In a country where people see Ethiopians author-poets writing poems in English with a raised brow, poets like Mulatwa Mosisa have managed to bask under the global limelight. In doing so, they have succeeded to draw attention towards themselves and their country. They as well have managed to convey key messages including the rights of the fair sex. The Ethiopian Herald has just approached Mulatwa. Excerpts:
Herald: To begin with could you brief us about your upbringing, family, friends and school life and jobs?
Mulatwa: My school life begins in our sitting room. My mother taught me how to read Amharic, English and Basic Maths at home and started for exam at school and was registered as a first grader.
I was brought up among a family who enjoys reading. When we were in school, almost every friend was a reader and we used to circulate all the reading materials which we got.
I worked in four PLCs while working on my passion indoor. I write and make designs for different items.
Herald: Do you remember how and when you were drawn into literature?
Mulatwa: I guess I was attracted to literature when I was in high school.
Herald: Could you explain the opportunities and challenges you encountered?
Mulatwa: Yes, some friends used to complain about my reading and writing. But, when someone wants to do something and if the interest is deep inside her/him, nobody can stop her/him. My first book publisher had been such a great challenge, but didn’t stop me from writing. People are not reading books around us these days, that’s also a challenge by itself.
Herald: Which genre do you like most and why?
Mulatwa: I like writing stories about family and society, most of the time based on true stories.
Herald: Most people are averse to poetry? What can you say about that?
Mulatwa: Yes, many people don’t want to read poems, at least they prefer hearing it when someone reads it for them. I say, it’s a matter of choice. But, a poem puts some long story in a short, mysterious and attractive way.
Herald: How did you get writing poems in English? Have you found a niche and expanded your fans’ base? In your works do you play an ambassadorial role regarding Ethiopia and women’s rights?
Mulatwa: I read Lemin Sisay’s poem and it encouraged me to start writing poems in English. I do post my poems on different websites, Especially on World Pulse web page as I’m one of their contributors. The platform is used to raise voices for the voiceless women. I got many fans from there. Asian Press Institute read my posts on WP and sent me official letter of invitation to write for them. World Pulse wanted me to grant ambassadorial role twice, but didn’t apply for it. I’ve my own reason for doing that.
Herald: What can you say about your participation in poetry anthologies on the global level? How do you see Poets Unite Worldwide?
Mulatwa: I’m so happy to be part of Poets Unite World Wide. I also recommended some Indian female poets I came across through the global sisterhood and two young Ethiopian female poets to PUW. They published a great piece of work and I’m proud of them. PUW is a collection of extraordinary people with unique talent and a great experience of life and work. They’re people with great positions in their countries. It is a great privilege to see my name written on the same anthologies with them. I participated in eleven anthologies. I’m happy people read the name of my country because of my participation.
Herald: What are the major themes of your poems? Could you tell us also about your books?
Mulatwa: I don’t think I write in a specific theme, but they are all based on societal factors. It can be about peace, deforestation, climate change, religion, creator, or a children poem. When something touches me, I write about it.
I published one book on 2012, but wrote four books which are ready for publication. They are narrating about young Ethiopian girls, social media and girls damaged by online dating, Fistula and women…etc.
Herald: If you have additional message to convey you are welcome.
Mulatwa: I want people to go back to libraries, bookstores and start reading like the people who brought us up.
Let’s read!
Herald: Do you want to bow out with your poem?
Mulatwa: Sure thing.
Poem by Mulatwa Mosisa
Fly Higher
Fly Higher
You are a strong creature, you can go anywhere
People think you’re weak can’t do any better
You look small to us but you are stronger
Eagle, you’ve strongest wing keep flying higher
You hide your head in clouds and wait for your pry
You are wise and fearless to snatch away and fly
When your enemy thinks your might has been sucked out
You renew your energy and you were ready to fight
Because you fly very high “He can’t see”… we thought
But your sight is extremely sharp as you take down quick flight
Eagle fly high and fill our hearts with wonders
So, we might learn to jump over the fence
We may renew our energy and crush the rocks
Which block our ways from living our dreams
To gain a sharp sight that can see a bright future
To shove away this fear this tries us to concur.
The Ethiopian Herald July 26, 2020
BY MEHARI BEYENE
