Favourite Poems of 2007

One Ghana, One Voice has had a great 2007. Founded in February and launched in March of this year, we have gone on to feature 39 poems by 27 poets. Our poets have been a diverse group, coming from all regions of Ghana (except Brong-Ahafo, a goal for 2008!). We have also featured poets from Europe and North America, as well as other parts of Africa.

In celebration of the writing produced this past year, over the last few weeks we have asked people to write in about their favourite poems they have read on this site thus far. Here are the results - click on the names to read the poems. We hope you enjoy this look back at 2007, and that you keep reading in 2008!


Readers' Picks:

Sankofa by Edith Faalong (Issue 1.26, September 15th - 21st, 2007)

Comments on Sankofa:

"What a beautiful poem. There is immense power behind these words, the power of the Ghanaian cultural heritage. Such powerful words, they made me shiver." - Elena

"Bravo! An incredibly enthralling piece from a promising poet. Call it contrast, the piece carefully plays with words in comparing true African Values with those of the West. This is indeed estimable. I am particularly proud of you. More grease to your elbows. Write on..." - Sulemana Iddisah

Animal by Prince Mensah (Issue 1.18, July 21st - 27th)

Comments on Animal:

"It says all most people living abroad want to say. I re-read it many times and enjoyed it." - Mariska Taylor-Darko

"I think that the poem, 'ANIMAL' deserves a lot of discussion. People who travel outside their countries of origins, especially Africans, face the envy and animosity of their fellow countrymen." - Anonymous

Anthem of the Black Poet by Mbizo Chirasha (Issue 1.33, November 3rd - 9th, 2007)

Comments on Anthem of the Black Poet:

"I like this guy's work because he is a natural, beautiful, completely African poet. His work is always very deep. He is true even if it means being a bit brutal; Mbizo never disappoints with his work. His descriptions are detailed and straight. He captures Africa with swift, sweeping words and lays it out in brilliance." - Edith Faalong

"This poem moves, it flies and take the reader with it. It is a masterpiece!! It does speak with Mother Africa on it's breath and I enjoyed it to the fullest!!!" - Mitzi Kay Jackson

Staff Picks (Rob and Julian):

Atonement by Vida Ayitah (Issue 1.8, May 12th - 18th, 2007)

Comment on Atonement:

"When we published Atonement, it was so topical, coming soon after the Ghana @ 50 celebrations. The way it blends the past and present, celebration and disillusionment, is very compelling. This poem really set the tone for some of the great poems that would follow on the site - and it stands as one of the best." - Rob Taylor

Thoughts by Selorm Agbleze (Issue 1.14, June 23rd - 29th, 2007)

Comment on Thoughts:

"Thoughts is deep and makes your emotions rise. It is a poem for people who understand and appreciate poetry; a deep poem which requires a lot of thinking." - Julian Adomako-Gyimah

Beach by Prince Mensah (Issue 1.28, September 29th - October 5th, 2007)

Comment on Beach:

"Beach is one of my favourites because of how it is so beautifully written - how it brings you right into that palpable moment at the shore, while still operating on intellectual levels." - Rob Taylor

Did we miss your favourite poem? Weigh in in our comments section.

See you in 2008!