Isaac Oduro-Kwarteng is a fresh graduate from the University of Ghana, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and Economics. He enjoys writing short poems and short stories. A proud Vandal and Amanfoo, he looks forward to the time when his poetry skills would be developed to the point where he could be published. He is currently a Teaching Assistant at the Mathematics Department of the University of Ghana.
Five Questions with Isaac:
1. How long have you been writing poetry?
I have been writing short stories since primary school. I however started writing poems around 2002 back in Prempeh College for our magazine 'The Stool.'
2. Who are your favorite poets? Which poets have most informed and inspired your work?
I have always been fascinated by a good poem. I like poems that rhyme and at the same time carry on with the main theme. I enjoy the works of a variety of poets. Interestingly, Edith Faalong, my course mate at school, has always struck me as a contemporary 'Queen Midas' of poems - everything she puts down is a masterpiece. I like the works of Maya Angelou, William Carlos Williams and Jamaica Kincaid.
3. What do you hope to accomplish with your poetry?
To enlighten people, to entertain and to educate. I like to write a poem for every situation and aspect of the human life.
4. Growing up, what was your vision of Zimbabwe?
I am quite young and frankly speaking, Zimbabwe didn't catch my attention at a very tender age neither. But my little research about Zimbabwe showed that it was an economic force in Africa in the 1980's and 1990's, a country of a very promising future.
5. What is your vision of Zimbabwe now? Has it changed from your vision growing up? If so, how?
Zimbabwe is a quagmire of a country now. It is a different picture of how it used to be in the recent past. It really is sad to watch what is going on in that country. It shows how political instability, the greed for political power and unwise economic decisions could plunder a rather promising economy into a bad one. It's a lesson for other African countries too.
Contact Isaac:
odu.kwat(at)yahoo.com
1 comment:
Great poem, Isaac.
I suggest that you utilize your friendship with Edith to the max, in terms of poetry. As you said, she has the Midas touch when it comes to mood in poetry.
Also, you can tap into the constructive criticism that other poets and readers would offer soon.
You are in the right direction, so acquire the tools that would make your journey less tasking.
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