When I was ten-times-three, minus five-times-three - Farouk Abdul Rahman

When I turned ten-times-three
Minus five-times-three,
I heard an old man say,
"Give cedis and pesewas and shillings
Away to pretty ladies
But never let your heart away."
But I was only ten-times-three
Minus five-times-three
"No use for such words"
I said and bounced along the freeway.

When I was ten-times-three
Minus five-times-three,
I heard him say again,

"Give pearls and even diamond away
But keep your fancy free
Because a heart is fragile and porous."
And I am three-and-twenty
And yes, it's true, oh yes, it's true.

Author Profile - Farouk Abdul Rahman

Biography:

Farouk Abdul Rahman is a student at the University of Ghana pursuing a BA in Sociology and Theatre Arts. He is a Ghanaian from the Ashanti Region and 23 years of age. His hobbies are reading, writing and
watching movies. He has written well over 50 poems and is still researching into other areas of writing.

Five Questions with Farouk Abdul Rahman:

1.How long have you been writing poetry?

I have been writing poetry for the past four years.

2. Who are your favorite poets? Which poets have most inspired you and informed your work?

I really like the works of Emily Dickenson.

3. What is your opinion about the state of poetry in Ghana today? The state of poetry on the campus at the University of Ghana, Legon?

I think poetry in Ghana is not been given the needed attention. There is a lot stakeholders can do in this sense because there are really good poets around.

4.What do you think needs to be done to promote and strengthen African poetry?

I believe the poets we have around should be motivated especially by the government because poetry can significantly shape our society.

5. When you are writing, what audience are you intending your work for? A Ghanaian audience, an international one, or simply for yourself?

I write generally about society and everything in it.

Contact Farouk:

faroukrahman3(at)yahoo.com