An African Elegy, page 5
And constant like the earth.
Live slowly, think slowly, for time is a mystery.
Never forget that love
Requires always that you be
The greatest person you are capable of being,
Self-regenerating and strong and gentle –
Your own hero and star.
Love demands the best in us
To always and in time overcome the worst
And lowest in our souls.
Love the world wisely.
It is love alone that is the greatest weapon
And the deepest and hardest secret.
So fear not, my friend.
The darkness is gentler than you think.
Be grateful for the manifold
Dreams of creation
And the many ways of the unnumbered peoples.
Be grateful for life as you live it.
And may a wonderful light
Always guide you on the unfolding road.
March 1991
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Copyright © Ben Okri 1992
Ben Okri has asserted his right to be identified as the author of this Work in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
Poems in this collection have appeared in the following publications: Grandchildren of Albion, PEN International, The Times, the Guardian, Colours of a New Day, West Africa Magazine
First published by Vintage in 1997
First published in Great Britain by Jonathan Cape Ltd, 1992
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A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
ISBN 9780099736011
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Ben Okri, An African Elegy
