Low Moments
Were tears a flute playing sad tunes,
my eyes would be the masters hand
Were fears a futile play of sweet song,
my hands would be reeds against wind
Were cares a feeling of great guilt,
my heart would be a caged bird
Were dares a repeat of failure,
my mind would be a bootstrap
Were scares a fling of terrified emotions,
my skin would be horrifying music
Were prayers a fruitless attempt at faith,
my mouth would be a fallen saint.
"These poems especially speak to a number of related realities in Kenya and other
countries in the African continent; they speak about a people with ingenuity
and yet forced to make tough choices because of hard economic and political
conditions; they speak of an evolving culture, shaped by everyday realities of
life and the ingenuities of survival. The mixture of languages and slang also
give the poems an interesting immediacy and life."
- Mwenda Ntarangwi, Sociology Professor
"She is one of the most respected female poets in Nairobi today". The Sunday
Nation writer Joseph Ngunjiri says of Njeri, "Njeri Wangari has a powerful
voice, and she knows how to put it to good use. Whenever she takes to the
podium to recite a poem, she has her enthusiastic audience applauding all the
way. "
-Sunday Nation 8 February 2009. - Kenya's Leading newspaper.
"The poems bring a lot into perspective; and give me a thing or two to think about.
... Very nice ..."
- - Cee- A Kenyan Blogger
"I have had a hearty laugh reading Maisha Ya Hawker, got the tears to prove it :-)
You just topped Women Behaving Badry and I love it! Your expression is
amazing Njeri. I can't wait to see you perform this one."
- Ndanu - Performance Poet
"I must admit these are lovely poems. I have been following your blog for a while and it is very inspiring and
informing. I am a poet and run the blog Two Hours Before. Your blog actually inspired
me to do it also and I must tell you that your work is excellent. I will keep
tuned and hopefully will get an opportunity to meet you and may be attend your
performances."
- Simon Mwangi Muthiora - Blogger and Poet
"These are my thoughts! The WEB cost me a dear
relationship. My thoughts in better words..... I love this piece!"
- A comment by an anonymous visitor on the poem
