Author: Prof Charles Mwewa
Title: Poetry, The Best of Charles Mwewa
Reviewer: Stephen Misori
Poetry has long served as a powerful tool to convey important messages to society. Historically, the elderly used poetry to instill discipline, educate, warn, advise, and offer hope to the young.
However, despite the profound teachings embedded in these poetic works, younger generations often overlook them, finding the language too complex to appreciate.
In today’s digital age, where clarity and accessibility are key, it’s crucial to bridge this gap.
Simplifying the language of classic poetry could unlock its timeless wisdom for a new audience, ensuring that its valuable lessons continue to inspire and guide.
In Poetry, The Best of Charles Mwewa, Professor Charles Mwewa invites readers on a poetic journey spanning four decades, capturing the evolution of his craft from its inception to the present day.
The collection, comprising 700 poems, vividly brings to life Mwewa’s passion and skill in poetry, reflecting on current life challenges, dreams, aspirations, troubles, and ideas.
This anthology stands out for its profound insights and versatile forms, offering readers a rich blend of experiences and reflections that resonate with both past and contemporary issues.
His ability to articulate complex emotions and situations with clarity and depth makes this collection not only significant to the younger generations, but also a great contribution to the world of poetry.
Essence of Love
In a captivating collection of poems, the author delves into the multifaceted nature of love, presenting it through distinct thematic sections.
The collection, titled “Love Supremacy,” opens with poems that thoroughly explore the theme of love.
The poet masterfully captures the essence of love, highlighting its tenderness, the chemistry between lovers, the romance, and the sweetness of shared moments.
This section sets the tone for the entire collection, offering readers a detailed and evocative portrayal of what it means to be in love, and to be loved.
In this collection, Prof Mwewa presents 146 meticulously crafted poems that keeps watch into the complexities of love, romance, togetherness, fondness, and marriage.
His carefully chosen words offer a delightful experience for those in search of true love. These poems encourage readers to seek a partner who will soothe, support, and uplift them. He posits that love should help overcome all fears, encapsulating this belief in his heartfelt verse.
In the fourth poem, he writes, “You are everything that I want. More than the oil wells of Mid-East. More than the diamonds of Africa. More than the gold of America.”
In the fourth collection, “Tenderly,” Mwewa captures the essence of true womanhood and the pure nature of love. He portrays a true woman as delicate yet resilient, comparing her softness to a sponge and her strength to grace. Each curve of her form, he suggests, is akin to angels in prayer, highlighting her ethereal beauty.
Regret and Emotional Turmoil
His eloquent prose resonates with the younger generation, urging them to embrace creativity and the genuine power of love. In this collection, he extends an olive branch to his readers, encouraging them to rediscover and cherish authentic love and commitment.
In “Fondest Memories, II,” the poet explores the painful issue of divorce, expressing strong opposition to separation and the dissolution of marriage. Through his literary and poetic prowess, he addresses those who fail to respect the sanctity of marriage, emphasizing that the future of this institution is firmly rooted in love.
In poignant verses, Mwewa reflects on the deep regret and emotional turmoil following a separation. He writes, “Since we parted, it has been hard. And partings cost us everything. I admit, I am not strong, and you cannot be too wrong.”
This collection reveals the anguish of a spouse mourning the loss of their partner, acknowledging the significant emotional and financial toll of their decision.
The couple’s remorse is evident in the first line of the third stanza: “I will follow you through the rains. Because my heart belongs to you, come, let us meet like two ways, and promise never to part ways!”
These lines convey a heartfelt plea for reconciliation and a vow to stay united, highlighting the enduring bond that persists despite their separation.
“Fondest Memories, II” illustrates the challenges of divorce and the enduring hope for reconciliation. Through evocative and heartfelt poetry, Prof Mwewa underscores the importance of commitment, the profound consequences of separation, and the unwavering belief in the transformative power of love and marriage.
Sacred Duty Bestowed by God
In his second book, “Nature’s Excellence,” the poet celebrates the breathtaking beauty of the universe, praising God’s creation as truly magnificent. He expresses deep admiration for the wild animals, birds, and children, emphasizing that God’s intention was to provide only the finest.
The poet eloquently writes, “God must have been deliberate, now consider the birds. Their morning melody, minds it wakens, resolves it girds. And these angels called children, O, how lovely to have, for a gift they are, God be thanked, pleasure He gave.”
These lines capture the poet’s appreciation for the harmony and joy found in nature and the innocence of children.
Throughout the collection, the poet emphasises the importance of protecting and preserving the environment, viewing it as a divine mandate. He urges readers to safeguard the natural world, recognising it as a sacred duty bestowed by God.
Breathes the Same
Mwewa underscores the virtue of seeking forgiveness, describing it as an act of bravery. He extols those who love others as themselves, asserting that their legacy will endure beyond their physical existence.
He poignantly writes, “Though they be all but bones, their soul will ever live on high.”
In his seventh book, “Otawa Spectacular,” Mwewa extols the virtues of freedom, hope, and joy in Canada. He champions equity in service delivery, asserting that everyone is equal before the law and God.
He pens, “The whole world breathes the same, and what they exhale, everyone everywhere will inflame, and foe as friend will inhale,” highlighting the interconnectedness of humanity.
In the section “Burning Earth,” the author addresses the pressing issue of environmental pollution, framing it as the latest struggle to maintain global order. He emphasizes that God commanded humans to use and enjoy the earth responsibly.
Mwewa writes, “See, the earth is burning, due to climate change. The globe is warming, and fast goes the grange,” capturing the urgency of the climate crisis.
He vividly describes the wounds inflicted on Mother Nature, festering with deep sores, and argues that the planet is in pain due to human actions driven by a desire for excess, with little regard for environmental protection.
True African Giant
In a special tribute to Zambia’s founding father, Kenneth Kaunda, Mwewa hails him as the greatest visionary the country has ever known.
Recognizing Kaunda’s staunch opposition to apartheid, his advocacy for peace, and his contributions to African health, he portrays him as a true African giant.
Mwewa captures, “You’re rested by the scepter of many a general; where Chiluba, the giant of multipartyism is buried, where Mwanawasa’s fight against poverty is carried, where Sata’s allergies for corruption are unvaried.”
These lines pay homage to Kaunda and other notable Zambian leaders, acknowledging their significant contributions to the nation’s progress.
The poem serves as a call to current leadership, urging them to address Zambia’s pressing issues with the same dedication as their predecessors. Mwewa highlights corruption, unity, democracy, and poverty as critical challenges that need continued attention and action.
This tribute in “Otawa Spectacular” not only honoUrs the legacy of Kenneth Kaunda but also inspires contemporary leaders to uphold the principles of integrity, unity, and social justice.
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In Book VIII, the author expresses profound gratitude to God for His care and protection over the years. He acknowledges the victories, sufficient grace, and constant defense that God has provided throughout his life.
The author writes, “And you will favor me in my explanations. That it shall be accepted at first value in entirety.”
These words reflect his deep faith and trust in God’s continued guidance and support.
