Tastes of Nature

Description

Dedicated to environmental and conservation causes, Tastes of Nature is a collection of new and selected poems written between 1992 and 2021 aimed at exposing readers to the different tastes of nature – both good and bad – depending on how humans treat or interact with it. Divided into five parts, this volume deepens our knowledge of the wonders of nature, the role of plant and animal species in nature, the mediation between culture and nature, as well as the challenges nature is subjected to and how in turn, these affect humans. Finally, the poet invites us to embrace measures that can enable nature to heal itself.

Praise for “Tastes of Nature”
“This is a rare species of eco-poetry that is not written about but rather with the environment. In Ekpe Inyang’s Tastes of Nature, the sap of the bard’s lush imagination oozes with green sensuousness, pristine wisdom and expressive poignancy. The poems ensnare and enchant with potency, enabling the reader to gain consciousness of both the logical and mythical facets of the forces of nature. Despite intermittent fury and a sense of urgency, most of the poems are penned in a state of sedate musing that aims at instigating a global culture (and not just policies) of environmental conservation and ecological responsibility. This work constitutes an invaluable contribution to nature writing in Africa and beyond.”
– Gilbert Shang Ndi (PhD), Comparative Literature, University of Bayreuth, Germany | Author of The Radio and Other Stories

“Ekpe Inyang, poised as a craftsman in between local places and global spaces, gradually transforms himself into a crusader whose mission is to reconcile two irreconcilables – places and space – which have systematically trapped man and nature in a whirlwind of resentment and despair. In a bid to redress the gloomy visage of ecological systems and revive the lost beauty of the natural world, Inyang assumes the role of a teacher and environmental crusader in order to conscientize and improve the taste of the readers. His journey to educate culminates in a celebration of hope and resolve for action to eradicate the negative impact of climate change.”
– TV Jong, Senior Lecturer of Drama and Cultural studies, University of Buea, Cameroon | Author of Red Marks

“Ekpe Inyang’s poetry collection, Tastes of Nature, is an unbridled burst of energy and life. It is an unforgettable journey through the maze of flora and fauna…. Each of the poems in the five parts has been masterfully done…. It is evident that the poet went to great lengths to get (and use) the right words to bring out the forceful and arresting messages that his poems relay…. The vibrancy of the poems and their accompanying beat paint roseate hues of hope and replenishment — a most comely tapestry in the grand scheme of things.”
– Richard Mbuthia, Poet, Teacher, Motivational Speaker (Kenya)

“Tastes of Nature is a collection of 102 poems and a laudable attempt to awaken societal eco-consciousness. The compendium zooms into the composition of nature, the possibility of mitigating the present ecological crisis, and to trigger environmental restoration. Ekpe Inyang explores the import of local flora and fauna through the use of the five senses, and implicitly obliges the keen reader to reconsider environmental preservation towards these species. His expanse of communication makes him delve into the therapeutic and evolutionary potential of modern science to the point of seeking alternative solutions to problems of environmental degradation, climatic change, and spatial complications. His encouragement to show love for life by the use of nature and the network he evinces between nature and culture as a mutually beneficial connection is unlike any that precedes the work. He validates the present situation of the environment as a product of the past relationships between man, nature and culture. He therefore, implores the readers to be active soldiers of the green army through pre-usage, usage and post-usage empathy with exploited elements and species.
– Elisabeth NM Ayuk-Etang, Associate Professor of African Literature & Head, Department of English, University of Buea