My friendship with Ernie has opened my heart to the stories and violence of Cameroon. I pray, with Ernie, for all who bear this violence, and for all who live with the looming potential of such cruelty. God, have mercy.
I would have loved to tarry in bed some more.
Mama woke me up reminding me of the benefits of school and more.
In obedience I crawled out of bed determined to make mama and my community proud.
With a hug from mama, off to school I went after carrying out my chores.
Love you my daughter, go and make us proud.
Mama's voice echoed.
All I had was a pen, books and the intention to make my mother proud and to build my nation.
Then suddenly they came with guns and bullets in exchange for my pen and books.
Armed with only a pen and books I was helpless against their guns and bullets.
Innocently I tried to beg for mercy and permission to use my pen.
But the sight of my pen incited their rage.
Bang! bang! they shot dead mama's big dream.
Mama I am glad I died in obedience of your wish that I study and make us proud. I am only sad cause you will be sad.
I am gone but I left my pen and books.
Let my siblings use the pen and achieve your dreams.
The pen will always be stronger and better than a gun.
The gun can not tell my story but the pen just did.
Adieu mama may my blood cleanse humanity.
By Ernie
[12:28 PM, 10/26/2020] Ernie: Gunmen walked into a school yesterday (10/25/2020) in the Anglophone town of Kumba in the South West Region of Cameroon and opened fire, killing at least 6 children and injuring many others. The death toll has risen to 21 as of yesterday. Investigations have shown that the government organised this to blame it on the separatists.
[12:28 PM, 10/26/2020] Ernie: Just a short story.
It was a cold morning.I would have loved to tarry in bed some more.
Mama woke me up reminding me of the benefits of school and more.
In obedience I crawled out of bed determined to make mama and my community proud.
With a hug from mama, off to school I went after carrying out my chores.
Love you my daughter, go and make us proud.
Mama's voice echoed.
All I had was a pen, books and the intention to make my mother proud and to build my nation.
Then suddenly they came with guns and bullets in exchange for my pen and books.
Armed with only a pen and books I was helpless against their guns and bullets.
Innocently I tried to beg for mercy and permission to use my pen.
But the sight of my pen incited their rage.
Bang! bang! they shot dead mama's big dream.
Mama I am glad I died in obedience of your wish that I study and make us proud. I am only sad cause you will be sad.
I am gone but I left my pen and books.
Let my siblings use the pen and achieve your dreams.
The pen will always be stronger and better than a gun.
The gun can not tell my story but the pen just did.
Adieu mama may my blood cleanse humanity.
By Ernie
