Victory of Sorrow - Courage Ahiati

Lilies blow to the left
announcing to the world
of the coming rift
of the people destiny has called

we are warriors of this world
we carried the horns of glory
we drank from the cups of adversity
we paddled canoes across stormy seas without worry

let the world hear our chants
let the citizens come and meet us at the gates
we come home tonight with victory
with victory that has stolen our joy
victory that we cannot celebrate
welcome us, world, take off our load
and clean our tears
for we have come home

Author Profile - Courage Ahiati

Biography:

Courage Ahiati currently lives in Kumasi, where he is doing his national service as the Content Manager of KNUST UITS. He is a political scientist and former student of Opoku Ware School and KNUST, and he blogs at http://courageahiati.wordpress.com/

Five Questions with Courage:

1. How long have you been writing poetry?

I have been writing poetry since my primary school days. I was more into romantic poems then.


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

My favourite poets are William Shakespeare, William Blake, John Donne, W.B. Yeats and Negritude poets like Leopold Senghor. Shakespeare's works inspire me a lot and I am fired up by the works of the Negritude poets.


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

I hope to appeal to the emotions of readers and educate them on pertinent issues that have immense effects on our lives daily.


4. Do you think your degree in political science informs your writing? If so, how?

Yes, a lot. Political science has given me a wider spectrum of life and helps me come out with more informed works about society. Political science gives one a deeper understanding about society and how humans interact. It therefore equips me to come out with works that are relevant to our world today.


5. Do you think that poetry can have an influence on Ghanaian politics? On world politics? If so, how?

Yes, poetry is a strong tool that can be used to influence politics and the world as a whole. Over the years, the human race has found it difficult to relate peacefully due to certain differences. However, through literature and especially poetry, people are able to identify with each other. Poetry cuts across culture and race, and deals more with the human element and society itself. In this way it can be used effectively to sustain a stable political environment and also used to heal already wounded political atmospheres. It can go a long way to help maintain world peace.

Contact Courage:

courageislove(at)gmail.com