These poems were written at a workshop which was part of the Shanghati Literary Society Project’s Community Literature Festival 2015. A group of learners of varying ages and abilities met to see what poems they could write in half an hour – which had to be reduced to 20 minutes (a point taken up in the second poem, below).
I make no apology… Sam Shakes
I make no apology… For being straight, For being honest, And not a fake.
I make no apology… For who I am, Or what I say. I don’t give a damn.
I make no apology… For myself and others, Who energetically disclose – What others may cover.
I make no apology… I am who I am, And ignorance may be part – Of my confident stand.
I make no apology… For my feelings are true, And I will not hide them For the worse of you.
I make no apology… But feel quite sad That hostility is the reaction – Can the truth be that bad?
I make no apology… To lost friends along the way, When I expose the truth – And they silently walk away.
I make no apology… For it is your fears, That evoke defensive behaviour – At the truth that you hear.
I make no apology… For authenticity is tough, And, I understand, honesty with oneself – Is extremely rough.
I make no apology… But of the tone I use, Which may offend – The severely abused.
I make no apology… For being a friend, I wish I had someone – Upon whom to depend.
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Haiku by Resty Mulemwa
Came in as an amateur Slowly, but surely, bripped the tips Guess what? I will get it.