I AM MEMORY by Jumoke Verissimo Published November 2008 ISBN: 9789780880651 Format: 195 x 135mm Extent: 64 pages Illustrations: 4 nos. POETRY A themed collection of poems arranged in four movements and centered on the broad theme of remembrance, expressed mainly through emotions of loss, dispossession and despair. I am memory highlights the human condition as remembered in lucid moments, aided with a measured control of line and verse by a poet of promising abilities. - Addresses universal issues and issues specific to Nigerian realities. - Powerful and evocative poems in readable language. - Contains four memorable illustrations that precede each movement. - A slim volume packed with poignant poetry, to be read and re-read. - Short listed with honourable mention for the 2009 ANA - 2009 Winner: T.M. Aluko Prize for First Book of fiction & 2nd Prize, Ibrahim Tahir Prize for fiction, Abuja Writers Forum Literary Contest Jumoke Verissimo has worked as a printer's clerk, assistant sub-editor, editor, performance poet, copywriter and journalist with different organizations including Farafina, Rosabel Advertising and The Guardian. She is a graduate of the English Department at the Lagos State University. Her poems and short stories have appeared in several magazines like Chimurenga, Bathtub Gin, Canopic Jar, Eclectica, Sentinel, African writing-online, Boyne Berries, Farafina, Kwani and several anthologies. 'I am memory' is her first book. She is currently working on her first novel and a second collection of poems. "Jumoke Verissimo's poetic voice is imbued with a consciousness of African history and an awareness of the socio-economic realities of modern Nigeria with its legacy of colonial plunder, its pathetic attempts at self-governance and the brutality of its military dictatorships. She balances the despair she sees all around her with a degree of stubborn hope and an enchanting lyricism which echoes the style of oral African poetry." - Funso Aiyejina (Critic, Poet and Professor of Comparative Literature) "Confident, passionate, sensual...a gripping collection...a powerful debut. I was hooked from the first page to the last." - Biyi Bandele (Author, Burma Boy) "In this her first collection of poems, Jumoke Verissimo, remakes language beyond mere lyricism to uncover the roots of pain and the passion that will heal it. She addresses communal hurt as a personal fate that awaits an assured balm....This poet will travel." - Odia Ofeimun (Poet and critic, aut