
Or only to score,
Then why does it away fly
Just after lovemaking, or scoring?

“You’re the apple of my eye.”
“You are my soothing balm, and morning dew.”
“Without you, cannot cope I.”
“I have with all my heart fallen in love with you.”
“I love your style; dance for me, my Queen.”
“Hold my hand tightly, my precious King.”
“Do not ever leave me: it is on you, I lean.”
“Babe I can hardly wait, to hear you sing.”

All these sayings they say
And suppose they sincerely love.
Yet their supposed love
Is one camouflaged, fatal lust!
They know not that ’tis rather lust
That to utter these, compels them.
They know not,
What it means to love.

To love is to care, and understand.
To love is not to hurt.
It is to help one’s partner to stand.
It is not only, to flirt.
This then means that if one sincerely loves,
He will bear with the helpless partner.
He will cry and laugh with him if he laughs,
And will nurture him, like a gardener.

To love is to be sincere and faithful:
It is not on one’s partner, to cheat.
Some cheat twice and thrice;
Others, four, five, or countless times!
All such lovers are not true:
They all are loveless lovers!
All such lovers are not true:
They know not what it means to love.

To love is to have holistic trust!
’Tis not of one’s own partner to be jealous.
Trust is the relationship’s crux:
It is what makes the relationship glorious.
Baseless jealousy the relationship kills;
And does not make lovers secure.
It only, lovers’ hearts, with hostility fills,
And makes it difficult, to endure.

To love is to protect!
It is not to passive be
To the other’s plights.
It is to concern and affection show
In one’s lover’s times of need.
How can one claim he one thing dearly cherishes
And refuse to preserve
Or protect it with passion?

To love, is to wholeheartedly give;
And after giving, a lover must about it forget.
If he gives and expects to receive,
Then what good out of his service will he get?
If one gives today and tells another morrow,
Then did he give out of real love?
Will he not his lover’s heart fill with sorrow,
And not at all help him to laugh?

To love is to serve!
It is to voluntarily
Put first, the other.
If any lover expects to be served
And he himself serves not,
Then he is not true.
Hear this and understand:
If there is no service, there’s no love!

Now, to love is to be holy:
It is not to one’s lustful pleasures sate!
This means, to be wholly
Patient, and for one’s truest lover, wait.

To love is to put on true godliness:
For love is the whole nature of God;
And since He is a lover of holiness,
Let us accept this in perfect accord.

ISAAC ESSOUN

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WORLD NEWS (Reporter: Holy Spirit)

Listen to me, listen to me, World:
I have a news for you.
News more precious than wealth.
Listen for time is due!

Aw, time is due for your salvation:
The end is really near!
Observe the Antichrist's invasion
Which is already here.

Observe well, her use of pressure
And her use of money
Which make youths love pleasure
Like sweetened honey.

Observe well, the sudden decline
In your steadfastness.
Observe the way, you now incline
Your all to foolishness.

Very soon, God's grace will expire.
Yes, that's the reality!
Then He'll melt all things with fire:
Beginning of eternity!

So, how prepared are you, World?
Please, I'm asking you.
Why do you keep on loving wealth
While end time is due?

I invite you, World, come to Jesus.
Come for His embrace.
Atsake pleasure. Sin not to excess.
Please, come for grace.

ISAAC ESSOUN

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SOMETHING RICHER IN AFRICA

TELL THE WORLD THERE IS SOMETHING RICHER IN AFRICA THAN OUR MINERAL DEPOSIT; IT IS CALLED AGRICULTURE...

Few days ago, FAO released their 2018 report on THE STATE OF FOOD SECURITY AND FOOD NUTRITION IN THE WORLD. Indications prove that Hunger was on a rise. Personally, this was not a surprise to me but I’m ruffled by the fact that ‘Undernourishment and severe food insecurity appear to be increasing in almost all regions of Africa.’

WHY AFRICA?

If my figures are right, Africa has 874m hectors of agriculture land and a population of 1.2b. It is estimated that in Africa 50% - 60% of the population are involved in Agriculture. So why then have the number of people hungry consistently increased from 198m in 2005 to 256.5m in 2017. Even between 2014 and 2016 where Asia (the leading continent in hunger) experienced a significant reduction from 552.2m to 514.5m, Africa was on a speed rise in hunger. These figures are evidential  looking at indicators like food deprivation, critical food poverty, malnourishment and other related negative health inductions like underweight, stunning, obesity etc. I wouldn’t be in the best position to elucidate on what this ruffling situation means to Africa, but trust me it very upsetting for such a continent with all this capacity to keep crawling in our fight to eradicate hunger.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO GHANA?

I couldn’t say much for our dear continent but I may be able to write few on what a rise in hunger means to Ghana. The trend of hunger in the West Africa region hasn’t been different. We have equally experienced a continuous rise in hunger even at a point where southern and middle Africa was having a tangible fall in hunger. According to the above mentioned report, the major cause for the rise in hunger was CLIMATE CHANGE. Though in Ghana, climate change may be a significant contributor to the rise in hunger, however there are other sensitive overlooked factors which to me are playing frontline roles in the rise of hunger.

POLICIES AND PROJECTS ACCESSIBILITY, IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION

As a nation, a lot of laudable steps had been taken in our agricultural sector aimed at improving food production and the standard of living of the citizenry. Undoubtedly there seems to be a negative trend when it comes to the implementation of agricultural policies and the initiation and maintenance of agricultural related projects. Often than not, the implementation of these policies and projects have had series of political influence resulting in a shift of investment. It is either the ‘paperwork’ drains most of the money or the rightful beneficiaries (farmers) or implementers (experts) are denied. Travel from Bawku far in the Upper East to Elubo in the Western region, you would be able to count hundreds of projects in the agricultural landscape that are left to weeds and others under the mercies of the weather and rust. Why? Why are these projects from international organizations like FAO, IFAD, ADfB, USAID, WFP, WORLD BANK and even from our own government left unused? Why can’t we continue with the various interventions we initiate to alleviate hunger and poverty? What is the level of monitoring and evaluation for such projects and policies? The narrative must change. We must let these afore mentioned organizations and the likes know where and when to put the capital. They should be made to understand that we look forward to projects or programs that have a least a decade impartation and survival period. Consequently they shouldn’t allow a change in political party dictate the running of a project. We should consistently ensure proper monitoring and evaluation as citizens and not spectators to be sure that the rightful persons handle such investments.

A SHIFT OF INTEREST

It is clear that most Ghanaian youths have easily drifted from agriculture. In Ghana agriculture is not just the science of crop and animal production. It is an integral part of our socio-economic makeup and something more of our culture. Agriculture in Ghana is a major decider in the nation’s Employment, Foreign Exchange, Health, Education and the standard of living of the people. It is estimated that in developing countries like Ghana about 60% of our population are engaged in agriculture but it seems this number keeps reducing. Most youth today do not see agriculture worth pursuing and this is crowned in the fact that they feel most funds meant for agriculture development are often siphoned by politicians. Some youth in agriculture see their colleagues in other sectors are doing better than them. To some of them, it is easy for even a trader to get access to loan compared to a district best farmer. The youth which form a major part of the agricultural labor force have now opted,for rural urban migration. The narrative must change. We have to adapt a new thinking of agriculture. In my point of view let us go back and fix the basis: ploughing, putting seeds in the soil and fertilizing. Can agriculture be taught once again in our basic schools but this time exposing us to the spotlight in agriculture advancement as seen in enviable countries such as Israel? Can most high school teachers change their attitude of extending forlorn comments at agriculture students? We need a program that doesn’t only give farmers access to input but also a scheme that ensures that women and young youths have access to funds, lands, technical support and given keen monitoring and evaluation. It is not about mere starting but a persistent production is key for progress.

BRIDGING THE GAPS IN PROCESSING, NUTRITION AND PATRONANGE

The cutlass and hoe agriculture has outlived its time. In this rapid developing world, we need a lot of modification without compromising the quality of what we produce. But the question is what the availability of these technologies and how accessible and affordable are they to a poor farmer? Why do we still delight in exporting raw agriculture produce so that we could import expensive products made from them? Many of us are even ignorant of hidden hunger. We eat anything and call it food. There is a saying that ‘’ a real thirsty man looks not at the banks of the river he drinks’’. The narrative must change. We must eat what we grow and grow more of what we eat. What must prevent us from adding value to our agriculture produce to create jobs and even ensure food security? We have to pose to use modernized technology and systems to achieve efficiency and effectiveness in our production without compromising the sovereignty of our countries agriculture. It is also essential that we prioritize research and innovations to help us come out with varieties and farming methods which fit the constantly changing climatic conditions.

THE WICKED HAND OF HUNGER

It is quite unfortunate that Ghana is counted among undernourished countries. How is that possible in a country which agriculture remains the backbone of our economy with approximately 6.2m hectors of uncultivated agriculture land. Hunger in Ghana is soluble and we have the capacity (land, knowledge ideas and labor) which is the solvent to dissolve this situation. Honestly this begins by we recognizing the wicked hand of hunger. Aside the fact that hunger could kill, hunger has related consequences like having effect on our mental well-being, our health, relationships and the level of peace and stability that exist within our various societies. Yes these are the unseen intrinsic negative effect of hunger. When we are hungry its basically means our energy, ability, potential is limited. We realize the slightest thing makes us angry. We don’t want to stay any longer and we don’t want to hear anymore. The saddest part is our health is immensely affected. This makes hunger serious and our outmost concern. It’s high time the world had a different look at Africa. Most of our international partners turn to like the drilling of our mineral deposits than looking at the other richer side of Africa. If indeed we want to help and fast track the development of Africa, then we have to do a better massive investment in agriculture. One day we could be done drilling the gold, diamond, lithium, bauxite, crude oil and any other minerals you could think of, but our Agriculture Soil may live forever.

SAMUEL ABROQUAH

# IThinkAgric
#FoodForAll #zerohunger

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THE ANNOYING COCKS (Man Versus Nature)

This morning I had a problem.
I had a problem beyond my power.
Some cocks noisily broke
My heart, around the first hour.

They all had encompassed me:
Their number was twice two or so.
They actually did conspire
To do something I didn't know.

Over to my right side two flew
And crowed badly into my one ear!
Oh why, cocks? Why this?
But none cared about my fear.

I tried to grab one but feathers.
They did their crowings carefreely:
Cocroocoo! Cocroocoo...
Without any pause: aw, really?

Later on I gave up the struggle:
For it seemed I was rather the odd.
They could just be playing
Or, giving their praises to God!

ISAAC ESSOUN

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WORLD NEWS (Reporter: Holy Spirit)

Listen to me, listen to me, World:
I have a news for you.
News more precious than wealth.
Listen for time is due!

Aw, time is due for your salvation:
The end is really near!
Observe the Antichrist's invasion
Which is already here.

Observe well, her use of pressure
And her use of money
Which make youths love pleasure
Like sweetened honey.

Observe well, the sudden decline
In your steadfastness.
Observe the way, you now incline
Your all to foolishness.

Very soon, God's grace will expire.
Yes, that's the reality!
Then He'll melt all things with fire:
Beginning of eternity!

So, how prepared are you, World?
Please, I'm asking you.
Why do you keep on loving wealth
While end time is due?

I invite you, World, come to Jesus.
Come for His embrace.
Atsake pleasure. Sin not to excess.
Please, come for grace.

ISAAC ESSOUN

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FREEDOM IS NEAR; EVEN HERE

For some countless decades now,
The eyeballs of my own people
And my wet eyeballs have seldom met.
If I have enjoyed their painful absence
Up till now,
Then I won't give up while rescue is near.

In some freezing sea I have swum hitherto.
Here I found no coral reefs,
Save some scaly poisonous fishes.
They've injected me with venom for too long;
Therefore I'll persist even in it,
For, soon, I will sneak out.

I am a slave here;
But a son somewhere.
Come and see these marks
Painfully inscribed on my flesh!
I heard that soon I shall go home:
So I'll hold my peace, and suffer some more...

Soon nostalgic eyeballs shall meet!
Soon my habitat shall change.
These fetters shall fall off my feet:
Freedom from these chains!
Soon, I also shall be shown the rescue door:
So I'll hold my peace, and suffer some more...

ISAAC ESSOUN
Image credit: Pinterest

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TRIBUTE UPENDED

Look at me.
Observe me well.
Pay close attention
To my words, and my deeds.
When I die, in my tribute,
Write these things truthfully.

Do not let my dirty life
Make you a hypocrite, a liar.
My life is dirty, and I know it.
So when I die, in my tribute,
Write my dirty life truthfully.

If you want to praise me,
Praise me today, now.
Tell it to the whole world.
Do not wait and lie
When I die, in my tribute.
I wouldn't need it.

When I die, I'll be senseless.
Whatever you say in my tribute,
I shall never hear, and you know it.
So when you tell the people lies,
How will my clay benefit?

If you want to praise me,
Praise me today, now.
Tell it to the whole world.
Do not wait and lie
When I die, in my tribute.
That would be useless,
You hypocrites!

ISAAC ESSOUN

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THE LIFELESS LIFE (The Diamond We've Ignored For Too Long)

How would I explain this? Lifeless life. Literally, it would mean life without life, and this explanation would sound interestingly ambiguous! But it fits; yet some curious minds would further ask: can there be a life without life in it? And to this question, I would humbly give the answer, 'Yes please, there can be.' Naturally, I would've loved for the argument to end there. But if further questions are curiously asked, this will be my explanation...

I believe that life is anything that gives another thing life; that helps that thing to live. Therefore a lifeless life is a kind of life which has nothing in it that keeps it alive (moving, growing, making progress). By ordinarily extending this fact to this life we live, my conclusion will be: a lifeless life is a life without RISKS. And this opens another gate for thought-provocation. Before I go deeper, I shall define risk (which I call life) as any sort of possible outcome which appears dangerous, and normally is.

My argument is still that: a lifeless life is a life without risks. We naturally think of risk-taking as the act of putting one's life in danger, especially for an event whose outcome is either unknown, or rather known to be negative. And most of us believe that it is bad. A rational human being must never try that. For example, he should not invest his capital into a kind of business he hasn't tried before because it could lead to failure. And it is the absence of the risk-taking spirit that makes our lives lifeless (no movement, no growth, no progress).

You know what will happen to our lives? We would sit down lazy, because we think our adventure could lead to a failure. We would sit down unconcerned, because after all, someone said he is not sure we can succeed. And that, in reality, would blindfold us from opportunities, achievable opportunities! Our lives would not encounter problems, and we wouldn't have any experience at all. Finally we'd end up naive, without any backbones.

I have said in one of my quotes before, that "If you take the risk, you will meet a challenge. The challenge will force you to search for a solution. And when you search for the solution, you will find it. You will sweat though, but you'll gain all the same. It is better that way, than to sit down lazy, and gain nothing." But listen! When you see danger, never mistake it for a risk. Jumping into the sea for your latest iPhone is a danger. Likewise, spending millions of dollars on a woman who isn't your wife (yet) with the hope of winning her heart is a waste, not a risk. Please open your eyes, and use your mind.

So, how do we see RISKS now? As some bad fatal things? No, not at all. Each risk (not danger) is a kind of eye-opener which introduces us to billions of ways to succeed in life. Some people take it and succeed. Others do, and fail. It still does not mean a risk is bad. That fellow who took it and failed is many times better than the one who didn't, and ended up with nothing. A life without risks (those things that keep us struggling and growing) is lifeless. I rest my case now.

ISAAC ESSOUN
Image credit: Pinterest

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WE LOST

We tried to bury death
And upend the ancient coffin
And push it deep into the trench:
The six feet stinking trench.

We tried to bury death
And tear down the tears
She smears on our hopeful faces
And end mourning, mornings.

We tried to bury death
And send her off with her myriad messengers:
Her myriad diseases and accidents
To die with death as she dies.

We tried to bury her
And unmake the orphancy
She has made the Orphans;
And the widowhood, the Widows.

But death, as death as she is,
Held so tightly with a tight fist
And made us try what we tried in vain
And added more deaths, and more pain.

So we lost painfully...

But our rescue is near:
It will come with  peace and hope.
We shall part with fear
And even in death's deaths, cope!

ISAAC ESSOUN

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TAINTED BROTHERHOOD (Tribalism Must Die)

Why do you call me a fool?
I don't understand.
Ignorance and stupidity are not the same;
And stupidity and foolishness
Are not brothers.
You only see me with your blind eyes:
So spare my conscience your judgments;
And untag me with your dirty tags.

In my hometown, I'm from the royal race.
But these harsh hardships I need to face:
For, here in your hometown I work like a slave
So that some pennies for my family, I may save.

So how can I be wise and be foolish
At the same time?
The choice rests in my own volition
And not yours to make for me.
So mistreat and insult and opress me;
I'll take them all.
Deceive and cheat and suppress me;
I'll take them all.

As for me I shall leave for my cozy royal home
When my time is up.
I shall leave here and go and be
With my waiting family.
But who said the sun shines at one place only?
Who said the rain falls in the South,
And not also in the North?
Time will tell...

ISAAC ESSOUN
Image credit: Pinterest

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BITTERSWEET INGREDIENTS (You Need Them. You Really Need Them)

If anybody tells you that whatever you're going through today is preparing you for something bigger tomorrow, please, believe him. I want to add, that even when you don't personally think it could be possible, especially by judging with your insurmountable predicaments, still believe him if he says so. This is a natural truth, and there is no respect for persons in its fulfilment. Actually, it is those who believe and work towards it that enjoy it. Let me clarify it for you with one important observation I have made over the years...

My mother's only daughter is a baker. When I was young, I used to wonder how she got bread out of flour. Usually, she made me escort her to the flour mill, and I saw how the flour was forced through the mill. They would occasionally sprinkle water on it to make it soft and smooth and elastic. She also added nutmeg and yeast to it while in the mill. The flour suffered.

After milling it, the flour would be transformed into a large blob, and then she'd take it home to knead it. I observed in the process, that she would be cutting and moulding it into different sizes and shapes while kneading. And the flour suffered it all. Later, as if it isn't enough, she'd heat the oven, and the soft leavened flour would be pushed inside. And then, the oven would be closed. Heat! Unbearable heat!

That is how the flour suffers and goes through many tough times. Can you compare it to your own situation there, dear one? It is similar, very similar. But listen to this: the reason why I told you to believe anybody who tells you there're better days ahead, is what happens to the bread soon after few minutes in the oven. We suddenly smell a mouthwatering aroma, and it is the bread! Then you and I would be planning on what breakfast we'd add. The bread has become beneficial to human being. It has become worthwhile.

And this is exactly what I mean. We would have to go through a challenging lot. We should bear heavy burdens. Even sometimes, we'd need to suffer bodily pains (hunger, thirst, even sicknesses). In our Christian lives, we should see trials and persecutions. In our academic and business pursuits, we should suffer failures. All these are the milling, nutmegs and yeast, the kneading and cutting, and even the heat we'll need to bring out our worth. Without them, we can't make progress. But believe me, the end is always sweeter.

ISAAC ESSOUN

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DESTRUCTION IS KNOCKING

Hey, hold on, green lustful gentleman:
What are you doing?
Hold on, spend some minutes to think:
Where are you going to?
Sweetness is flowing within you:
What are you touching?
Things are falling apart in your head:
What is touching you?
You look with your myopic eyes:
What do you see?
Now you want to grab it very fast:
But how will it taste?

Ho! Lust, why do you restrict them from thinking?
Look at me now and answer me, why?
Why do you press them down to keep on sinking?
Why do you press them there to die?

Green lustful gentleman, listen to me:
Free yourself from the hands of Lust.
I asked her some questions; she didn't answer.
She is pushing you down there into destruction:
Where you'll go, and never come back...

ISAAC ESSOUN

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BEAUTIFUL UGLY ROSE (For the Heartbroken)

I have seen countless sensitising flowers
Sprout in my garden and wrinkle.
I have seen fine petals thrive in showers,
And yet, wither, even in sprinkle.

I selflessly nurture them like a caring gardener;
And for their sakes, run hither and thither.
But the more I love them like a faithful partner,
The more each one threatens me to wither.

Therefore, if you also threaten to die,
Oh beautiful ugly rose, I never ever mind!
If today you lifeless on the ground lie,
Hurray! Other charming roses, I shall find...

ISAAC ESSOUN

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BEHIND THE BLACK SCENE

Do not scourge me.
Do not tear my young conscience apart.
Do not drop a drop
Of inferiority complex into it.
I will tell you why.

Do not tell me I am an orphan:
That word pricks my heart till it bleeds.
Do not tell me this in my fellows' presence:
My fellows who are luckier than I am.
I will tell you why.

If I say "See, two boys is fighting",
Do not tell me I am stupid.
Who has created a brain before?
No one! so do not say I am stupid.
I will explain something to you...

Look at me. Look at me very well.
You see a neat black skin, right?
Is the skin what makes you to tell
Me that my future is not bright?
That is a fallacy!

As you see me, I seem hapless;
I seem to know nothing.
But truth is, I am not hopeless:
I really know something.
That is a reality!

ISAAC ESSOUN

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HALF A LOAF IS BETTER THAN NONE

One couple, in real life, once lived their marital life in bittersweetness, even in painful poignancy. When I heard this story, I described their marriage life as one which is rather fraught by reason of their impatience and lack of contentment in life.

God had blessed them with children: more than four females. Naturally, this happens sometimes, although some couples often pray for a mixture of males and females. Personally, I think children are children, whatever their gender. But this couple, out of dire need of male children, soon grew tired of childbirth, and decided finally to quit the process.

But man is not wood. So, mistakenly, the man eventually dropped a seed. As for this pregnancy, they thought they would terminate it. After all, weren't they going to produce a female? But they don't want a female. They need a male. So husband suggested abortion, and wife agreed, and they did it. Pathetic!

But my question is, why? Why at all would a couple do this wicked thing? It is good to have male children, but are females unnecessary after all? Never. With the right training, most of them can even rise up and play roles men are capable of. This couple didn't give this a thought, and murdered an innocent soul. Can I tell you something? The baby they aborted was a male!

Isn't this life painful, that that which some couples are looking for, others got it, but have foolishly wasted it? Isn't this life painful, that the gift God graciously blesses people with, they ungratefully reject it, and grieve God's heart thereby? How about those who have no children at all? And how about those who are still wasting millions of dollars just for a single baby but unsuccessful?

My mother had eight males and a female. Today she says she has never regretted this gift God gave her. Some have all males, others get all females. But it doesn't matter. Our point of happiness should rest in the fact that what we have today, others are dying for them. Work hard, and push each one of them to a better place. And they shall take care of you. Half a loaf is, and will always be better than none. Ponder on this.

ISAAC ESSOUN

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THE SEPARATION TOOL

My life has been entangled
In the four impenetrable walls of religion:
There are no doors or windows for oxygen.
I have no freedom again to see for a choice;
Not even in my wedlock.

I slipped on some wet floor
And fell helplessly in love!
Right beside me where I fell,
Lay the love of my life.
But a huge gulf severed us:
The chasm of religion.

So has this religion disfavoured me,
And made me numb,
And made me loveless?
Has this religion disfavoured me,
And made me a spinster,
And made me childless?
I thought it would bring unity to mankind,
Aw, religion...

ISAAC ESSOUN

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BLACKNESS IN MY BLOOD

The blackness in my blood
Is a natural pigment
Like the chlorophyll
In my fellow green creatures' chloroplasts.
A drop of blackness was dropped
By the maker thereof into my blood
For my makeup; for my good.

The blackness makes me a Black
But does it make my heart black?
The blackness makes me a Black
But does it make my blood black?
Not necessarily so!
The blackness affected only my melanin
And never my heart or blood or mind.

There is light in my mind;
It is very bright and white.
It shines hard and illuminates
Everything around me.
As for my corneum, it looks black:
But my hands can achieve anything.
I am a proud African!

ISAAC ESSOUN

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INNOCENCE OF CHILDREN

I wholeheartedly love children very much!

When I see them happily playing, I do wonder

If anything could be as beautiful as such.

I love them and on their innocence do ponder.

Whenever I ponder on their innocence,

I think of the fact that they aren’t reticent.

When I compare this with my reticence,

I can’t deny the fact that, they’re innocent.

They without doubt, anything easily believe;

And never are incredulous.

Both truth and untruth they eagerly receive,

Be it harmless, or perilous.

How children trust is beyond my imagination!

They do this with no reservedness.

They see not their betrayal as an abomination;

O, how I adore their preparedness!

All children have a forgiving heart:

They later calm down, however angry they get.

Resentment can’t pull them apart.

Step on his toe today; tomorrow, he will forget.

Apart from God, children are the best lovers!

You show them bitter hatred; they show you love.

Very passionate is their love: like a mother’s!

You frown at them; they rather smile, and laugh.

If you instruct me I mayn’t obey.

But give to a child, a selfsame instruction.

He will finish fast, with no delay;

He’ll endure even if there’s an obstruction.

I wholeheartedly love children very much!

When I see them happily playing, I do wonder

If anything could be as beautiful as such.

I love them and on their innocence do ponder.

ISAAC ESSOUN

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ADOLESCENCE

Its naturalness and reality are sure;

The joys in it and the burdens,

And all the uncertainties we endure,

When every member broadens.

It’s the most subtle of all stages.

With it troubles everywhere abound;

Are full of temptations its pages.

Yes, it tosses our innocence around.

Here is where pleasure is too intense:

Where uncontrolled lust all over engulfs us.

Here is where we lack moral defense;

Where we ride chaotically, worldliness’ bus.

Rebellion, boldness, carelessness!
Impatience, obstinacy, conceit.

Naivety, avidness, shamelessness!

Impetuosity, slackness, deceit.

In this stage, we get filled with all these!

We’re prone to both good and bad.

We take rebuke and tweak with no ease.

We think, the strict parent is mad.

Even so, let us understand, fellow Youths,

The pure imminence of this phase;

Accept, and yield ourselves to saintly use,

And go really slow on the evil pace.

It is high time we stopped wasting time on things

That do not profit us anything better.

Let’s give our lives to Christ and serve Him, since

Without Him our future will be bitter.

ISAAC ESSOUN

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