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Arts & Culture.Mar 28, 2016

The secret world of Ethiopian poetry

“Ethiopia has always gone its own proud way and this shows in the self-confidence of its poets, who draw on multiple traditions developed over centuries and from many ethnic groups.…” The Missing Slate’s March 2016 online poetry issue, edited by Chris Beckett.

By Jacob Silkstone
Literature.Mar 28, 2016

Six Ethiopian poets of the diaspora

A selection of poems from contemporary poets of the Ethiopian diaspora, including work by Alemayehu Gebrehiwot, Alemtsehay Wodajo, Alemu Tebeje Ayele, Amha Asfaw, Hama Tuma, and Lena Bezawork Grönlund.

By Jacob Silkstone
Literature.Mar 28, 2016

Five Ethiopian poets of the 20th century

A selection of poems from Ethiopia’s best-loved poets of the 20th century, including work by Kebede Mikael, Mengistu Lemma, Gebre Kristos Desta, Tsegaye Gebre-Medhin, and Solomon Deressa.

By Jacob Silkstone
Literature.Mar 28, 2016

Contemporary Ethiopian poets: Fekade Azeze

“Yes, I have walked your streets, I have made no strides./ Your secrets are endless, Addis!” Poetry by Fekade Azeze, translated from Amharic by the author and Chris Beckett.

By Jacob Silkstone
Literature.Mar 28, 2016

Contemporary Ethiopian poets: Bewketu Seyoum

“For him/ she is not just a woman:/ she holds the stars in her body, / the earth in her soul….”
Poetry by Bewketu Seyoum, in Amharic and English.

By Jacob Silkstone
Literature.Mar 28, 2016

A selection of Q’ene

“We do not respect an angel for his wings/ or because he covers his face with his wings…” A selection of q’ene from Ethiopia, translated by Chris Beckett and Donald Levine.

By Jacob Silkstone