Konya Shamsrumi: What is the process of writing a poem like for you? Is it a lot of hard work or easy?
Gotname ‘Mimi’ Bitrus: I start in my mind. Meditating on a theme with my heart. Distinguishing feelings and how to interpret what I imagine about the topic of interest. I then focus on that thought as long as it takes. When it is ready, it flows out like a gushing waterfall loud and fresh. It is unbelievable to me that some people find poetry boring or hard. Composing a poem is one thing that I do without stress. It is easy for me to write a piece of poetry than to embark on any other form of literary composition.
I find it easy because I see poetry as a living thing that lives inside of me. I also feel it in everything I do. A being that comforts, stirs and inspires me beyond my natural capability. It is home where there is no home. An embrace where there are no hugs, a living thing beyond comprehension. It changes an unyielding earth and turns a cold melancholic heart vibrant with steaming romance and life. Poetry is everything felt and unfelt. A concrete visible embodiment that only replenishes and does not destroy. It will not betray the poet or the word.
Konya Shamsrumi: Please describe your sense of identity in this or any possible world in imagery or metaphor?
Gotname ‘Mimi’ Bitrus: I am a rock, a solid foundation that cannot be broken. That precious stone hidden from the greedy eye. Lilly that oozes out sweet fragrance amidst a seemingly dirty imposition. A tear for the heart and that laugh that screams out after an excruciating experience. I am a spiritual being, a thought that words made. Food for the soul. A gracious symphony that plays on a rainy day. That silver linen beneath a stormy cloud. Like my name, I am here, look, see, wait, just watch me, I am here. I am a sigh of relief. The conqueror of personal traumas, victory personified.
Konya Shamsrumi: If any of your poems could literarily save a person’s life, which poem would it be and can you describe the person whose life you think it would have saved?
Gotname ‘Mimi’ Bitrus: The girl child’s mental health, education and spiritual well being is one thing that has become my driving force. I am also fascinated by God, nature, love, romance, human governance and love making. Through out my books, I have tried to relate to the traumatized and the downcast, hoping that when they read, they will find their healing. What better way to heal than reading out love poems while sipping a cup of tea? Poetry has such power to bring forth life or bring back to life. The power of well-arranged thought-filled words can quench the hottest of all fires. There is this love poem that I consider the best diagnosis for any form of illness.
I wrote the poem for my heart throb, Nathaniel Ibrahim, titled ‘Jedidiah’. I gave him the name Jedidiah which, in Hebrew, means ‘Beloved’. He is still my muse and a constant place of escape from this confused earth. Where love means nothing and so many nothings are held unto greatly.
A poem through my coy and innocent eyes, when I saw love as unfailing and everlasting. It thrives devoid of doubts. In this poem I reminisce about all the beautiful memories we could make while kissing, dancing, laughing, as the simple things in life bring so much joy. The poem speaks about the need for patience when trials of life turns a sweet romance into a bitter sweet experience, and that true love is worth waiting and fighting for. Love is my only true cure and I know it heals.
Jedidiah By Gotname Bitrus Thinking not to sink Jedidiah, Looking not to melt Jedidiah, Singing not to fall Jedidiah, Praying Jedidiah. Oh! My heart cries out. Like a craving child I kneel before humility To be loved By thee, Jedidiah. Dancing not to shake Jedidiah, Laughing not to weep Jedidiah, Panting not to lust Jedidiah, Yes, beloved Jedidiah. Oh! Passionate poet of souls, A song on lips And a mind of peaceful wars. Wisdom pours out of you Like honey falling, Sweet Jedidiah.
Konya Shamsrumi: What does Africa mean to you, as potential or reality?
Gotname ‘Mimi’ Bitrus: Africa is who I am. One that I dream to motivate and live a lasting mark. A reality that can change. The playground for my poetic mind. It’s vast richness and opportunities welcomes my weary feet. A home and the identity that paints my skin. It is my first word and nourishment. Africa, from whence springs my creativity. And although the pressing issues that stall development seem to prevail, I see my prosperity blooming from this mother Africa. Like an enduring and tenacious parent, Africa stands by me. It will not flee, neither will Africa fail. It will transcend all impediments.
Konya Shamsrumi: Could you share with us one poem you’ve been most impressed or fascinated by? Tell us why and share favorite lines from it.
Gotname ‘Mimi’ Bitrus A poem by Maya Angelou, Phenomenal Woman. The poem rejects the shallow societal portrayal of women. This poem throws light to a better and true definition of beauty. The woman’s beauty transcends the physical which is in itself important but not as her soul within, her confidence and, intelligence. This poem speaks to different women of all races. Her use of pun, imagery, assonance, alliteration and other literary devices to express her beauty and so of other women who have felt discrimenated or victimized in any form. The poem is a ballad, a free verse narrative. The persona speaks directly in a personal voice (first person singular).
In her powerful use of imagery, one can say the entire poem looks like a body frame of a woman’s natural curves. The poem sounds like a song of a liberated woman, who is free from all norms and even poetic norms. Maya Angelou claims that “Beauty is even more than skin deep”, it comes with a confidence, she ironically states that the world’s view of perfect women is ridiculous. She is not saying this directly but we can read between the lines. What interests me is the way that Ms. Angelou describes her features in every stanza beginning with “the” e.g. “The sun of my smile/ The swing in my waist / the flash of my teeth”. The poet did this on purpose just to make clear to the reader her strengths, grace and, yes, beauty.
The bend of my hair, The palm of my hand, The need of my care. . .
I am fascinated by the audacity of her proclamation in the poem as a woman, who is not and will not be intimidated by any man’s definition of who and what a woman can be.
Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size But when I start to tell them, They think I’m telling lies. I say, It’s in the reach of my arms, The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me. I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees. Then they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees. I say, It’s the fire in my eyes, And the flash of my teeth, The swing in my waist, And the joy in my feet. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me. Men themselves have wondered What they see in me. They try so much But they can’t touch My inner mystery. When I try to show them, They say they still can’t see. I say, It’s in the arch of my back, The sun of my smile, The ride of my breasts, The grace of my style. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me. Now you understand Just why my head’s not bowed. I don’t shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud. When you see me passing, It ought to make you proud. I say, It’s in the click of my heels, The bend of my hair, the palm of my hand, The need for my care. ’Cause I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.
Gotname Bitrus is a Nigerian from the Klela ethnic group. Her first book was published 2013, titled Angel, if Mine—a collection of poems. The second was prose, titled The Victor, A Victim, published in 2017 on the digital Okadabooks platform. She loves music, having intelligent conversations with strangers, reading and traveling. She grew up with parents who remain passionate about books, which has had a tremendous positive impact on her.
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