Writer spits fire in poetry collection
Writer Tuntufye Simwimba has crafted a collection of poetry book titled Mine is a Drunk Country in which he has expressed his anger about African politics and prolonged poverty.
In the 80-page book, Simwimba has moved in swiftly to tap into various issues, including love, through poetry, which he describes as the most concise genre in carrying emotions.
However, whereas the book is emotive, it is also highly rational.
“It carries the blessing of being African. It embraces the uncomfortable road of love and celebrates those with the courage to go through it. It presents unanswered questions attached to one’s growth. It remembers home and forgives past grief. It is a reflection on the wholeness of life,” he said.
There are long and short poems such as ‘Letters Over Beer’, ‘A Country on Whiskey’ and ‘Love on Red Wine’.
In one of his short poems, Simwimba writes about ‘Covid 19’ that he won’t mind the flu if the kiss is great.
He said the book occurs as a happenstance.
“In the initial stages, it came through as random thoughts of protest, grief and despair. I wrote to make sense of what I perceived as not a so orderly, drunk world. It is a book that speaks to everyone; this publication comes in to share a common experience,” Simwimba said.
Renowned writer and social media influencer Stanley Onjezani Kenani has described Simwimba’s poetry as beautiful and that it captures the voice of the common man.
Felix Mnthali, Professor Emeritus of English, also writes about the collection that ‘Mine is a Drunk Country’ made his day.
“It is anchored in deep feelings and describes the journey of a soul exploring the wide vistas of love, of growing up, of politics, of yearning for a tomorrow that is vastly more humane and more enriching to a soul than the one we are experiencing today,” Mnthali said.
