If it is true
that the world talks too much
then lets all keep quiet
and hear the eloquence
of silence
If it is true
that the world sees too much
then let’s all close our eyes
and see the inner vision
beneath the closed eyes
if it is true
that the world hears too much
then let’s wax our ears
and listen to the chastity of inner music
that defies betrayal
by the wayward wind
If it is true
that the world moves too much
then let’s stand statuestill
and imitate the stubborn will
of trees
that move without being peripatetic
for the dumb don’t tell lies
for the blind can’t be peeping toms
for the deaf cannot eavesdrop
for the crippled can’t trespass.
(to Contents)
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15 comments:
Been looking for this poem for ages. Was made to memorize this in my Secondary school days and dramatize it as well. T'was really fun.
Cheers.
kandi.
I still enjoy Ntirus peoms. This was good. I am alos looking for help.
I am looking for a poem whose full words I cant remember but had words like " and yet none of us spoke". Read in high school in 70's. I do not know the author either. I think it was about an execution during the fight for freedom in Arica. If anybody can recall it and has information, respond using this site and my personal email: mathanganim@yahoo.co.uk.
thank you! :)
saves me like $20! :D
Good to find one of my dad's poems online..trying to get him to write some more
Thanks for sharing. Where is Richard Ntiru nowadays. Would love to get in touch. We have been discussing with some friends on facebook on his poem "Introduction" in Jonathan Kariara & Ellen Kitonga: An Introduction to East African Poetry, Nairobi, Oxford University Press, 1976.
Pls send me your email address and I will put you in touch Njuki.
Thanks Micheline. My email - njukig@yahoo.com
Great.. Have been looking for this poem
Pen
I really love this poem because it brings the reader's mine very deep in reflection 🙂
THANKS FOR THIS, I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR IT. WONDERFUL POEM INDEED
Where can I buy a couple of copies of this to give To Ntiru a friends and family ?
Wow! This poem was one of the set pieces recited by the junior girls at one of the annual inter house poetry competitions at my secondary school.It has stayed with me all these years....and from time to time i recite it.I still know the words by heart courtesy of supervising the rehearsals in school for my house.
This is incredible. It was originally published in Soyinka collections of African poetry but unfortunately I misplaced it. Appreciation to technology. So many contradictions.
Back in the year 2018 at the Kenya Music festivals for Secondary schools I did perform the poem from the Sub-county level all the way to the nationals which was held at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, I gave it all and until today, I still feel it so powerful, it's an awesome piece, thanks to you @RichardNtiru
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