Letters to Marion (And the Coming Generations)

Njisoo

43 John Nkemngong Nkengasong and the rake-like housemaid came panting after him and the youngster turned and sighed and said: ‘‘Mother, let me out to feel the world like that man walking as he likes’’ As I traced my path away I heard the youngman’s plea echoing in my restless brain what a sigh I heaved for him knowing that the healthiest rose grows in the wild where ngwep ngwi wants to feel the world. On the Departure of Haifa The sap of the ngongo leaves Stretched out green in the evanescence of the year And crabs that yawned at noontime Found reason for their joy In the clay beddable pond Where only fresh nkeng saps Stood waving bye to one Who eclipsed my soul with a smile At San Francisco Bay. Njisoo Set me down Set me down The burden is heavy to lift from my head Where is Njisoo With the magic wand of the other world 44 Letters to Marion (And the Coming Generations) So wild So fierce The distant day in a little world so harsh with pain On my head They set their Loads and strut with ease to the empire of the dead But me Weary I limp, I toddle, I cry ‘‘set me down, set me down’’ But Where is Njisoo Of the gloried days? Conscience and the Man Conscience: ‘‘Why sit in the curtained Hall Weeping with applause What others can afford Of an endearing endeavour? Have you not quaffed enough Of that wisdom that men of genius Have on their admirers’ feet displayed? Why sit still quaffing the stuff When with natures plumes and ink All mankind can in the book of Fame Their names inscribe?’’ The Man: ‘‘Many a man have passed by me On the stony path In a thorny forest and asked What good I was in the universe With shame, I’ve hid my face ...