PRECIOUS

About the Book

Precious is a collage of images and scenes from Europe, Africa and North America. It is filled with poems that will make you laugh and cry. It will also make you pause and think. It will make you ask, "What are the 'Precious' things in my life?" Precious is ideal for everyone.

Enjoy poems like Saved but still lost, Thank you, When you dare to care, An African child, Love is a seed, Love is like a baby, Molue, Shakara, Where is the true light, London Life, Your life should count, My root, Okazi soup and much more 50 poems for you to enjoy.

AN AFRICAN CHILD. From the coasts of West Africa To the deserts of North Africa, The voices of children cry out. They cry against hunger, injustice, Neglect, poverty and abuse. Why does the world not hear their cry? Yes, I am an African child Please, give me my attention. From the rivers of East Africa To the vast lands of South Africa, I hear the echoes of tiny voices Crying out for papa and mama Oh the sting of death! AIDS has snatched them away! Why this disease? I feel like punching AIDS right in the face! How can I face tomorrow? With no one to inspire me. The burden on my shoulders is too great for me. I am an African child. Please give me my dreams. From America to Asia, From Europe to Australia, Hear the voice of the African child. To the great leaders of the world, The African child clings to your round table. Why do I have to be last on the mind of the world? I am an African child, I need to stand on equal ground. I can speak and I can read, I am smart and I am courageous, I am bold and I am beautiful, I can be a strong leader, I can dance and play, I can laugh and cry, I can dream of great things, I am not dumb and backward. I am an African child You must hear my voice. Please give me your ears. I will keep crying even if I lose my voice, My bones will play the drums in your ears. You will see my picture everywhere you go. I am an African child, I am not asking for your world, I am inviting you into mine. When you see it, you will know that I am strong, tough and courageous. I am not all that you think I am, I am an African child. Please give me a place in your heart.

About the Author

Onyinye Oyedele: Bsc. Hons, Media and Communications Technologies, University of East London. In 2009 she recieved an Honoray Master of Art degree from the University of East London. She has a Freelance Writer Diploma from the International Career School, Quebec. Onyinye briefly taught Creative writing in Nigeria and lives in Canada with her family. She promotes her books at Craft shows across Southern Ontario.