They Caught Me Young

They Caught Me Young The first cut is a cut so deep- Internalising this impression Has made me stir and creep With invariable precision! Great Writers caught me young Whilst an exploring youth. Leaning on the sublimely tongue Exorcised my being uncouth! Teachers, too, were adept or apt For immersing head in writ Could I’ve been Boy so warped Revelling in the pristine wit?! Dog-eared, thick or slimy books Thrilling with dramatic fiction Themes of satire or comic gooks Scheming tricks or zany diction... Grand Scribes from my Loam In a Renaissance of our own Goaded by creativity did roam Till their quest was fully blown... Making a child want to read Is forcing an ass a spat to drink To force-read and fill his head Is making a fool like to think! Dambudzo, Achebe and Ngugi (Cherished Internal Hairdresser) Adorning domes wisdom’s wig ‘Gainst ignorance th’ oppressor. * I’m not like floating dung Wise men fixed me young! Yet, dome is a half full tin Striving, more wit to win! Sharing our minds in Soup Rewards the entire group!! * A legacy from the great Writers Left me a Poet punishing self Perfection that I seek to get Is a constrictor that squeezes Choking, popping my eyes out. I dig gnarled knuckles in hair Teasing brain a gist to catch. I goad tired legs to move Stirrups digging sallow flanks, To climb hills to dizzy heights, Cross oceans with itchy brine. Searching elusive enlightenment I sing till my voice is so hoarse To postulate concept in limbo. The way how I abuse myself Although I churn solid verse The Muse will not be amused! * Write from your heart Follow no map or chart Art is mercury in shape Take after the landscape Liquid Metals that flow Towards where it is low! * My Mentor simply took me across Teaching me to be my own boss, Adult, although in his wit I relish My own effort I must now cherish! JM 26th Oct’ 2013