Voices from the Graves

About the Book

The poems in this book address different themes.  Some address themes relating to human existence and limitations as well as socio-emotional conflicts associated with humankind.  Others address such social issues as poverty, misery and despondency, the power of love and the despair of betrayal, as well as negligence and inaction by political actors of citizens’ sufferings.  In particular, through the ‘verbiage of the ancestors,’ the poet admonishes society for its ills.  He praises where praise is due, urges the reader to reflect somberly on the society’s misdeeds, and strengthens the reader where necessary.  Also, the poet addresses the paradox of war and aggression, the consequences of warfare, and the need not to hate even during times of war and conflict.  He ‘laments’ about people holding back what they ought to give freely to society and calls on citizens of the world to address the need to work for the good of society.  Finally, the poet sees forgiveness as the mainstay for social harmony and warns that vindictiveness can threaten our very existence on this planet.

About the Author

Samuel Gyasi Obeng, a linguist and poet, was born in Asuom, Ghana, in 1959.  He was educated at Asuom and Winneba Secondary Schools, at the University of Ghana and at the University of York in England where he obtained his degree of Doctor of Philosophy of Language and Linguistic Science.  He is Professor of Linguistics and Director of Indiana University’s African Studies Program.  Obeng has published fifteen books and edited volumes and over eighty articles in refereed journals.  He is the Editor-In-Chief of Africa Today, and Co-Editor of Issues in Political Discourse Analysis and Issues in Intercultural Communication.  His first book of poems, Yese Yesee (Rumor Mongering) was published in his mother tongue, Akan (Ghana).  Obeng is completing two books of poems, A Nation in Crises and Egotism in Academia.  He writes political satire under various pen names.