The poem is very moving indeed. The subject matter certainly touches a nerve. In Gambia, the youths are left with no hope. School leavers don't easily get jobs. Families are normally poor and any income for the family is of course golden. The current day regime has embarked on a "back to the land" slogan which only comes from the loud mouth of a criminal ruler without truth in it. It is slavery at the highest order. This situation leaves many youths on the edge of frustration. They resorted to the only weapon at their disposal -to Europe via sea at the expense of death or survival, whichever comes first (Barca or berserk). 
 
A cousin of mine in Findland recently shared with me that two of her brothers were currently in Libya. Further, she added that in as bad as Ghaddafi was, he (ghaddafi) was sympathetic to some of these sea adventurers. I heard Ghaddafi used to jokingly say that Europe was all going to be black. By that, he meant to support those that took risk to travel.
 
Congrats on your book Dr. Sallah. I would certainly love to get a copy though I am a snail reader. 
 
Thanks for sharing Suntou & Kibaroo. 
 
Best regards,
Yero
 

 

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From: [log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]
To: [log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]
Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2013 16:13:12 +0000
Subject: Re: [>-<] A moving Poem By Dr Momodou Sallah

In using an epic sports personality of the day Sallah skillfully injects a timeline in the poem which students of poetry in later years can use to deduce its historical backdrop. The poem projects a voice for the voiceless, who in this case are the youths taking to the seas in order to escape the hopelessness in their country of origin (The Gambia).  Very fresh and the diction without doubt, is full of words we often hear from the group being represented.  Thanks for sharing!
Omar Joof 
 

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Date: Sat, 19 Oct 2013 11:32:40 -0700
Subject: Re: [>-<] A moving Poem By Dr Momodou Sallah

Beautiful poem indeed. Aptly captures the utter desperation that forces young Africans into trying to make it to Europe by hook or by crook. I am thinking that the poem's title translates into "I must go to Barcelona or die." That indeed, is what many desperate young people say as they are continuously faced with the empty boiling pot and the hungry eyes of their starving children. Meanwhile at home, an unfeeling tyrant - red in tooth and claw - stands guard at the door to opportunity and prosperity. Thanks Sallah. And thanks Suntou for sharing.
 
Baba
 

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Date: Sat, 19 Oct 2013 11:14:00 +0100
From: [log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]
To: [log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]
Subject: [>-<] A moving Poem By Dr Momodou Sallah

http://kibaaro.com/barca-or-berserk/

In light of all the tragic sea accidents, this poem provide some dimensions and meanings. My thoughts, you may see something different.

Thanks

Suntou

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