WHEN INK BLEEDS BY PATRICIA EJANG

GENRE: POETRY TITLE: WHEN INK BLEEDS WRITER: PATRICIA EJANG, UGANDA REVIEWER: ODIRILE ODIRILE, BOTSWANA
 
Often time power is visible. Casting a bright light like a beacon in its location. There are however some times when it is silent; when it does not need to announce to the world its presence. Where it lies in wait because it is carried by a humble vessel. Where it quietly accepts the simplicity of everything and everyone around because the vessel carrying the power has tamed it so well.

The poem is about the ink worn the garment of a girl with a large enough reservoir of power that everyone and everything around her is unaware of. Suppressing the power to let others shine in their own right, but knowing fully well that they do not come at par with the level of complexity of the power she possesses. Knowing one has power is one thing but taming it is another, especially in the face of mediocrity parading as greatness.

This poem tells us that no matter how great we may think of ourselves, there is someone who is better than us at that thing and we should not be boastful about achievement but rather be appreciative. It also teaches the power of restraint. As the lines were written;
 
"Knowing she can destroy them
One at a time
With one stroke"

These lines suggest restraint on her part because she knows the power she holds within her and its destructive power. It’s a great piece of writing that is expressive and beautiful. I love how it steadily captures the theme perfectly.