A Basket of Flaming Ashes

Morgantown Failed

41 A Basket of Flaming Ashes Morgantown Failed* BB, I had planned the celebration I had called all friends BB, I had planned it all The Banquet: a Historical Drama Obasinjom Warrior in town ‘‘The writer as tiger’’ in glory. I was ready for the story… Once Upon Great Lepers... Morgantown 2007 BB, I said ‘‘At last’’ ALA will see your face I said ‘‘At last’’ The name behind the cryptic words revealed. I said ‘‘At last’’ we’ll flaunt you in ‘‘our’’ world Basking in delayed sunshine. Morgantown was not to be You turned it to a Requiem But not A Requiem for the last Kaiser I still hold your other grain The Grain of Bobe Jua Your second poetic foray This was ‘86 I read your hand ‘‘to a fine actress’’ you wrote And the ink stayed wet drenching them in Disgrace 42 Joyce B. Ashuntantang This exit remains untimely, BB All the plans, all the hopes We are left suddenly like Beasts of No Nation. Like Change Waka and His Man Sawa Boy You dragged Ambe and Ni Tom for the ride To The Most Cruel Death… BB, Up above Cameroon You have gone but you remain our giant In the land of the blind Seeing The Polyphemus Detainee and Other skulls So we chant and continue to gnash our teeth Yes, Morgantown failed * The poet was to meet, the prolific Cameroon Anglophone playwright and poet, Bate Besong at the African Literature Conference (ALA) held at West Virginia University, Morgantown, from 14-18 March 2007. However BB died on his way to pick up a visa at the American Embassy in Yaoundé. This poem is a celebration of BB’s life and creative works which appear in italics. ...