Love in the Jungle (Limerick)

They believe love is always in the air
Some say it’s probably in the hair
But there’s a fundamental question
In this fascinating equation
How to keep the body and soul together in Mayfair


© Lawrence T. Udo-Ekpo

Australia Day

Having been completely overwhelmed by a deep sense of shared values and national identity, African-Australians (young and old) are now celebrating the Australia Day in style. In fact, they have very quickly learnt how to be Australian – a statement of survival. And some are obviously enjoying the experience!

Happy Australia Day!

Read more: http://africanmigrants.blogspot.com

The Old Man from Ethiopia (Limerick)

I
There once was an old man from Ethiopia
Who lived in the heart of Utopia
One day he said: “I need more outside activity
And a great deal of love and certainty”
Just to ward off dementia.

II
Fully armed with boundless energy
And a high dose of creative synergy
He talked, at length, about his amazing transformation;
And how his secret potion provided a new inspiration!
But his real “asset” was an amusing young floozy.


© Lawrence T. Udo-Ekpo

Drowning at the Henley Beach

Beachgoers watched in horror as a 32-year-old man of African descent died on the Henley Beach in South Australia. According to The Advertiser newspaper report, efforts to save him failed partly because of language barrier.

http://www.theadverstiser.com.au

Missing Asylum Seekers Found

A missing boatload of asylum seekers has been found at Cape York, according to the Australian Immigration Department sources. The refugee activists believe the 40 people on board are trying to seek asylum in Australia.

Just Married

True love manifested itself as Laura Hammond and Fritz Tambe exchanged their vows in holy matrimony, after eight years of courtship.

The marriage of the happy couple (and the reception that followed) took place at the Glen Ewin Estate, Houghton, South Australia. It was a day to remember - a day of pampering and a touch of class!

The bride and groom will spend their romantic honeymoon in New Zealand.

Laura is the beautiful daughter of Anne and Neil Hammond of Adelaide. And Fritz’s parents are Mary and Augustine Tambe of the Republic of Cameroon.

African Sanctus Down Under

David Fanshawe’s African Sanctus, a musical ensemble, will be the highlight of this year’s Australian Intervarsity Choral Festival in Adelaide, South Australia. The Festival brings together university choirs from all over Australia.

The first concert will feature Fanshawe’s work (conducted by local composer and musician Timothy Sexton); incorporating a soundtrack of traditional African music recorded during his travel along the River Nile. This, indeed, is a great celebration of cultural diversity.

Limerick of the Poor

There once was a young man named Finback
Who tried to make a living in the outback
And ended up in poverty
Because he had no property;
Nothing but the shirt on his back

He seriously thought about going to Findon
But didn’t want to end up in Weldon
Where there’s neither future
Nor flour nor good pasture,
Only a ration of rancid bacon


© Lawrence T. Udo-Ekpo

A Conversation with Hamadou Haman

He’s just one of the newcomers to the land Down Under. But as Hamadou Haman struggles for survival, he does so with the knowledge that a great future awaits him.

What is your country of origin?
Cameroon

How long have you been in Australia?
I have lived in Australia for two years. It’s been a great challenge for me but I’m enjoying the experience.

What do you like most about this country?
The quality of life here is fantastic. There is a sense of stability and wellbeing.

What is your favourite food?
African food! Pounded yam is my favourite dish. But okra soup is also good for the soul – I love it.

Do you have a favourite drink?
I like the wholesome, crisp-tasting, nature of organic fruit juice. In fact, I like anything to do with the nectar of tropical fruits.

Have you read anything interesting lately?
I read mostly computer books, journals, newsletters, and the financial press.

What is your favourite TV program?
I’m absolutely passionate about the news, documentaries, reality TV shows and the like - something new and unconventional.

What sort of music do you like?
I like African music because it offers unlimited scope for cultural interaction and experimentation - spreading the enlightenment! I’m naturally drawn to the cool, understated, harmony and rhythm inherent in African music.

What is your ultimate goal?
My goal is to work hard, finish my studies, and find a job in the information technology industry.

What would you do to help improve the life of African refugees in Australia?
Educate the new arrivals! I want to be a positive role model for the young migrants and refugees struggling to make sense of the world around them.

The Young Lady from Ghana

There once was a young lady from Ghana
Whose name was Helena
She had nothing but a big dream
Of launching a new brand of cream,
But, on that fateful day, she choked on a fishbone in Kadina.


© Lawrence T. Udo-Ekpo

What will you do to help the African refugees in Australia this year?

Community Centre
I will open up an African community centre: a place where Africans can come and share their feelings and think of a better way of helping each other.
- Sindi Swao.

Help them get a job
Motivate them! I will teach the new arrivals how to communicate effectively with others and help them get a good job.
- Genet Kabede

The secret of survival
Share the secrets of survival (in an alien environment) with the young and old; and, more importantly, instil the value of hard work.
- M. Adamu

Listen and Assist
I will spend a great deal of time listening to their concerns; helping them with their immediate needs; and encouraging them to go for their dreams.
- Lilliana Zacarias

Knowledge of the Issues
I strongly believe that knowledge of the issues affecting Africans in Australia is extremely important. I will listen and learn from the new arrivals; helping them to understand the Australian culture. But I will advice them not to forget their roots.
- Aden Mesganaw

Provide Education
As far as I am concerned, education is the number one priority. I think it is important to help the new comers get a good education or training; encouraging them to accept new ideas. Nevertheless, they should not abandon their own culture.
- Nahid Ali




NB: Please have your say!

Sea Change

Down the city streets
The longing for inner peace…
A home they left behind

The Golden heart

Love takes possession!
Golden hearts waiting for the chance
To embrace the refugees



© Lawrence T. Udo-Ekpo