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Author
Susan Jahme has published a book called African Sunshine &
Shadows.
The
following picture and the definition of the book are from
the www.rexdalepublishing.com
website, where the book can be purchased.
Susan
Jahme, First Place Winner of The 2001 Lady MacDuff Poetry
Contest, presents her first complete anthology of poetry from
the Dark Continent. Her passionate passages quickly transport
the reader to a world bathed in the brightest sunshine and
cloaked in the darkest shadows. Her use of colour, form, and
hauntingly beautiful rhythm creates an unforgettable portrait
of Africa in the twenty-first century. Ms. Jahme's unwaveringly
strong, clear voice softly touches the heart and then gently
leaves a tear in the eye. She is the new voice of Africa.
From "The
Midwest Book Review" in Oregon, Wisconsin:
"African
Sunshine And Shadows showcases the work of South African poet
Susan Jahme and thoroughly documents her as an outstanding
new poet."
The elephant
illustration above is provided by Susan's husband, Graham
Jahme and can be accessed along with his other works at his
new website at http://www.bigfivewildlife.guildspace.com
In the
following article that was provided to VoicesNet Visions by
Ms. Jahme, she lets us in on her inspirations for this book
and then we get to read a couple of her beautiful poems.
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How
I came about compiling “African Sunshine &
Shadows”
by Susan Jahme
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It was
early morning in Zimbabwe. My husband, Graham and I were reluctantly
leaving the country to reside in South Africa. The glowing
light about us, ethereal sulphur yellows. There was a familiar
quiet that comes just after the dawn light, blanketing the
African plains. Fresh smell of dew on ground already basking
in the sun. Haunting chants of doves welcoming Mother Africa’s
new day.
As I looked
out the front windscreen of our 4x4 truck, I felt the silent
tears running down my cheeks. We were saying good bye to friends
and family. All we knew and had worked for. Our farm no longer
belonged to us, our funds were limited, and we were about
to start our lives afresh in the beautiful Cape of South Africa.
We felt
fortunate though; both of us had been blessed with the gift
of art. Our daughters had completed their education and were
working in England. This was to be a new adventure in the
tapestry of our lives. From farming a large coffee estate
to full time painting, photography and for me….writing.
Imprinting
the image of my country’s tall yellow grass and massive,
rocky granite outcrops, I mulled over one of Zimbabwe’s
Shona tribe’s proverbs, I smiled: “A human being
should always have poetry within.”
Yes, I
thought, this is the time to share my poetry from within.
Let people feel, through words, the love and hardships of
this unpredictable Continent.
And so,
I share with you “African Sunshine & Shadows.”
Kariba by Susan Jahme
(Kariba
was the largest man made lake in the world in the
early 60's)
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Holocaust
Of trees...
Broken arms,
Reaching skywards,
Total rigor mortis
Set in...
To fossilised boughs,
Framing...
Silver lined clouds,
Reflecting...
Into still waters,
Encasing jumping fish,
Caught in iridescent
Light...
On shining droplets,
Water...
Sliding off
Busy, brittle wings
Belonging to...
Many hued,
Flighty dragon flies,
Entrapped in the
Vapid morn,
Where...
The sacred hammerkop flies,
On outstretched wing,
Into the clean washed
Skies...
Susan
Jahme © 2003
Moon's Promise to the San by Susan Jahme
(San
- Bushmen of Southern Africa)
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Sweet
yellow moon,
Your full face
Reflects down
On still ponds
Turning them
To liquid gold
Clasping lilies
In treacle hold
Of fluorescent joy
Mingling of young and old,
You wax and wane
With your continued promise,
To the people of San,
Of all life's tomorrows.
Susan
Jahme © 2003
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