Breaking free from the usually dreary and cryptic anthology… welcoming entertaining, simple, easily-understood and provocative poetry… See three samples below: (65) VACANCIES An applicant called today Dressed well but looked hopeless Credentials filled his bag, But he left as he came. Vacancies in newspapers, Vacancies on posters, Vacancies on the web, Vacancies on the air. Vacancies that do not exist, Vacancies have been filled, Vacancies from fraudsters That hoodwink the helpless. The use of long arms, Or the use of connections, Or the use of kickbacks Is not always effective. Passing exams is battle, Going to college is war, Getting good jobs is futile, And some jobs need no degrees. An applicant called today But his objective failed. He left only papers, Will he go on like this? Ben Alani (November 2007) (105) SOLDIER ANTS …We shall all enemies batter, …we shall all obstacles scatter, …we shall all do that matter, …we shall make our ranks fatter For our future gather The food-gathering for generation latter There are many reasons to gather Tomorrow may be nothing but water, And many humans madder So, to bite them, we are gladder – With a million teeth harder. Explore for a safer haven Meanwhile a myriad Insect and animals fall prey, To our battalions and commandos – …And we shall make our ranks fatter, …we shall all do that matter, …we shall all obstacles scatter, …we shall all enemies batter, …we shall all enemies batter, …we shall all obstacles scatter, …we shall all do that matter, …And we shall make our ranks fatter. For our future gather Till there’s nothing for human madder Our ranks move forward Ruthless reckless restless As we search the Promised Land, Ruthless reckless restless As we act with one accord Ruthless reckless restless As our youngs’ future counts Ruthless reckless restless As our adversaries scramble – …And we shall make our ranks fatter, …we shall all do that matter, …we shall all obstacles scatter, …we shall all enemies batter. (Ben Alani, 2009) (107) A BUFFALO DIES IN A TOWN A buffalo dies in a town Where there’s no knife To those who know not their values Opportunities flash themselves A buffalo dies in a town Where there’s a need for meat By they don’t recognize that The dead buffalo is a bundle of meat – Opportunities come as a curse Peace often disguises as disappointments Prevention from worst experiences comes as delays A buffalo dies in a town Where they prefer to look for meat in the desert Acres of diamonds – acres of diamonds What we have we never appreciate A buffalo dies in a town Where it’s left to rot and waste We take no advantage of opportunities A buffalo dies in a town Where residents are complacent and sluggish On the other side the grass is always greener Conwell’s Acres of Diamonds! – There’s no pity For the rich man’s child Who’s overpampered and ungrateful To create wealth is better Than to inherit it A buffalo dies in a town Where things are taken for granted But tough times make people Tough, self-reliant and resilient More than being garrulous and loquacious Actions do matter Strengthening those persevering On the earth The courage to face the odds In the world And prove themselves by their effort. (Ben Alani, 2009) The rest of the 108 poems can be seen here: A Break From the Norm: Bamboonaija.com/products/a-break-from-the-norm-by-ben-alani