My Silver Stripes and Other Poems

This rare combination of poetry vividly embodies the expression “poetry for life.” It is poetry for life because it speaks about everyday living: the pain, joy, laughter, memories, disappointments, peace of mind, excitement, sorrow, and hope that we experience every day as we navigate life and its offerings. It is poetry for life because it offers its readers suggestions for dealing with life’s challenges.

This is a poetry book for every African feminist.

My Silver Stripes

These lines on my thighs shine bright as

streaks of light in dark clouds;

a filigree of silver snakes in miniature.

These glistening lines on my thighs,

are parallel snails’ trails on brown sand,

showing my growth is no disability!

My silver stripes are signs of life.

They’re adornment not pain.

They don’t stop me playing games.

These steaks on my tummy, breasts hips and back

kind of smarten my body.

Just fine signs of me growing!