The GONG Of my childhood rings louder Its echo hurtles in, faster Catching up with me Every night in my dreams The bicycles, donkey-carts The farmers' open vans Raced up and down this pebbly road Leaving behind trails of dust I sat here, on this anthill On a market day Counting people, donkeys I was a loner then The mantis as my teddy bear. "A very good insight into the writer's perception of life - as a child, the woes of African teachers, life and death, religion, prostitution, marriage, witchcraft, love, hatred and existence. "These poems are genuine; and convey the heartfelt experiences of a very sensitive, honest and articulate spirit. You can tell that Christopher is talented. "Poetry is a concentrated form of expression. It's not for the prosaic or the talkative. Christopher is fortunate to belong to the class of humans who can say a lot in a few words." - Charles Phebi-Agyekum, Author "Christopher Okemwa is a master of mixing the voice of rapture with despair, an exceptional voice, in many ways unlike the usual voice we hear from Africa, longing to unravel the secrets of life and of love, striving to reach the unreachable, accomplished and lyrical." - Anna Petkova Mwangi "The Gong is an excellent work that engages the reader. Each poem leads to a journey; a weaving of Stories, Sayings and Truths, each one creating an imprint on the mind. It is an unforgettable experience and a remarkable record of the times which must be shared." - Estella Muyinda