Bantu Mwaura's first anniversary, I celebrate his poem The Cactus

I would like to remember Bantu Mwaura with a poem that tells of his strength as a person and thinker. A poem which in hard times inspires me.

Cactus

Sand
Water-less, and
Dry, drrry
Dust
That's the environ

But even then, green
Albeit the sandy dirty green,
Thorny and brutal
Because of the brutal surround
Yet
Fleshy and juicy
Amidst the brutal dry dust

What will!
What power!
What strength!

That will to be
against non- existence
The power to live
amidst death
The strength to grow
against all odds
To strength
amidst all weakness

The cactus
Defies
The social laws.

Bantu Mwaura




Bantu Mwaura will always be remembered in Kenya and beyond for his good work. I will remember him as one who was a sentinel on duty for a people through his pen. May he be in peace. We will live in hope inspite of the pain of his early departure. Shailja Patel, a poet and author of Migritude is spot on with a memorial to be held on 8th May at the Kenya National Theatre.

She posted the appeal below for we must see Makeba and Mekatilili, Bantu's children continue to live the life they lived when their father was alive. Bantu Mwaura left us on 27th April 2009 in comforting Susan and the young family he left behind, we are in solidarity with a great colleague gone beyond the borders of breathing.


Dear Friends,

There will be a first anniversary memorial celebration for Bantu Mwaura at the Wasanii Restaurant (Kenya National Theater) on Saturday 8th May from 2:00-6:30pm. An exhibition will also take during the event. If you would like to present anything during this event kindly let me know and I will pass the information to the organizing committee.

Thank you. Your presence will be highly appreciated. (Kindly invite additional people not included in this listing)

Warm Regards,
Susan Bantu
sbantu@brookhouse.ac.ke
Psychology Teacher; School Counselor and Roundsquare Rep.
Brookhouse International School.
________________________________________

Bantu Mwaura Children Fund
Bantu's family and friends have now set up an education fund for his daughters: Makeba, aged eight, and six-year-old MeKatilili. Bantu was passionate about learning, as a scholar and teacher. This fund is a way to support his children on their educational journey, and honor the memory and legacy of our friend.

This account will be drawn only thrice a year, exclusively to pay for the children’s school fees. Please circulate this information to others who knew and valued Bantu.

Checks, transfers or deposits should be directed to:

Account Name: THE BANTU MWAURA C. E. FUND
Account number: 0151306093400
Bank: Standard Chartered Bank, Moi Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya

For quick assistance at the bank ask for:

Mr. Kinyanjui Kombani (The Business Financial Consultant- Standard Chartered Bank)
Email: Joseph.Kombani@standardchartered.com

Contributions can also be sent via Western Union, PostaPay or Mpesa to:

Mrs. Susan K. Bantu
Cell: + 254 720 318 984
Collection point: Nairobi-Kenya

Any questions can be send to:

bantumwauraeducationfund@yahoo.com

or

Mrs. Susan K. Bantu
Cell: +254 720 318 984)
Email: wanbantu@gmail.com


Bantu Mwaura

Cactus

Sand
Water-less, and
Dry, drrry
Dust
That's the environ

But even then, green
Albeit the sandy dirty green,
Thorny and brutal
Because of the brutal surround
Yet
Fleshy and juicy
Amidst the brutal dry dust

What will!
What power!
What strength!

That will to be
against non- existence
The power to live
amidst death
The strength to grow
against all odds
To strength
amidst all weakness

The cactus
Defies
The social laws.

Bantu Mwaura