NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL REVIEW

An independent small press poetry review

NHI independent review
SYNDOU DIARRASSOUBA: THE SINGULAR PLANT
Mudfog
c/o Arts Development
the Stables
Stewart Park
Marton
Middlesbrough
TS7 8AR
UK
ISBN 1 899503 73 0
£3.50

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SYNDOU DIARRASSOUBA: THE SINGULAR PLANT

Even if Syndou Diarrassouba's story of progress in the UK had not been included in this small collection, THE SINGULAR PLANT, the poetry itself speaks of his emotional literacy in expressing what he has had to overcome in his journey through life so far. A former native of Liberia, who has had to claim refugee status in the UK, Syndou Diarrassouba seized hold of new opportunities in the UK as they presented themselves. His former life has been all but wiped out as the country undergoes political turmoil, but his second chance at life in the UK is under threat.

In his own words from MELANCHOLY Syndou Diarrassouba has gone

	Back to learning to find myself
And has found a steady voice with which to express his fears that permeate the collection, such as in GLOOMY OFFICE, where the poem's voice has
	On my shoulder a suitcase of horror
	That fits the contours of my shadow
But yet the collection is full of a warm generosity of spirit that looks forward to the future, rather than dwelling on past horrors as in TIME IN BALANCE, where the poem’s voice can create warmth that will:
	carry you in my memory.
	I wish every bird would sing to his last for you.
	I will commemorate you in my every smile.
Only someone who has the depth of experience that Syndou Diarrassouba that has destroyed his former life, could forge a collection of sincere hope and regret like THE SINGULAR PLANT. Western readers are inclined to forget the role of writers like Syndou Diarrassouba, in awakening us from our relative political torpor, through melding the personal and political in this way and yet still allowing for humanity's ability to connect, as he does in WHAT IS LOVE?
	The human creates poetry by love.
I hope to see more work from Syndou Diarrassouba, whose collection, THE SINGULAR PLANT, is a privileged introduction into another emotional landscape, one not seen often enough.

reviewer: Barbara Smith.