“Poems are reflections of outlooks on reality and the
poet is the instrument that gives birth to these conceived feelings and ideas.” Bewketu Seyoum.
Bewketu Seyoum, 28, published his very first poetry collection, “Newari Alba
Gojowoch” (Huts without Residents), in 1995 EC (2002). Born in Mankusa, Gojam, his parents named their second son Bewketu after the
infamous rebel Bewketu Kassa as a tribute to the legends symbolic deeds. Bewketu attended primary and secondary school in Debre Markos, later
joining Addis Ababa University in 1989 (EC). In addition to his poetry collection, Bewketu has published two short story collections,
‘Berari keteloch’ (Winged Leafs) and Enkelf ena Edmae; Ye habesha Lelitoch’ (Slumber and Age) and the newly released poem
collections ‘Ye Sat Dar Hasaboch (Meditation on the fire side) Bewketu’s poetry is viewed as being original in style, very short,
witty and epigrammatic. Contrary to a reputation of pessimism in his initial writings, his novels embrace humor as well as sarcasm reflecting
the versatility of his writings. Below are excerpts from our interview of this talented young Ethiopian:
What exactly do you want to convey with the title of your poetry collection
‘Newari Alba Gojowoch’?
It’s
the title of one of the poems in the book. There are things that are considered static in this society. My message is that every generation
should choose its mentor, one who will provide guidance and leadership. Old ways should be questioned and those who don’t serve the need
to be changed, new ideas should be entertained and embraced.
Some of your poems seem to mirror a religious background and you reference the Old Testament? Why?
As a child I attended Sunday School, (Senbet Temehert)
and was quite religious. Then I went through a challenging time in my life questioning the faith and teachings that had given me peace in the
past. Our main motivation for living is our desire to find meaning in life. I was haunted by its meaninglessness that gave me an empty feeling.
At this point you need something you can hang on to. I found purpose in literature, poetry and the arts. For your second question, I find the
Bible to be a source of inspiration. The Old Testament has many legendary people and stories reflecting human psychology.
Many say that your work reflects a pessimistic
outlook on life. Are you a pessimist?
Despite
such judgments held by critics I have never considered myself as pessimistic writer. To my understanding writing by itself is an optimistic
approach towards life. Do you portray yourself as a person in exile? There are many challenges and uncertainties that one faces in life. Simple
incidents in life like; your landlord may increase your rent, your maid may feed you under-cooked food and you may become sick…such
things are outside your control and can cause feelings of insecurity. Be it a simple challenge or a difficult one, these things sometimes create
feelings of uncertainty and of being exiled.
Some
say that you have been influenced by Dostoevsky and Sebhate Gebre- Egziabhare’s way of writing? Whose writing really inspires
you?
I admire Sebat Gebre-egziabhaer along with
Hadis Alemayehu, but I and Sebhat have different artistic temperament. Sebhat is realistic, erotic, iconoclast, void of any historical dimension
but in my books you don’t read graphic details in characters erotic life This doesn’t mean I strip my characters of their
sensuality. Apart from that, some of my favorite writers are Milan Kundera, Czech born writer who has written books in both Czech and French. He
is best known as the author of ‘The Unbearable Lightness of Being’. Others are Petronious, Chekhov, Italo Calvino… Quite
different stylistic approach has been seen between your two books.
In ‘Berari keteloch’ you have narrated the story from beginning to end but in ‘Enkelf ena Edmae’
the story is open-ended. Why?
I
wanted to experiment a new style when I wrote Eneklef ena Edmae; Ye Habesha Lelitoch. So I deliberately have broken the rules in writing and
have not followed the common forms that are usually applied like peak, resolution and the like. For me a novel is like a river, ever flowing
with no absolute end as such. I want every reader to see his life in the book and have the freedom to interpret and finish it as he/she wishes.
Is there any significance to the artistic illustration of trees in many of your work? Have you taken any art class? Yes, I have taken 2 years
illustration course at Abyssinia Fine Art School. Trees are so congenital to my nature that i put them in my poems, stories and illustrations
unconsciously.
Hello Bewketu! I like your poems. Your expression is unique. Especially I appreciate your expressions in “Basha Demise be mircha lemin teshenefu?” and “Lageba new!” Keep it up.
God bless your finger written by Andualem , July 08, 2008
Hi Bewket i'm really appreciate your words you know i don't know how much you meditate to peak sth it is amayzing. you have a great tallent keep it up . "sitseqi endemitasichi betawki".... me.............n have a good man body
greetings to my hero written by hanna asse , September 15, 2008
I truly like ur poems they amazes me s.times u know why u can see things far from ur nose unlike ze others .but i didn't like ur commedy vcd if i didn't saw ur picture in it i might conclude saying "it is not u"but i can expect s.thing at ur level in ze future.u don't know how much i like ur personality,u r my shekspeer & hero.all good things & success to u.i admire u.
greetings to my hero written by hanna asse , September 15, 2008
I truly like ur poems they amazes me s.times u know why u can see things far from ur nose unlike ze others .but i didn't like ur commedy vcd if i didn't saw ur picture in it i might conclude saying "it is not u"but i can expect s.thing at ur level in ze future.u don't know how much i like ur personality,u r my shekspeer & hero.all good things & success to u.i admire u.
i am very interested the way you picture the real life in your writings , and i think the art of your expression in exceptionally your own. god bless u
I appreciate your talent.
I saw your commedy CD, I heard your poem. and We all were brusted to laugh.
GOD BLESS YOU.
yours truly,