Mines & Mind Fields

Low Moments

Were tears a flute playing sad tunes,

my eyes would be the masters hand

Were fears a futile play of sweet song,

my hands would be reeds against wind

Were cares a feeling of great guilt,

my heart would be a caged bird

Were dares a repeat of failure,

my mind would be a bootstrap

Were scares a fling of terrified emotions,

my skin would be horrifying music

Were prayers a fruitless attempt at faith,

my mouth would be a fallen saint.

"These poems especially speak to a number of related realities in Kenya and other countries in the African continent; they speak about a people with ingenuity and yet forced to make tough choices because of hard economic and political conditions; they speak of an evolving culture, shaped by everyday realities of life and the ingenuities of survival. The mixture of languages and slang also give the poems an interesting immediacy and life."

- Mwenda Ntarangwi, Sociology Professor

"She is one of the most respected female poets in Nairobi today". The Sunday Nation writer Joseph Ngunjiri says of Njeri, "Njeri Wangari has a powerful voice, and she knows how to put it to good use. Whenever she takes to the podium to recite a poem, she has her enthusiastic audience applauding all the way. "

-Sunday Nation 8 February 2009. - Kenya's Leading newspaper.

"The poems bring a lot into perspective; and give me a thing or two to think about. ... Very nice ..."

- - Cee- A Kenyan Blogger

"I have had a hearty laugh reading Maisha Ya Hawker, got the tears to prove it: -) You just topped Women Behaving Badry and I love it! Your expression is amazing Njeri. I can't wait to see you perform this one."

- Ndanu - Performance Poet

"I must admit these are lovely poems. I have been following your blog for a while and it is very inspiring and informing. I am a poet and run the blog Two Hours Before. Your blog actually inspired me to do it also and I must tell you that your work is excellent. I will keep tuned and hopefully will get an opportunity to meet you and may be attend your performances."

- Simon Mwangi Muthiora - Blogger and Poet

"These are my thoughts! The WEB cost me a dear relationship. My thoughts in better words..... I love this piece!"

- A comment by an anonymous visitor on the poem