Royal Ape's Musings

PHIL FITZPATRICK Tattooed Face: A Collection of Poems by Jordan Dean , JDT Desktop Publishing, 2016, 70 pages, ISBN: 978-1535348713, US$4.00 plus postage from Amazon Books   I’VE COMMENTED before on the link between Papua New Guinea’s traditional oral literature and the work of its modern writers, especially its poets.   In these observations I’ve expressed the view that there is a logical continuity from the old to the new that gives Papua New Guinean poetry a unique and distinct regional flavour. As proof of this hypothesis is the popularity of poetry ‘slams’ in the country. A ‘slam’ is poetry as performance rather than a reading experience. A ‘slam’ poem is a cross between folk song and formal poetry. Unlike the latter, it comes with a degree of theatre – poetry as showbiz. The first poetry ‘slams’ took place in the USA (where else?) over 40 years ago and they’ve been growing in popularity ever since. There is a completely different feeling listen...

JORDAN DEAN Jordan Dean has not only been quietly writing short stories and poems and publishing them using CreateSpace for a while now, he has also been helping other authors do the same thing. So far Jordan has published a collection of short stories and two collections of poetry. A fourth book is nearly complete. His independent approach is inspiring and we hope other Papua New Guinean writers will follow in his footsteps – PF   I’VE BEEN writing poetry and short stories for over a decade now. After completing my primary and secondary education in Alotau, Milne Bay Province, in 2003 I was selected to study Bachelor in Arts, majoring in literature at the University of Papua New Guinea.   My lecturers were the Papua New Guinean literary legends, Professor Steven Winduo, Russell Soaba and Dr Regis Stella. That’s when I started writing about my experiences, reflections, perspectives, feelings, emotions, dreams, aspirations and everyday issues: issues capable of depriv...

My name is Boko Son of the Earth Great grandson of Nabwalega Born under a village hut Using herbs from the forest In the ways of my ancestors   Rain drummed against the earth And the wind whispered welcome Nature embraced me warmly Trapped between heaven and hell Meandering through the jungle I followed my ancestors’ spirits Spells and chants were imparted Waded through the twilight grove And drank from the spirits well I ate fruits of knowledge Each fruit sweeter Than the one before I gathered the pearls On Digalagala Island Filled my mind with its wisdom To save my people’s ailments   Recalling my ancestors words I returned to my birth place My people no respect For our land and sea I wept, the pain Reverberating in my heart While my soul floated Above the ocean The earth beneath My feet quaked Thunder roared And lightning clashed The spirits were not happy   ...