Oke’s Musings: Poetry, People and Places

Author: Oke Iroegbu

  • Quotes on Hope ©

    Life is a beautiful gift and each sunrise is a bonus. If we see the sunrise, there’s hope. Giving up is easy. Let’s try something tougher like resilience and perseverance. Never give up on your dream. Time is a patient umpire and it will reward those who failed to give up. Only the living can…

  • A Lover’s Poem

    Your voice is like the Nightingales I laugh out loud at your high pitch But that’s an obvious clue; I love you and I can’t deny

  • The Iron Snake

    Country Loving Nomad Boy How lucky I am to have traveled by train as a child! School holidays were a great time to travel. I always anticipated the train journey with my aunt to my grandma’s country home. The window seat was my favorite spot. From there I could count palm trees or watch the…

  • Serenity Is Vitality

    Serenity Is Vitality Not everybody appreciates a loud and garrulous setting. Let’s assume that people are apples. Accordingly, we come in different hues and sizes and so do our likes and dislikes. The differences become the leverage, our various flavours and uniqueness. I adore relaxed and silent settings, especially the beautiful countryside. It’s strange to…

  • Be True

    Don’t get lost trying hard to please people. Pause for a moment and find yourself One beautiful thing about life is our uniqueness. It’s this essence and originality that sets us apart from others. Rather than trying to fit in, I let my values be my guide. In that, I’ll need not fake my lifestyle.…

  • Be You

    People always make fun of others because they think they are different Well, it’s not a bad thing to be different. So be the very best version of yourself.

  • Hugs & Social Distancing

    What the world needs now is hugs; big, sweet hugs Heartwarming Contact Hugs are heartwarming. It warms up the body and soul, faster than a sizzling cup of coffee. Hugs are passionate physical contact that can tear down walls and boulders, and open up a theatre of affection, acceptance, and love. Every living thing hugs…

  • Pause: Listen and Watch

    Pause Listen Sometimes the wind speaks, The birds sing as they fly, And the rivers throw up sounds Insects display incessant zithering, Rainfall is the beat of the rooftop, And woodpecker’s pecking is a rhythm Pause Watch Sometimes trees draw with dropping leaves, The sands are her drawing board, The crickets burrow on the sand,…

  • Folklore: The Shed of Trees Is Our Home

    The shed of trees is our playful home It’s where we learn to sing and dance, Under it, we wait for the moonlight, It’s a citadel when we play our games, Limbs we cling to, to mock the monkeys, It’s the grand shanty where father’s tales are told, The onset and climax of night where…

  • African Proverbs: On True Friendship

    Between true friends, even water drunk together is sweet enough Friendship is a useful component of life. True friendship goes beyond usefulness, it’s a lovely asset. Genuine friendship outperforms selfishness and many things. It doesn’t compete with its companions rather it tries to bring the best out of everyone. True friends consider themselves an extension…

  • Count Your Blessings

    Life is the greatest gift It’s worth more than gold, Silver or their equal Life’s turns and twists May bring chaos or reward But each night of survival Is one blessing counting

  • Failure Vs Regret

    Do not fear failure, fear regret Arise! Wake up! This is a clarion call! Resolve to take action today. Write that book or lyrics. Volunteer. Start that business. Vocalize that song. Take dancing classes. Work out. Travel. Live. Just a take step. What will it be? What will it take? If Failure or Success? If…

  • Haiku: Two Snails

    Two snails clash Thin grey trail, Green tree veils

  • Drumming Downpour

    ecstatic wind establishes tricky pools, rumbling thunderclaps are terrifying, both endow gardens and roads with flooding, a hard downpour is the drummer of the rooftop, it declares a feast where drums arouse heavy sleep

  • Morning

    Cruise Sometimes I get jealous of the free birds and butterflies. No one ever traveled like them. When the bird’s tweet they tell mighty stories of places man has never seen. There’s a particular family here, they sing all day. I keep marveling at what they are saying. One with the loudest voice repeats an…

  • A Lover’s Muse

    Love Is Beautiful Love is a beautiful thing. Love is that perfect feeling, an elixir that brings life to death. Love is a unique virtue that tests even the strength of the mightiest, the wisdom of the wisest and ability of the humankind. It’s a colour that gives meaning to life. Love encompasses all virtues.…

  • Sunrise – Nature’s Painting

    Magical Moment You will agree that sunrise is a beautiful and magical moment. The glamour and attraction are practically indescribable. Moreover, I reckon that sunrise is a therapeutic time. Sunrise signifies a new beginning, a fresh start, or hope. Sunrise I glimpse at the rising sun far away, It paints this reserved country gold, Glittering…

  • Peace

    Peace is like a journey of hope, Where throngs of colourful daffodils and dandelions greet, Peace is the quiet riverside, where tumbling brooks rush, And fishes halt to hear the rushing tides of water, Peace is this dreamy grassland, where green limbs shield, A citadel I run to when endurance & courage is hurt

  • Muse: Love Song

    Dear, If I said my mind, everything won’t matter, Your eyes glitter in this warm embrace We create love by exchanging poetic vows, You always make me write a love song

  • Untold Stories

    Little twinkle stars bold Upon the vast void Where invincible forts hold Abundant stories untold

  • The Human Mind As Art

    You’re Beautiful We’re busy admiring the stars, rivers, hills and all-natural wonders in between. We overlooked the ‘man’ that made the picture complete. It’s our ingenuity that creates beautiful artwork, architectural prowess and imaginative literature. We’re an integral part of nature and hence have a significant role to play in the maintenance and preservation of…

  • Muse: Imagination

    The fireside is my favorite stage And I’m set to be the entertainment So listen to the fire lick the wood, And to these words and humor Here’s the realm, I created in the mind; A guard musketeer belts his gun, An impatient innkeeper ordering, The butchers to supply some beef, All preparing for the…

  • Night Poem: Shepherding

    Shepherding, Smell of fresh fodder And dusk

  • Let It Shine

    If we let our light shine we are unconsciously permitting others to do the same Light Someone’s World How can we make our lights shine? When our deeds or words light the heart of someone. Let’s explain this with an example: a dark room represents gloom and sadness, and so does anyone who happens to…

  • Thank You

    Put all excuses aside and remember this: YOU are capable – Zig Ziglar It’s a new month! 🎉🎈🎁 Dear Friends, I hope that your year’s plan is going as schemed. If it is, that’s great, stay on track! If it isn’t, then don’t give up, continue to work on it. Looking out the window, there…

  • Dance With The Wind

    Won’t you like to dance as the tree leaves do when the wind drifts past? Don’t be shy, let burden, toss your hands in the sky, and have some fun Tree leaves sail on the wingless breeze They swerve and scatter at the winds bidding Birds are amused at the strange flyers Who had neither…

  • Dialogue With The Storyteller 2

    Dialogue With The Storyteller 2

    Storyteller: Ifochakpi! Audience: Waa!! Storyteller: Nkita nyara akpa? (When a dog picks up his backpack?) Audience: Nsi agwu n’ohia! (All faeces in the bush go wanting) Storyteller: Spread your mats and sit at the foot of the tree. It was a long day for me, we could use a good story to wrap it up.…

  • Colours

    One Human Race Let’s consider ourselves a part of a bigger colour. One hue needs the other to get its identity but appears different in comparison. We might come from different continents, ideologies and cultures but nothing contests the fact that we are one human race. Let’s live and let live. Maybe, we could teach…

  • See The Sun Rise

    Observe high above the sky; when the cloudy, golden sun drift away, Hiking by her side is the hilly country, where shines colours of day, Glittering clouds, a nought abundance of gold may define the beauty, The smell of dew on dry clay on air; life wakes to benevolent serenity, The earth is up; with…

  • Muse: I’ll Go With You

    Muse: I’ll Go With You

    Green trees may turn grey Life may be sweet or sour Day and its hosts, rise & fade But I will go with you Wherever the wind leads

  • Happiest People

    Nature’s beauty is best pleasure The happiest people are contented, Those who value what they have: Slivers of peace, happiness, and love Harbingers of hope and fulfillment Happiness is part of nature’s mission It begets immunity in the flurry, Dwell in purity and simplicity From the hustle and noise without Happy people are genuinely rich…

  • Quote: On Confidence

    When you believe in yourself anything is possible.

  • No Competition In Life: A Cheetah’s Lesson

    No Competition In Life: A Cheetah’s Lesson

    Cheetahs are the fastest land animals

  • Living Life & Having Life

    Oh, unlucky folk, those clothed in costly coats, In dire metros, wandering noisy, busy, tricky streets, Their wares, cars, & belongings, amassed aloft, Yet life proceeds somewhere far away, in lush modest Villages where thrives no anxiety but odds and faith

  • Muse: Listen To The Talking Drum

    Permit me to etch this melodious stanza upon your heart Let the verbal rhythm be greeted with this fair talking drum, Give me your ears, let them listen as lyrics tell of the night frog Who challenged the melodious nightingale to a song duel

  • Set My Sail

    I set my voyage to many fantasies; it’s another cold night I ask for a dance under this golden view of the sunset Let’s share the lovely moment of glee over this district, Each time we swerve under the dusk wind and twilight

  • Memories By Vanny Onuoha

    Pleasant Evening Well, it’s an exciting evening here. It’s cold without, but I bumped into young talent. So she writes a muse I will love to show you guys. Ladies and gents, here is Vanny Onuoha’s first published work. She’s a Nigerian teen and a budding poet. What do you think about her work? Memories…

  • Father’s Day

    If you have a father, cherish and love him Sober reflection Father’s day is a day of sober reflection for me. It’s a day I had tried fruitlessly to erase from my diary, but no one can ever run from his/her past. Fathers day reminds me of my father, late DSc Nduka Iroegbu. The dark…

  • Muse: Let

    Let this nice morn, a huge favor grant; Let it be known: I cherished you first

  • The Leopard Spirit 7

    Papa said I had to be vital to attend the following Tales by Moonlight night. He also promised I could play and hunt with other children if I got well fast. So I took my medication and exercised seriously. The moonlight night tales occur once in a fortnight; sometimes, they may be delayed, especially during…

  • Poem: The Brook

    Pollution to the Human Mind I do think that living in large towns for a long time can constitute pollution to the simple human mind. Each time I return to the countryside, I feel a mix of vibrant and enthusiastic energy. Living in dry cities drains me fast. I could try to live in one…

  • Reflection: Lafia

    Lafiya The word lafiya in the Hausa language means good. Say hello to any Hausa speaker, and he will blurt out lafiya! I presumed that this was the origin of the name this ancient city held. True presumption or not, I took the city as a harbinger of good, and good it turned out to…

  • Muse: When Love Excites

    Nothing excites further,Nothing reveals true loveAs fresh tender blossoms,Beneath these ancient palmsWhere this tryst we make,To renew love once again Enjoy this classic from Shayne Ward

  • Muse: Dance For Me

    Dance for me, dear child, Twist and turn, hold my hand, Make a loop, see stars spin around And let’s wish this bliss lasts forever Image from Masaka kids

  • Quote: Light

    The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it

  • If We Ever Fall In Love by Njabulo N.

    Falling In Love I think that falling in love is a risky business. There is the risk of falling, haha. One might become a shadow of himself in the process. What I mean is, if anyone ventures into the business with all his being, he might become a changed person either for good or bad.…

  • Lover’s Tryst

    Shadows of trees cast upon earth Evening birds call to wandering day It’s time for lovers to meet for a tryst

  • Night Poem: Silence

    Silence is not the melody of night Lingering moon, dawdling owls & crickets Emerge to begin the circus called dusk

  • Shepherd Lore: Weekend

    Soft wind, herald of nightfall, darkness draws near, While happy sheep enjoy the fast surge of the evening tide The week ends today, but beers wait for herders at the inn

  • Poetry: Wait or Not?

    Sometimes, some things are not worth waiting for I Waited When I was a teen, I found myself in a situation where I had to wait for a girl I fancied to return my love. And yes I had opened up to her. So I only had to wait for her response. She asked for…