Edward Ombui Mogusu|Scientist|Poet|Writer|Author
Je,
Niandike shairi gani tofauti na lile?
Niandike kisa kipi tofauti na kille?
Nikiri jinsi gani tofauti na vile?
Sasa,
Naliandika shairi langu juu ya viganja vyangu
Juu ya mtima na ngozi yangu
Uimbwe na usikike na walio wengi
Huu ni wimbo wa Bahari.
Je,
Mwajua ilipo Bahari Hindi?
Yenye mawimbi tulivu na hewa safi
Ipendwayo na wavuvi chungu na nyavu zao
Waishimo Samaki na viumbe ainati
Huu ni wimbo wa banari.
Halafu nauliza,
Je, nitakuwa mwongo nikisema
Tumerusha tope baharini
Tope linukalo harufu mbaya
Harufu mbaya inukayo kama shombo
Huu ni wimbo wa Bahari
Hebu fikiri kabla ya kufikiri,
Nani walopanga foleni Kwenda kutupa tope baharini’
Wakafika wakarusha hayo majitope tena kwa mikono yao yote
Edward Ombui Mogusu|Scientist|Poet|Writer|Author
Huku wakibweka shangwe!
Ndani baharini tope likatokomea
Usingizi ni fofofo!
Na lajidai halitoki hata tungafanya nini
Huu ni wimbo wa Bahari.
Ewe tope mla Bahari
Kila sehemu baharini ulaye na ndimi ukijilamba
Sasa tumeungana tumeapa twakujia
Tuinue mashoka yetu juu
Tukukate tukuangamize
Huu ni wimbo wa Bahari.
Mentee: Edward Ombui Mogusu (Poet/Writer/Environmental Scientist)
Title of the article: WIMBO WA BAHARI
NO. of article: 1
To note: one of the main issues discussed during our ‘baraza’ was the need for sustainable use and
conservation of the environment. Nature belongs to us; we must protect it so that it can also serve us in
return. One natural resource in the coastal part of Kenya is the Indian Ocean, hence the reason for
writing this poem: The Song of the Ocean.
English translation/synopsis
The Song of the Ocean poem
The author starts by asking the readers what they think he should write about without knowing whether
they can answer the initial question. The writer then writes about the 'particular' ocean he knows about-
the Indian Ocean. The writer opens the poem describing how he best knows the ocean: its beauty and
glory, a treasure to behold. Then, a thought strikes through his mind. He remembers how his most
treasured thing, the ‘ocean’ has been polluted. He uses the name “tope”, which means ‘dirty’ or ‘mud’
to symbolize pollution. He has personified the word “tope” or “mud” as though it has the power to talk
and influence the ocean. “weren’t we the same people that partook in polluting the ocean by throwing
the ‘tope’”? He asks the reader. Last but not least, he comes up with a solution: to fight pollution
without ceasing.
