The Broken Glass Series is Mayende Collins Israel’s maiden book, which he recently self-published via Kindle on Amazon. It is a collection of poems about four different types of people and the events they go through. Despite starting the project back in 2023, it has only recently been completed. You can access it here.
The long-awaited publication comes after a series of works by Collins that were started but not completed for various reasons. He mentions that several projects, including novels, short stories, and poetry collections he has written, still lay incomplete on his table. The Broken Glass Series is the first to escape this unfortunate fate. He promises to return to his desk and release more works soon.
Surprisingly, Collins doesn’t consider himself a poet but rather a student of literature whose passion ranges from poetry to prose, including essays, short stories, and novels. His appreciation stems from attending Loudthotz Poetry Open Readings, which happen monthly online. It is from these meetings that he was inspired to create his poetry collection. Loudthotz Poetry Open Readings will take place this month for the fifteenth season, episode nine, on Thursday, 12 September 2024, under the theme: Deal. If you would like to attend, you can reach out to Collins via email at collinsisraelm@gmail.com .
About The Broken Glass Series
The Broken Glass Poetry Series is a collection of poems that explores the struggles and triumphs of different individuals facing various challenges in life. The series is divided into four parts, each featuring a different protagonist: The Man, The Woman, The Student, and The Gangster.
The poems In each section delve into the depths of human emotions, ranging from guilt and shame to hope and victory. They tell a story of the human experience and the journey towards overcoming obstacles.
The series uses vivid and poignant language to paint a picture of the characters’ struggles and emotions, which are relatable and moving. The Broken Glass Poetry Series is a powerful exploration of the human spirit and a reminder of the resilience and strength that lies within each of us.
What Other Works Has Mayende Collins Israel Worked On?
The first time Collins appeared in a publication was in 2019 in the Best New African Poets 2019 Anthology edited by Nsah Mala and Rinos Mwanaka, published by Mwanaka Media and Publishing. In this poetry anthology, Collins beautifully talks about “The Land of Opportunity” on page 160 of the anthology.
Next came the publication of his research proposal under the title “The Positive Impact of Literary Characters on Literature Students” (Busitema University, 2022-04). This was in fulfillment of the university requirement for each student to conduct research before graduating. The study investigated the positive impact of literary characters on Literature students in Tororo District, with specific reference to the plays The Return of Mgofu by Francis Imbuga and Oedipus the King by Sophocles.
As if that were not enough, Collins was featured on the MTN Pulse website as a Pulse Hustler in January 2022, described as an “enthusiastic writer and blogger.” This recognition was due to his earlier writing exploits, particularly his articles for Kampala Edge Times.
Collins also writes for Right for Education Africa, a unique Pan-African movement dedicated to educating and empowering people in over 35 countries in Africa. It uses the democratizing power of the internet to connect and build a community of Africans who believe that the future is Africa’s! He is also the Vice President of the Right for Education Uganda Chapter.
