When We Only Have the Earth (African Poetry Book)

By: Abdourahman A. Waberi

Sign Up Now! Already a Member? Log In
You must be logged into Bookshare to access this title. Learn about membership options, or view our freely available titles.

Synopsis: In this ode to the earth and all its living creatures, French Djiboutian poet, novelist, and essayist Abdourahman A. Waberi sounds the alarm about our imperiled planet, where &“the Sahel rises in you, in me / the Red Sea boils in you, in me / Nunvut is melting in you, in me.&” This translation by Nancy Naomi Carlson preserves the rich musicality of the original French, as well as its frequent use of wordplay and often unusual word choice. Waberi, a nomad at heart, takes us on a whirlwind tour across North America, Africa, and Europe, daring us to love the earth &“beyond all rational thought&” and to &“turn into earth, both literally and figuratively,&” as we &“turn from vanity, fears, and other pointless rustling.&” These lyrical, playful, and moving poems urge us to look for the truth and beauty hidden in our daily lives, singing of Waberi&’s own enduring love for our endangered planet and also, more forcefully, exhorting us to join him in the collective fight to save our planet from destruction.