Pen name-2311  

Oh that fateful November afternoon; did I ever have a choice to make?
Could I have ever had a say concerning my humble birth?
Who told the pessimists that Destiny is partial?
Who dares question my cherished heritage and distinct identity?

That I was born 23rd November is a destined and blissful event……..
Yes, that circumstance surrounding my birth made me modestly distinct I appreciate!
That I’m the fruit of an affluent cultural heritage I valued becuz Divine providence is fair….
O sweet Liberia, becuz you’re the land of my pride and birth, I remain a free man even in the next world….


Halo the ghettos of Center and Gurley Streets-my precious breeding site and childhood domain; do you miss me?
Shame upon those who for decades gave up on all your youths………
Hey the friendly and quiet Palmgroove Cemetery-my childhood playground; it is true that you’re now beautified?
How’s that romantic union of the peaceful Atlantic Ocean and the calm Du-River at West Point-the greatest Key?
Can I still enjoy for free and pleasure that colonial view of Christopolis from Ducor?


Ha! Ha!!Ha!!!Garnark burst into laughter as he reflects on his then teen age’s Center and Gurley Streets lifestyle……..
Woe to the doubters of your youths’ potentials-let them note that Alijumah Toure, Mobutu Samuels, Garnark and many more grew up in your craggy ghettos but do transcend ghetto’s lifestyle……
In my youthful innocence the famous Palmgroove Cementary was my quiet and favourite play and relaxation resort….
O my childish bravery that enthuse me to fearlessly daily swim at that dreadful yet sensational point where the affectionate Du-River kisses the Atlantic Ocean with immense passion!
O how art thou fallen into ruin? Wonderful Ducor Palace Hotel and Hill, the city’s site seeing point, I miss you even in your wreck!

Can Garnark live again? O yes! If I live again!
If I live again, a proud Monrovian Liberian I yearn to be……
If I live again, a selfless November 23rd born I’ll be……..
If I live again, Garnark, my traditional name which depict my roots I’ll for life blessed value!
If I live again, my earnest wish-a proud Monrovian Liberian and humanitarian I beseech Destiny to divinely make me!

_____________________

Author’s note: The above poem is dedicated to all youths worldwide who did not choose but had to grow up in ghettos and rugged environments but by Divine Destiny transcends the lifestyle of the ghettos and is meaningfully contributing their quotas to serve and revive humanity! It’s also a motivational verse and source of hope for the many more youths who are still languishing in rugged hoods and ghettos addicted to drugs, crimes and have given up on society, themselves and even God! Hey Brothas and fellas out there wake up; shake off the dust; buckle up your hustles and potentials boots; trust Him and work and press forward just a little harder-U can redeem the time! You’re Alive Again

Comments (101)

	1. 12-11-2009 07:46
	Happy Pre-Birthday Long time no see, no talk, no text, no sign. Anyway, happy pre-birthday to you, TRACK.

B. Clarence Farley

	2. 12-11-2009 10:06
	great poem Wow! I love the passion of this poem. Very good motivation for the youths. Keep it up bro!

Chorphie Charlie

	3. 12-11-2009 10:44
	Consultant Bravo!Bravo!!Bravo!!!The Liberia's youthful poetic giant is back on the block!  Smith,I salute you and most confess that the millions that read your inspirational and innovative verses worldwide have been really concerned about your long silence since you gave us that prime time poem about the genius of our time,Barack H.Obama!  Pls do us your audiance great good by always thinking about us by giving us at least a poem or two monthly!  I'm proud of you and do ask those many guys who had one way or the other ghetto's upbringing to reconsider thinks and move ahead with life!  You are truly a giant and God sent poet from Liberia! \n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ' target='_blank'>http:// This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Samuel Benson,III.

	4. 12-11-2009 10:57
	Assembly Line Supervisor Hey the Track Master,  So good to have you giving back to the hustlers again thru your reviving poems!All the brothas her in Philly bow for you and say thumb up and pls keep up refreshed and ablazed with your works! http://gm.org

Franklin Greene

	5. 12-11-2009 11:03
	Structural Engineer You're ready again!Ready to give our disturbed minds reasons to rest,trust God the more and fight harder!  Smith,you are no doubt a man of verses and your pen does heal the wounds of many hearts you don't know in the diaspora.Thanks a million for this very nice poem;I'm re-energized because you and I have something in common-I'm from West Point but today I'm an engineer in Spain.  Pls do expect personal emails from me as you have stirred me up and made me to remember my root! http://homesmakers.com

Papie Scott

	6. 12-11-2009 11:33
	keep it up!! that was good son!I have to sit up now and notice you.hope to get another bite at your innovation.but I appreciate your nationalism.keep it up boy.you're destine for something great! \n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ' target='_blank'>http:// This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Leon

	7. 12-11-2009 11:46
	Accountant There we go again with his verses of wisdom,inspirations and grace!Thanks brother;you will always be remembered among Liberian poets!    Well done Smith..... http://ilo.org

Sidiki Kromah

	8. 12-11-2009 12:11
	Accountant Congrats bro...This is a nice piece, I am a witness!!

Stephen

	9. 12-11-2009 12:18
	Footballer Track!Track!!Track!!!You are such a blessed guy with many talents....I am happy for all you chose to give back to the human race thru your psychosocial career in so many forms;counseling,capacity building thru workshops for many,poetry n even advocacy n motivational speaking!!    You are a great guy,pls don't limit yourself.... http://jsfc.org

Fallah Kollie

	10. 12-11-2009 12:20
	Life is how you transformed yourself I am impressed with Mr. Garmak's poem. I am very proud of him because he did not allow weakness, drugs, and criminal activities to overcome his life. When you are determined it is possible that you can fight against Fear and Doubt.I am glad that he imitated faith in God almighty. I will admonish all youths to follow Mr. Garmak's foot step. No matter how much marjuawna, coacine, heroion, crack you comsumed if you put your faith in God and do not doubt him your life will be renewed. What we need to do as citizens of Liberia is to hold our government, politicians, church leaders accountable for our children's life changing. We know that these same politicians were responsible to drug up our children during and after ther senseless war.It is also noted that these church leaders pretend that they care for our children, all you hear them preach on sunday is how can a man rob god? when they preachers observed that their income or offerings and theigh are not pay or enough to take care of themselves. Government alone can not do all for our children most especially the Liberian government. These socalled politicians and church need to put some programe together to help these children and keep them busy. If all the Bishops, Pastors, Iman, Rabah, Evangelist can all put together a contribution from their offerings on sunday to establish a child development center in Liberia. The burden of prove is left with the socalled politicians and government to do their part. \n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ' target='_blank'>http:// This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Isaac Johnnny

	11. 12-11-2009 12:27
	Nurse The Mind refresher n cooler!  Where on earth have you been hiding all thse wonderful verses you always give us?Pls do be fair with us your audience and do at least five more poems all romantic n those ones you know how to do for the girlzzzzzzzzz!  Track,I'm glad to be reading the work of a Liberian guy like you;I just didn't imagine that you are such a handsome dude oh! http://herryfaithclinic.net

Marilyn Proud

	12. 12-11-2009 13:48
	Me Like... Ilike this...Evokes some strong memory...

Paul jackson

	13. 12-11-2009 14:09
	Reminder of a humble beginning The words of this great poet reminds me of my own humble beginning from the slums and ghettos of Logan Town. Well it is not the beginning of a man but the determination to succeed and make life better that matters. That is why we do not look with disdain at the downtrodden and the dirt-poor slum dwellers of our country. For from the slums have great men emerged and from there many will still rise. Our main quest now should be how we can transform the lives of our brothers yet caught up between the fangs of poverty.     Thanks a lot,Smith,for the poetic work, you remind me of the prolific American poet Walt Wiltman,

Richard Fatorma Ngafuan

	14. 12-11-2009 17:09
	CEO Great & cute master piece;you remind me of Camara Laye of French Guinea!  Liberi and all reasonable Liberians should be proud of you.  In my country South Africa,poetry played a very interesting role in the lives of the ordinary man! http://buggsstores.net

Buggs Smokey

	15. 12-11-2009 17:48
	Sociologist ,you are a great guy in your quiet corner of this world;let you have siad,press forward and your light will illuminate globally soonest! http://www.imf.org

Mary Burkes

	16. 12-11-2009 18:26
	Cross-country Trailer driver Yes man Smith,I'm so happy you are back because all your poems has really true life lessons and experiences embedded in them!  I am happy to read your works not many ABC lines called poems..........  My name oh!pls put me down http://bigtrialersontheroad.com

Sanyeneh

	17. 12-11-2009 18:43
	Chemist From the ghettos to stardom!Smith,you are a guy the poetic world needs to watch up for!  I grew up on Gurley Street but isn't regrating my roots because regardless of my very polluted environment I chose to fight it harder.Today by grace and as you can always say DESTINY,I'm a well established chemist and pure sciences instructor in Belgium!I bow for you!

Roselyn Carter

	18. 12-11-2009 18:49
	Social Worker Who dares argue that the boys and girls from the slums are programmed and doomed for destruction?For those of you who don't know the kind of Center and Gurley Streets the man Smith grew up on,ehm,my goodness! Those streets very real hideouts and infested with the most polished and trained thieves and prostitutes!everything bad and evil were the order of the day on those blocks!    Smith,I'm proud of you brother! http://hopecares.org

Everlyn Harding

	19. 13-11-2009 08:28
	Economist This is wonder... there would be no future without a foundation...it's true that success is a function of humble beginning.... algebrically: Sucess=F(humble beginning, focus, perserverance)... keep breeding ur inspirational poetries. Bishop

Gweh Gaye Tarwo

	20. 13-11-2009 08:33
	Sales Representative What a nice piece of inspirational poem?Smith,thanks a million for your faithfulness to your hood!I grew up like every other bad kid in Slip Way so when you mentione Du-River I feel very connected!  I salute and recommend you anyday for your poetic potentials! http://dalingkingsales.com

Cecelia Hoff-Nabge

	21. 13-11-2009 08:43
	Logistician Smith or Track,you are a rare guy among the guys from the gaps!As I read your work few minutes ago,I started crying joyously because those of us from the streets and slums who are bettert off today do owe our communities something-going back to our roots,identifying with the youths and motivating them to come out of their slumber,and as U said fight just a little harder and they will surely excel!  Track the Center street pekin,I am proud of U! http://unhcr.org

Saye Thompson Weh

	22. 13-11-2009 08:52
	Dentist Strongest memories of my very hard and rough childhood days as a hooker in the GREAT KEY-WEST POINT!I love the way Smith put it,THE GREATEST KEY!Life there was all but bad but today i'm what I'm because of grace and becos I chose to fight and live above my situations!  Track Smith,I blessed that day you were born unto Liberia! http://savingteeth.net

Grace

	23. 13-11-2009 08:54
	Keep it up At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.  Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. http://www.modernlibintl.ord

Raymond Ben

	24. 13-11-2009 09:10
	Deputy Colonel this is magnificent, I could not have gotten anything less than quality writing,  Keep it up, you can always do more that that. http://www.gtbank.com

Alvin Sensee Neufville

	25. 13-11-2009 10:53
	The Great Ones I say thanks to brother Smith. You are not alone from the slum.... Many of us can trace our roots back there.     Back then living on the Capitol Bye-pass, I remember when we scuffled with guys down town Monrovia for (Alley)alluminium and (coppa) copper.    The great ones that Liberia needs for leadership are the so-called slum-dogs like us.    Bravo!

Aagon Gweh Linford

	26. 13-11-2009 14:06
	Nurse Track the brian and poet!Thank you brother for this nice work!  You are being discussed by the girls here in Minnesota,U.S.A.! http://familycare.org

Tete Mulbah

	27. 13-11-2009 14:11
	Retailer Bravo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Prince Gibbs

	28. 13-11-2009 14:25
	BRAVO!!! BRAVO!!! If we continue to have pen inspiring liberian like you Mr. Smith,it Liberia will be a better place for all of us. But you must know this,that you are blessed because u served as a blessing to thousand, and thousand of Liberian and Non Liberian hearts,I say again BRAVO!!!! BRAVO!!! Mr. Smith.

Theophylous V.Peters

	29. 13-11-2009 15:46
	Track & field coach Let them see oh!Because many doubters and pessimists as you rightly labeled them have never thought that anything good in the form of people like U and many more who were born or grew up in the ghettos but are examples and idols today in your own right could shine from the dustbins and slums!    Track or 1123 as you're now going to be known,THANKS OH FOR TELLING THE SPACERS THAT MANY OF US FROM THE GEES OR GAPS ARE NOW SOMETHING TO WRITE HOME ABOUT!  I'm from the Boro of New Kru Town but resides in Spain! http://renewalandpower.org

Albertha Karpeh

	30. 13-11-2009 15:49
	Arise Liberian Youth Arise Liberian youth for your country. Your nation demands your devotion. Come all you youth together! To uphold her and make her great and strong!    That is an excellent piece of writing. This is a master piece and should be published elsewhere too. Bravo! Keep up the good works and remember that sometime in the future, the University of Liberia would need your contribution in the area of English Literature. Don't waste that talent from the MOST HIGH! Cheers!

Afou Stephen

	31. 13-11-2009 21:15
	respose to post#25 Mr. Linford stop crying victim everywhere in Monrovia is slum except those that live on the main streets of Monrovia, mainly the Lebanese merchants, there have been no city planing or urban planing, Tubman only fed stomachs made Liberia (semi welfare) state, party everywhere, good working infrastructures and clean down town, good entertainment areas and clean stores, clean buses credit system for working people, I know because I travel and compare in other Africa countries.... on the urban planing we fall short period. However we'll rebuilt this time it will be greater...Monrovia.null

Gargar

	32. 14-11-2009 04:52
	Actress I jumped and danced for you anyday Track!Your works now and before nevr lack rare substances that propel people to rekindle the way of their lives!Thanks and greetings from all the youthful and sweet Liberian and african girls in Australia who came from humble backgrounds!

Oretha Wesseh

	33. 14-11-2009 05:01
	Business woman ,my dear,your stuff is cooled and refreshing but my concern is what has happened to all those nice poems U use to do for us the ladies?Pls do some more romantic poem for the gilese oh!  The girls are cheering you here in L.A.,USA!

Sando Kollie

	34. 14-11-2009 05:02
	You are one in a million The world can only be a beautiful place when we accept who we are and appreciate were we comefrom. Your words are not only inspiring but universally established. wish you all the best.

Z. Marcus A. Nyanway

	35. 14-11-2009 05:28
	Carpenter If I Live Again-A Proud Monrovian Liberian is from a reservoir of deep insight n creativity!  Brother,your stuff deserves a national honor oh,if only our leaders can see,they will aid u to go beyond this until you hit the mark on the global scene. http://yahoo.com

Diamond Zayzay

	36. 14-11-2009 05:38
	Technician Well done and thanks for remembering your roots and giving back to society........ http://volincgates.org

Samuel Sambolah

	37. 14-11-2009 05:41
	Gospel Music Artist What a mind blowing poetic skill. Dissecting reality from the myths. Exposing a dormant reality never told in a startling revelation. Ernest, your best is yet to come. Keep knocking on Heaven’s door for that thunderous break thru that is imminent! Biblically, I’m obliged to resound: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Yes it can, Yes it will!!!!!!Ernest Sr. (RIP) is smiling peacefully! Keep it up! \n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ' target='_blank'>http:// This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Michael Bull

	38. 14-11-2009 06:09
	Adminstrator That's just a right perspective to approach life;regardless of your roots just fight a little harder and be all the good you can be!    2311,I'm very glad that Liberia has a poet in the making to boast of and hopefully compare to the likes of Dennis Brutus of South Africa and more..... http://berlinshops.net

Teneka Kamara

	39. 14-11-2009 07:16
	Somalian Female Social Advocat When the intellectual scroll is being read to identify the truest sons of the historic land called LIBERIA ,the man and the name Ernest Garnark Smith,Jr. will no doubt be read!  2311 or Track,Liberia and Africa is proud of you.... http://freedomforwomanhood.com

Sabiyahki Ngofi

	40. 14-11-2009 07:20
	Beautician Good poetic innovation mixed with rare divine inspirations married to true nationalism!  Yes man,the girls are missing your romantic stuffs oh,pls do some for the X-mas oh.....

Francene Grace-Mulbah

	41. 14-11-2009 10:12
	Electrician I'm glad to be a part of this poem as it inspires me and gives me every reason to reflect on my Somiwien upbringing!    I'm proud of 2311's works as it touches my heart and I'm sure it does to many other hearts both on the home and abroad fronts! http://deltaelectric.com

Sekou Aliue Sannoh

	42. 14-11-2009 10:23
	Mortician Hey Liberia's poetic pride!Thanks for this nice master piece.......    You took us back to our humble roots! http://rest.org

Stephen Gonleh

	43. 14-11-2009 11:00
	High School Classroom Social Sciences Liberia is rich in every ramification;all we as a people need is the development of our rare raw talents any resources!  2311 isn't a mistake,joke or mere discovery!All Liberian,pls do look his way and be proud of him. http://destonehigh.net

Cecelia Gongar

	44. 14-11-2009 14:05
	What an Inspirational Poem Track, the piece is mind-blowing for the philosophically minded and mind-regulating for real hustlers like myself and all the folks in ghettos and hamlets around the globe who need hope-igniting masterpieces like yours to disabuse their minds of disempowering notions about life. If I live again, I will tirelessly search the world for a Jacob who will connect me with such an extremely intelligent or talented thinker like you. BRAVO MOG!!

Gemane G. Getteh

	45. 14-11-2009 15:14
	Businessman Goodddddddddddd work 2311,I'm so happy to read sucj a nice work from a Liberian!I also read that you have done many other very interesting poems oh!Pls do send me the websites you have yuor works published on so I can read many more of them!

James Kpoto

	46. 15-11-2009 09:44
	Driver Good work;pls do all you can to pass on the traits and teach others! http://avisrentacar.com

Preston Chelly

	47. 15-11-2009 09:49
	CEO When we roll back and drive slowly down memory's lane;then our distinguished driver and tourist guide is the man 2311!    This is the finest drive I've ever taken down MEMORY'S LANE SINCE I LEFT LIBERIA IN THE LATE 1980s http://marketingtalent.net

Chris Tolbert

	48. 15-11-2009 09:58
	Photo journalist ,I jump,shout,clap and bow for the unique and indeed memory reviving poetic master piece of 2311!  That's a rare way to give back to our roots.I'm really inspired,touch,moved and provoke positively by this work;all I'm asking is that 2311 do all he can to not allow this gift to die prematurely and that those in authority do play a vital part in giving this natural poet all the requisite pushes to excel. http://newsline.com

Cecelia Johnson-Gargar

	49. 15-11-2009 10:23
	Footballer Anyday when asked to point out to the work amongst your works that inspires me most I WILL SWIFTLY SHOUT-IF I LIVE AGAIN-A PROUD MONROVIAN LIBERIAN;inspires n motivates me the most!  I'm from the heart of Clara Town but now play soccer in the UAE!  Thanks a billion n more grease to your elbow!

Nagba Weah

	50. 15-11-2009 10:48
	good and bad side every body know Monrovia is full of swamps and slums(mosquitoes). however we have positive side also, good price control, clean and educated police, good health care, clean hospitals, clean schools, clean transportation system(lazy citizens) until april 12 1980 things begin to fall apart chaos.

concerned