When a girl becomes a woman in Kubalia
Breaking the ‘bystanding’ attitude in Papua New Guinea

Modern PNG

REILLY KANAMON

An entry in the Crocodile Prize
Kina Securities Award for Poetry

Yesterday I was village kid
I never had a mobile phone
The world was big
I only had a glimpse in books
Oh Moresby, I want to see you
Oh Lae, I wish to walk your streets someday
I only heard stories from friends
City life is cool
Entertainment at your doorstep

Today I flipped the coin
I was surprised village life is safer
I felt blessed there’s no land grabbing
Life is about true friendship
True community spirit
The real meaning of democracy is there
In the middle a traffic jam I dreamt of the village
I dreamt of travelling in a dugout canoe
Gently rocking on waves as I paddle
I’ve had enough of city lies and pride

Comments

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Philip G Kaupa

Good one! In this transition I am scared some of our culture and languages may become extinct.

Arnold  Mundua

Yes....and where almost everything: food, water, firewood etc are free. Village life still the best! Good poem, Reilly.

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