Book Reviews sunflowers in your eyes Four Zimbabwean Poets, Cinnamon Press, £7.99
I went to the launch of this book some time ago, feeling the need to reconnect with my country of birth. It was an event I‟d looked forward to. Two of the four Zimbabwean poets contained in the book gave a good reading, followed by a question and answer session. I asked about the flourishing slam scene in Zimbabwe I‟d read about, and they gave me a couple of names to look up. Jan of Cinnamon Press encouraged us to buy copies of the book as presents, and I found myself picking up a couple of extras.
The book begins with a beautifully written introduction by Menna Elfyn, followed by the four represented poets.
Ethel Irene Kabwato describes a continent of contrasts. There is sunshine & happiness; struggle & poverty. She speaks of anger at the betrayal of the current government; joy when describing dancing in the Summer as a child. The language is sparse, the lines short. It is matter of fact, but the facts themselves are poetic.
Fungai Rufaro Machirori‟s poems are far more wordy, with long rhythmical lines, and display a contemporary British influence. You‟re reminded that as in any grief-stricken country, there are sill independent lives that go on, with so much going on, but “Sixty Sheets” gives a painful reminder of the writer‟s country of origin, as a beggar pleads for “three trillion dollars, all she asks for.”
Joice Shereni‟s poems are simple reflections of emotions. They are mostly harmless, easy on the ear.
Blessing Musariri, who along with Ethel Kabwato, read at the launch, invites us into a mysterious world filled with intrigue. There is a mixture of Blessing‟s own memories, and reported incidents; sometimes they are intertwined. She seems to take delight in what she is writing. The title of the book comes from her poem, “Checking In”. I very much enjoyed Sunflowers In Your Eyes.
NICK FISK
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