A Vent to Stifled Emotions
A “Vent of Stifled Emotions” is a new book of verses
authored by Alem Hailu, a journalist, poet and instructor in a private college.
Here is a brief profile of what is the book and the author like through a
couple of pieces and comments.
Foreword
Ever since I met Alem Hailu at Ethiopian Television
English Desk some eight years ago, I have always noted his great passion for
literary works. He used to devour the works of Russian poets and writers such
as Pushkin, Chekhov and Dostoevsky with whom he was deeply in love. As soon as
he finished with his daily reporting, he was very busy, immersed in some of
these works and never heeded to whatever was happening at the boisterous news
hall where ETV English desk reporters and editors gathered at the conclusion of
a tiresome, busy/hectic day often telling one another their day or complaining
about the failures they had to absorb in one of their journalistic assignments
or endeavours! Alem never got engaged in any of our conversations, perhaps
considering them too frivolous, or of little import to him any way.
When I and him somehow began to get along together (I
always insisted in talking to him) a bit more than between other colleagues, we
used to table some conversations, and whatever emerged from him sounded like
literature and readings, a persistent and outstanding subject of his talk. I
was even more surprised by such fact when I found out that he in fact graduated
from AAU not from the ILS Language Institute but from the Maths department!
Then it was clear to me that he was indeed more interested in literary and
language related works rather than figures and formulae. He joined ETV having
excelled candidates from the Arts Faculties who took the entrance exams with
him! One recurrent characteristic of his reporting style was the flowery,
poetic language he used to instill in his work, very often not understood or
appreciated by his editors at the desk. At times, he had to explain his position
to convince his editors about the use of a certain word or expression. At
others, he had to argue with them on the propriety of using such terms, also
because they might have failed to understand his ideas or have the right grasp
of his position.
In any case, Alem continued with his works for some
years, producing some of the best programs at the English desk, (one such
program has been awarded a special thanks letter from the then Head of State Dr
Negasso, and the whole English Desk was proud of such feature on “Close
Up”). Finally, he rejoined the teaching
profession which he enjoys more than reporting news, also because he could now
dedicate more time to his passion of reading and jotting down his thoughts.
Today Alem has come up with the first of his works, a
collection of his verses. Verses that treat all subjects of every day life. He
wants to share his ideas, fears and doubts
with his readers in a simple and straightforward manner, and yet without
abandoning a flavour and touch of literary style. I know that this is only the
beginning for Alem’s career as a poet and writer, (I know that he has a number
short stories that he will soon publish beside other long term plans in the
literary world). Nevertheless, his passion will definitely take him to higher
echelons of literature as he inevitably matures gradually and acquires more and
more experience and develops his abilities. Of one thing we can all be sure,
Alem not only has the passion, but also the talent and the will to strive on
this path.
I realize very few Ethiopians have written in an
international language such as English, and still fewer have written and
published poems, for various reasons and this beyond and above the naturally
poor command of the language. Hence, I personally believe that Alem’s first is
a good encouragement and overture for others to follow. Through Alem’s verses,
English readers (specially Africans) could come to know more about Ethiopians
and what an Ethiopian may think.
I am proud to have been approached by him to write
this prelude to his work, as much as I am sure that you will enjoy his literary
posture. I hope other Ethiopians with the talent and capacity will emulate Alem
Hailu and contribute to the enrichment of our name.
Fitsum Getachew
Former colleague and friend
.....................................................................................................................................................
“Nobody would claim that these poems are very great
imaginative poetry, but the impact of the remarks depend entirely on the use of
rhythm and ryme.
It is not unusual that even great writers find that
rhythm and ryme combined are an effective way of putting over pointed
observations in light verse. So has Alem Hailu. After all, is he not on the
making, a novice with a pen just started trickle its ink.
Although most of the poems are only a few lines long,
they tell or imply a very full story each.
His poems are written in simple straightforward
English with very regular rhythm. Nevertheless he enjoys a good yarn and loves
to tell one.
By skilful use of different rhythm, different lengths
of lines and by choosing words whose sounds are appropriate to the objects or
ideas expressed Alem creates in language images that have tickling effect on
the reader; some record moments of happiness and the joyful occasions in life”.
Dr. Akalu Getaneh
Lecturer at the Institute of
Language Studies (ILS),
Addis Ababa University
.....................................................................................................................................................
Have you visited
your brother in need?
A sore eyed and
malnourished child
A potbelly and a
bandy leg that developed
Whose teeth used to
continuously bleed
Here and there his
sole burrowed
Cakes of dirt on his
neck clustered
By natural calamity
orphan turned
Used to sleep by
every bus stand
Barely clad.
A heavy down pour and
a ferocious wind
And an unsatisfied
urge for a crust of bread
With smiles on the
face he weathered
Though from every
nook and cranny
Away he was chased
As a child cursed.
Mixed with street
boys of his kind
With the catch word
“Long live the street
where freedom abound”
One night to the bone
chilled by a cold wind
On the morrow dead he
was found.
By all including
those a cold shoulder on
Him turned
A warm send of in
groves he was accorded
Flower wreaths on his
grave were laid,
A sum, ten street
children that for a month feed.
After the burial
every one was dispersed
Yet no attention to
others of his kind was turned.
It is surprising
indeed
No one gives a heed
To the challenge of
God
“Have you visited
Thy brother in need”?
-----------------------------------------------------
Spokes in our
Development wheels
Female genital
mutilation
infibulations, rape
and abduction
nutritional taboos
and milk teeth extraction
“chat” and alcohol
addiction
tattooing one’s body
to much festivities
and dowry
gender bias and early
marriage
squandering precious
working hour
scorn for labour
all diehard harmful
traditional practices
from the days of yore
till now all along that tags
And which run counter
to scientific outlooks
All but spokes
In the nation’s
development wheels
Call for a redress
So that Ethiopia
leapfrogs growth levels
-------------------------------------------------------
From ‘A Vent to Stifled Emotions’, a
collection of verses by Alem Hailu, A journalist with a literary bent and
instructor.
Pages: 52
Price: 10 Birr
Publishing House: Image Printing Press