Book Review… A Call to Action

Jun 12, 2016 Book Review…, Features / Columnists

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Book: Conversations
Author: Imo Bakari
Reviewer: Dr Glenville Ashby

Activist Imo Bakari presents a body of poetry of immeasurable importance. This epos entitled ýConversationsý is coated with a Caribbean patina, but its trans-cultural message is delivered with enough brio and bite to compel our full

attention. Bakari deftly fuses vernacular with classical poetic cadence. Verses are crisp and evocative. His is an oeuvre that seeks engagement and reflection. He speaks to us with clarity and unmistakable candour. And there is so much to discuss.
Bakari fluidly traverses eclectic themes with palpable passion. He is troubled by the pervasive shiftlessness of fellow Trinbagonians. He is disturbed by vacuous political harangues and lack of good governance; he is shattered by senseless violence and lost opportunities. He is alarmed at the level of corruption, and harried by philandering, licentiousness, hubris, and claims of entitlement. He repeatedly points to our traditions and our oral history for guidance. He is certain that we must never surrender the wisdom of the past.
Bakari challenges a terminally ill society seemingly in the last throes of viability. Therein is a damning indictment, a frightening prognosis. Bakari’s clouds are not all dark, though, but we must be prepared to make tough decisions.
Indeed, optimism bleeds through in several offerings such as, Better. “Things will get better sister; Things will get better brother. United efforts and purposeful rigor; Will unearth a treasure that will bring irreplaceable pleasure as things are bound to get better.”ý
In Hope, he argues that we cannot will ourselves to success. There are limitations to this much touted sense of being that he compares to “an unending dream appearing real but only surreal.” He later adds, “Bright hopes, unending dreams and nothing to show; Hope is not a process or a solution; Being hopeful is a good start but is sure to misfire if you don’t get off your marks.”
He is uplifting in Courage. “Do not become too consumed with self-pity; You need to carry on, and on, no matter how long it takes for your dreams to come through.”
And in Blessings, he pens, “Did you know my friend that your birth is a blessing? Your youth another blessing? Your development a blessing too; Your journey to destiny a blessing too; Are you still complaining?”
In Susunomics he hits back at naked capitalism: “[T]he capitalist must not be allowed to feel that they are so clever and susunomics should be given a chance to prosper; Failing which there will continue to be economic disaster after disaster that no amount of plaster will make better; Our future welfare may very well hinge on a rescinding of the capitalist model if we are to fare any better than we currently do; Let’s extend the hand of partnership in dealing with the economic and social challenges of the world just as the sousou hand is extended to all its participants
In Mindset, we read, “Many are not making any attempt to earn ‘ah’ penny Because they convinced that they born poor and will die poor and are not trying to attain anymore because of their mindset. Then others will take any amount of ‘blows’ as they strive to do better and elevate their status regardless of regrets and setbacks because of their mentality.”
And in Godliness he cautions those who fail to honour the Golden Rule: “God fearing and very caring; Yet with so many holes in your armor. Your Godliness is like the Chinese smog that blocks off the radiance of the rising sun.”
Bakari reveres the natural, bucolic life in Countryside. There is wisdom to its ineffable silence. It nourishes the spirit, enabling inner tranquility. But attunement to nature and God is imposing, especially today. His words are telling: “But boss ‘ah’ starting to now become hoarse complaining about how country life changing and going off course; The rush to survive conspiring to kill off healthy ways of living among communal folks.”
But the sun peeks through in Spice Island as Bakari, moved by the innocence and untainted beauty of Grenada recalls memorable times.
On the subject of Carnival he is conflicted. “Routes for the band no one seems to understand. Subventions for stakeholder groups always seem to be mired in contention.” Yet, he concedes that “some may disagree suggesting it is an antidote to personal misery.”
Bakari is instructive, offering counsel to the multitude burdened by the vagaries of life.
His words are “Solomonic,” and therapeutic. He taps our conscience and massages our reasoning. His is a call for authentic living. With a flair for the Socratic he invites our indulgence.
We well know the problems we face. Bakari, pointed and irrevocable, stands before us, and asks, “Are we prepared to change course?
Feedback: glenvilleashby@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter@glenvilleashby
Conversations by Imo Bakari © 2016
Publisher: Imo Bakari
ISBN-978-0-9779716-6-4
Available: (868) 778 5141
Ratings: Recommended

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