The right mahogany door relief, based on Mark 4: 3-20, of the library of St Andrew’s College, Kabare, Kenya, carved by Benson Ndaka in 1991. Commissioning and photo: Graham Kings.

 

The sower sows along the path,

the birds flock down and steal the seed;

the evil one swoops and pecks

the word, unrooted and unheard.

 

The sower sows on rocky ground,

the sun scorches sprouting seed;

at signs of suffering, shallow word

is parched, withered, shriveled.

 

The sower sows among the thorns,

the thistles rise and throttle;

the word, attacked by worldly cares

is choked, tangled, strangled.

 

The sower sows on fertile soil,

the seed grows tall, lush and strong;

the word, embedded, raised and heard

is borne anew, aloft, abroad.

 

       (c) Graham Kings

       27 Jan 2026, Launde Abbey

For the series of 7 Kabare carvings, by Benson Ndaka, and 7 poems, by Graham Kings, click here.