Author Profile - Edith Faalong

Biography:

Edith N. Faalong was born to Mr. Joseph Y Faalong and Madame Hellen Tanye in the Upper West Region of Ghana. She currently lives in Accra.


Five Questions with Edith Faalong:

1. How long have you been writing poetry?

I started writing poetry when I was in primary school. I just feel words tumbling in my mind constantly and I have to put them to paper or I forget them if I do not.


2. Who are your favorite poets? Which poets have most inspired and informed your work?

My favourite poets are Anyidoho, Senghor, Awoonor, and Shakespeare. But I also read every work that catches my eye because I believe there is something for me to learn from every poet.


3. What do you hope to accomplish with your poetry?

I hope through my poetry to bring gently to the realisation of people the need for true values. The need for roots and pride in Africa. That every man is equal and has unique but relevant thoughts and also for the liberation of emotion and thought.



4. What is your opinion about the state of poetry in Ghana today? The state of poetry on the campus at the University of Ghana, Legon?

The state of poetry is poor and not greatly recognised on campus but I believe there will be an improvement. Very few Ghanaians appreciate poetry. But the few who do, do so greatly. Poetry has become in Ghana, an intricate language spoken and understood by few. But I feel the passion of these few gently but surely going further. There are better days ahead.


5. "Sankofa" touches on the importance of remembering and learning from those who came before. Do you feel Ghanaians are respectful enough of their own history? If no, what can be done to improve this situation?

Ghanaians have lost pride in their origins. But to work on this will take longer than it has taken to lose it. Ghanaians should be drawn to the fact that we can live a standard, decent and fulfilling life without abandoning our culture for another. The relevance of poetry cannot be overemphasized.


Contact Edith:
edithfaalong(at)hotmail.com

2 comments:

Julian said...

Great piece of work from a prolific young writer. I hope everyone who reads this poem will see the need for us to embrace sankofaism. Keep writing because the pen is definitely mightier than the sword

Anonymous said...

Very nicely done!