Vanjelis Ngwa
📍 Minneapolis, Minnesota
Vanjelis Ngwa is a writer and poet influenced by global leaders who have championed the oneness of humanity — from Nelson Mandela to Abraham Lincoln. In his poems he strives to promote self-love and acceptance of all. Through his writings, he expresses an endless belief that the past may have been challenging, but we possess the power to shape a new future.
POEMS
"We possess the power
to shape a new future."
— Vanjelis Ngwa
Gahlia Njongoh Gwangwa'a
📍 Houston, Texas
Gahlia Njongoh Gwangwa'a has published three books: The Beauty of Thinking (1989), Cry of the Destitute (1995), Fields of Illusive Petals (1996). His poems and articles have been published in three international anthologies and in local newspapers. In his writings, Gahlia strives to reflect the goodness of God and the sufferings of his people in Cameroon — to speak for the voiceless. He has been greatly influenced by romantic and surrealist poets and French, British and German philosophers of the 18th–20th centuries.
POEMS
"To reflect the goodness of God
and speak for the voiceless
— that is the mission of the pen."
— Gahlia Njongoh Gwangwa'a
🕊️ The Clockbird's Song
Anonymous Author · English & Français
In thy dreams heed the voice from thine ancestors' graves, Calling: "No rest in peace whilst our children are slaves! We did not give thee life to be throttled by knaves;
Rise up fearless: trust in God Who drowned Pharaoh 'neath the waves!"
[Refrain:]
For the day soon shall dawn long awaited by thee:
For the dawn of this day brings the dawn of liberty.
From thy homes through the night till the despot depart, Let the strains of this song sound the hope of thy heart;
In the morning when thou to thy labour doest start,
Set this tune upon thy tongue to show freedom's friend thou art:
[Refrain:]
"For a people at peace in a fatherland free,
Joined as one, not by force, but in diversity;
Where the sweat of thy brow brings thee prosperity:
Wouldst thou harvest these, its fruits, rise and plant democracy!"
Cameroun, chère patrie,
On attend ton réveil;
Tes enfants crient de nuit,
donc il faut te lever.
Le lion les opprime;
les tenebres les effrayent:
Jusqu'à quand, o jusqu'à quand
es que tu dormirais?
[Refrain:]
Car l'aube s'approche vite,
l'aube longuement préparée:
Car cette aube d'aujourd'hui
sera l'aube de liberté.
Malgré toute différence
tes gens seront unis
En luttant la bonne lutte
contre la tyrannie.
Saute rite sur tes pieds,
un boiteux bien guéri;
En chantant cette brave chanson
ton courage sera repris.
[Refrain:]
"Pas de Paix sans justice;
pas de travail sans paye;
Pas un franc pour engraissir ceux qui tout mangerait;
Pas de silence quand ils continuent à voler;
Pas d'obéissance quand ils te commandent de tirer!"