De Black Man's Smile

By Mene-Senewo IkpoBari Dumletam

De Blackmans Smile reflects a compendium of experiences that span subject matters from
love, joy, suffering, expectancy, devastation to fear and death. It underscores the resiliency and
determination of an individual, a people (like the Ogoni), and generally, of humanity inspite of
ruinous circumstances. Above all, De Blackmans Smile punctuates a legacy of hope, courage, and
stout determination of humanity to survive, notwithstanding the odds.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 20, 2012
• ISBN: 9781479713448

Book preview

Zii Ikobee: De Blackman’s Smile

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UNEP 2011—Ogoniland: oil-sodden land and oil-sodden feet.

De Blackman’s Smile

As rain the fell

Upon broken shafts,

A spiral blast

Shot through dungeon-like holes . . .

It is shinning in the rain!

De Blackman stood.

As the rain fell,

As the sun shone,

He stood;

A hoe on his right shoulder;

On the other, a bundle of net . . .

It is raining in the shine!

Behind him, six figures stood.

They stood with De Blackman

In the sunshine rain;

Upon each head a bundle

Neatly packed.

Rain fell, tears dropped,

And the waters rose

Mixing mud into a puddle;

De Blackman turned,

Looked at his companions,

Saw raindrops course down

Their ashen faces

Stamped with fear;

Their sodden bundles

Claw tight against

Sagging shoulders,

Burdened but placid,

Even as the