Whispers of Time: A Treasury of Quotes from 15th Century to Present

 

Whispers of Time: A Treasury of Quotes from 15th Century to Present

As a student of literature, my heart is captivated by the enchanting allure of words and the mystical power they possess. Within the pages of writers' minds, I embark on an extraordinary journey, immersing myself in their narratives, seeking wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. Even as a young boy, I delighted in losing myself amidst the vivid tapestry of thoughts woven by these authors, eagerly flipping through page after page.

During my formative years, around the age of 16, I had the privilege of joining a literary and debating society. It was there that I discovered my passion for reciting poetry, and I even had the honour of representing my school in several competitions. One particular milestone marked my journey when I participated in a radio show where the topic of discussion centred around the concept of "neighbour." It was during this program that I experienced my first taste of live poetry recitation being aired.

The poem I recited was an Akan dirge from Ghana called "Valiant Owusu," penned by Koramma. This poignant composition mourns the loss of Owusu, a Mass Education Officer, who tragically perished in a car accident in 1952. Through the voice of Koramma, Owusu's former landlady and a trader herself, the dirge is sung with profound sorrow, as if mourning the loss of a beloved brother. Koramma tenderly refers to Owusu as 'father' and underscores her profound reliance on him, utilising it as a metaphor for the immense depth of her grief.

This experience further deepened my appreciation for the power of words to evoke emotions and capture the essence of the human experience. It reinforced my love for literature and kindled a desire within me to continue exploring the vast realms of literary expression, where words transcend mere text and become a gateway to the raw emotions that connect us all.

Valiant Owusu,
The stranger on whom the citizen of the town depends,
Father, allow my children and me to depend on you
So that we may all of us get something to eat,
Father on whom I wholly depend.

When Father sees me, he will hardly recognise me.
He will meet me carrying an old torn mat and a horde of flies.
Father with whom I confer,
My children and I will look to you,
Father on whom I wholly depend.

Killer-of-hunger, My saviour,
Father the slender arm full of kindness,
Father the Rover whose footprints are on all paths.

from Funeral Dirges of the Akan People,
by Professor J.H. Nketia
(Achimota, 1975