Toyin Falola has given us what is truly rare in modern African writing: a seriously funny, racy, irreverent package of memories, and full of the most wonderful pieces of poetry and ordinary information.
AMA ATA AIDOOSometimes a word or an argument will trigger a poem.
More Ama Ata Aidoo Quotes
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Once an interesting idea or theme occurs to me then I would want to write a poem about it. The rest, frankly, is not difficult.
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Love is fine for singing about and love songs are good to listen to, sometimes even to dance to. But when we need food for our stomachs and clothes for our backs, love is nothing. Ah my lady, the last man any woman should think of marrying is the man she loves.
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I’ve written poems about gifts.
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I always wanted to write poetry, even when I was very young.
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Politicians are easy to attack, but frankly, we are all guilty of not meeting the needs of Africa’s young people properly.
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After all, if we look closer into ourselves, shall we not admit that the warmth from other people comes so sweet to us when it comes, because, we always carry with us the knowledge of the cold loneliness of death?
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At the age of 15, a teacher had asked me what I wanted to do for a career, and without knowing why or even how I replied that I wanted to be a poet.
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For us Africans, literature must serve a purpose: to expose, embarrass, and fight corruption and authoritarianism.
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It is a matter of some interest, that the only other volume A Mouth Sweeter Than Salt reminds one of is Ake, by Wole Soyinka. What is it about these Yorubas?
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It is understandable why the African artist is utilitarian.
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Life is inspirational; sometimes it comes from the most unlikely places.
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Time by itself means nothing, no matter how fast it moves, unless we give it something to carry for us; something we value. Because it is such a precious vehicle, is time.
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Ghana is like a lion without a head
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There are powerful forces undermining progress in Africa. But one must never underestimate the power of the people to bring about change.
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Its a sad moment, really, when parents first become a bit frightened of their children.
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