EVEN FLOWERS KNOW THAT WATER IS USELESS WITHOUT ROOTS

About the Book

I sat on a mat beneath an imagined mango tree. There, the happiness and sorrows of my heart found a place as stories and poetry on paper. I joined the birds flying above the tree, singing Kiswahili songs that made me ululate. The tree danced from melodies of the heart, gifting ample juicy fruits to sate my longings.

Meanwhile, children skipped their favourite kamba game, and others raced on a wooden tricycle to catch a grasshopper. Our neighbour wafted soil scent as she wetted the mud floor before sweeping it. My body adorned in a pair of kanga, the breeze knew well of the nostalgia I carry.

It was not a dream. I was homesick, and only writing would remedy my longings.
Moving away from the land you were born in alters you into a migrant and a wanderer, seeking what is not fully known until experienced and missed.

This collection brings together various memories, experiences, and observations of my homeland, Tanzania. The subjects range from natural resources, love, food, and culture to self-pride. You will learn about the wealth and diversity of Tanzania’s people, culture, and natural resources. This book is an ode to Tanzania and a subtle memoir by its descendant.

*****

Gloria writes about Africa in all its brilliance and beauty with a pure vision and a complete lack of cliche. Her formidable control of language brings memories rushing out of the body - with faint smells and tiny sounds - with all the subtleness of real life. Derek Workman, Editor In Chief, The Kalahari Review

This book of poems will surely inspire the reader to think about who they are and where they come from, and be proud of their heritage. Even to those for whom poetry is not something they usually indulge in, these writings are meaningful and worth a look. Lee Ann, FirstEditing.com

About the Author

Gloria D. Gonsalves – author, poet, illustrator, philanthropist, former UN staff, former tourism and travel professional – is a multipotentialite who writes books for children and adults. She is also the founder of WoChiPoDa.com, an initiative to instil the love of poetry in children. Her writing has appeared in various literary magazines, platforms, and journals in Africa, Europe, and the USA, including being featured five times by the USA-based National/Global Poetry Writing Month (Na/GloPoWriMo). Occasionally, she writes opinion pieces for newspapers, where she wrote for Tanzania’s Daily News (Woman Magazine inset) and Tanzania Business Times (Woman Unlimited column). Gloria is also fascinated by travel and art journaling. When taking a break from writing, she practices sketching and painting. Gloria was born and raised in Tanzania. Her mother is Chagga, a tribe from Kilimanjaro, and her father is Luguru, a tribe from Morogoro and half-Indian from Goa. She grew up in the town of Korogwe in a family of three. She lives in Germany with her lawyer husband and their son. Visit her at www.gloria-gonsalves.com