Folklore are tales, legends, superstitions of a particular ethnic population. In Igbo culture and other African societies, story telling is unique, such that it is a passage to transmit the tradition of a place from one generation to another. These tales convey the history, ancient messages and old knowledge. They teach morals and virtues to… Continue reading African Folklore
Author: Oke Iroegbu
Muse: Thoughts of You
Nights may fall, crickets may call, I sit alone, thinking of you
Muse: Promise
I’ll be far away, Promise you wait for me
The Rainmaker’s Tales: Beginning
When I am not making the rain fall To flood the village and farms And to make the river banks overflow Then I will be watching the glittering stars And talking to her, the night and moon Well, the night is never complete without a tale And this is for the sleepy little ones, I… Continue reading The Rainmaker’s Tales: Beginning
Take a Break
Do you feel overwhelmed by life’s stress? Then it’s time to take a break. Here are some recommended tips to stay relaxed: 1. Take a nap: It’s obvious that our body system is designed for rest. So enjoying some sleep is a good way to let off steam. 2. Water, Water and more Water :… Continue reading Take a Break
Haiku*: Two snails
Two snails approach rail tracks Skies are grey Train horns afar
Anger Vs Love
A friend sent this to me on WhatsApp and I thought of sharing with you. While a man was polishing his new car, his 6 year old son picked up a stone and scratched lines on the side of the car. In anger, the man took the child’s hand and hit it many times; not… Continue reading Anger Vs Love
Building Bridges
What is better than bringing two worlds together, Bringing life and earth over a body of water? What is better than true friendship When it blesses all with companionship? What is better than the scent of the rain When it brings the reign of droughts to an end? What is better than the smiles of… Continue reading Building Bridges
Muse: Life
Life is strings of memories, Little moments and turning points, Love and forgiveness, Flowers and breezy nights, Happiness and bird watching… Life is living experience, Horse riding and beaches, Hiking and sunset, Coconut juice and warm soups, So life is found most in simple things… *** Want a WordPress site like this one? Then click… Continue reading Muse: Life
View from my Backyard
Beware! There’s a furry ninja lurking in the shadows of this tree! Like when you see him in this slow-mo vid. The trees here are home to many squirrels and birds and it’s just at my backyard! I have known these squirrels since I was a kid. This morning I patiently waited to watch them… Continue reading View from my Backyard
Swift Breezes
Swift breezes welcome me to my hometown My mind is at rest, for the love felt around Palm trees are sentries, termites their soldiers Cherries and mangoes throw fruits, sweet as sugar Swift breezes blow through our quiet neighbourhood I stand under tree shades, with my hands raised When tree leaves struggle all about breezy… Continue reading Swift Breezes
400 + Followers!
Reflecting on my writing history I’ll say it hasn’t been easy. Writing from rural and semi urban Africa can be challenging; poor internet connection, little or no research resource and electricity issues. Despite all these, seeing your vote, like, comment, share or a new follower is an indicator that there’s progress. For your support dear… Continue reading 400 + Followers!
The Rainmaker’s Tales 2
Now it was tradition that young men Cut wood in the neighboring forest Before they are allowed to chose a maiden There was no axe in the town and nearby hamlets So young men did desperate things, Mirtle was a young man, deformed in one hand, Humbly dull, but very courageous Youth of the hamlet,… Continue reading The Rainmaker’s Tales 2
True Leadership
Earlier this evening, I overheard the women talk; my mother, aunts, some helpers and my little sister. From my room window, I heard their discussion on the funeral and all they did to make it a success. Usually, I don’t eavesdrop on women chats, but I couldn’t help but listen to this particular discussion. I… Continue reading True Leadership
Ide Stream
We took a walk through Ovim. I decided to show my friends around. Just after Ugwu Uwaoma, we saw the table mountain. From the distance, it looked magnificent. Further ahead, we came across the stream Ide, with her tide gliding smoothly through the green forest. The stream is deep and some fish trapping go on.… Continue reading Ide Stream
Poems of The Night
Night falls after the sun And to homes we all return Counting the days stress and toil Letting the darkened kettle boil And preying our eyes on passing people While we eat out plates of sweet potato When the full moon came out The whole clan grants a sit-out, The infants, the boys, girls, men,… Continue reading Poems of The Night
Adieu Sister: Chioma Iroegbu
In few hours I’ll be heading to my hometown, Ovim for my elder sister’s burial. I’m not sure how I feel right now but I know I’ll be fine. I’ll stay back after the burial for a couple of days to help sort things out and to meet other extended family members. Please keep me… Continue reading Adieu Sister: Chioma Iroegbu
Love Challenge 10
Twist and turns, hills and valley, Day and night, your love is home
Love Challenge 9B
Just call on my name, I’ll be there To show you how much I care
Diary of a Village Boy: The Leopard Spirit 5 (Fata)
When I reached home that evening, it seemed like the whole world was turned upside down. I felt my head swell as the bee stings and sharp roots hurt my foot. By the side of my bamboo bed Nene and her dog sat, staring at me. She held my hand and squeezed softly. I saw… Continue reading Diary of a Village Boy: The Leopard Spirit 5 (Fata)
Love Challenge 9
I love to stare into your eyes That’s my favourite place to be
Reflection: Sad Evening
I sit outside the house alone. It’s hot inside and few hours ago our house was filled with people who came to pay their last respect to my late sister. I’ve been busy, mentally and emotionally that I hardly had time for my physical self. People who knew me observed that I lost weight. Three… Continue reading Reflection: Sad Evening
Love Challenge 8
Memories flood my big head But I find it joyful to say few I count myself graced for your love
African Landscapes
These images represent different African landscapes… Can you identify the Sahara, Kalahari and veldt?
Love Challenge 7
You are loved and admired I am your biggest fan and friend You are God’s gift and love to me
Thoughts on Love
We don’t know what we miss or get when we make decisions concerning relationships. Sometimes what we seek might come packaged in disguise. Love is dynamic and may come in different shades. If you love someone, do not hesitate to tell them. Have a lovely night. Our love challenge continues tomorrow.
Love Challenge 6B
Your words become silent lyrics to my soul When every evening we lay in each others arms Letting our thoughts roar with the warm fire Dreaming, resting by the fireside, away From the world and her noisy hustle
Love Challenge 6
The hair on your hands are like reeds That flourish by the river side Light chocolate is your skin colour
Love Challenge 5
On your face the sun rise Like vale-lands hidden by the high hills The dark is pushed away when you wake
The Cricket’s Sorrow
I laid my bones down to rest An airy night, dark and quiet, When a thought swept over me I was still awake When I heard it I heard it screech A cold voice, not far from me I paused, listened A neighbor coughed from the next flat and bothered it So quietness stayed for… Continue reading The Cricket’s Sorrow
Love Challenge 4
You make my heart merry In my dreams I see your face And wake to your beautiful smile
Thoughts on Friendships and Personal Autonomy
I received several messages from close friends, complaining of the way their friends or partners treat them. I tried to see reason from different angles so that I can make an impartial judgment. Being right is not a guarantee that people will treat you well, and returning people’s favours is not ideal too. Well, we… Continue reading Thoughts on Friendships and Personal Autonomy
Love Challenge 3
The swift surge of the evening air Compares not to your amazing smile Your glittering teeth, oh splendor of my soul
Love Challenge 2B
I don’t care what people say I admire your soul, your drive Your spirit and how you love me I love you back, that’s what matters
Love Challenge 2
Like graceful deer you walk, The soft sound of your foot thrill me, Thrills softly the drums of my heart
Images: Growing Up
These images show children having fun in the African countryside. I can relate to most if not all…
Love Challenge 1
Your words are sweet like honey Freshly taken from combs off tree barks And melting in my lips, like butter on fire
African morning
In the morning the mild golden sun rise above the huts and hills Painting the corn fields yellow and making the streams shimmer Upon flowing rivers it glitters, till the dead end below a tree root Big fishes stay ready to strafe up to pick insects off tree barks In the hamlets, dogs chased cats,… Continue reading African morning
You all, my Valentine…
You’re very special to me and I love you 💓💕😘. Happy Valentine. 💝💜💛💟💞💙💚💗
Your Smile
Your smiles are good therapy, they tickle my soul It takes me to great heights of love and brings me joy When you smile, you remind me of the rose flower, The parting of your red lips, a memory to cherish In your beautiful warm smile I find unspoken love, It showed me untold and… Continue reading Your Smile
Valentine
Hallo everyone! It’s Valentine. I wish you all a happy Lover’s Day. The essence of our humanity is love. I like to ask a favour from everyone. Can you join me to show the less privileged love today (and beyond)? Let’s give out our old cloths and furniture, anything you can think of. I will… Continue reading Valentine
Beautiful South Africa
Take a moment and breath… 💙💚🌺🌻 Images from I Love South Africa page…
Homesick rhyme
|. I’m coming back, that’s my happiness Tell the strong boys and beautiful girls, Get the boys to gather much wood And the girls to sweep the compound I have got many stories for all, haha So get ready, our nights will be longer! Go on, run along now, and tell them ||. Tell Mama… Continue reading Homesick rhyme
Shepherd’s Tales: King David
 The day ends with significant stress for David But to him, this was not a challenge As he walked through the hamlet and passed by an inn, ‘Hello David! Have a drink with men, Come and have some fun, will you?’ A soldier called David passed ‘Oh no, sire, I will be late for… Continue reading Shepherd’s Tales: King David
Let’s take a walk
Let us take a walk through the pine forest, Under the cool shade which she provides, Through the path where tree leaves form a cushion And a place where squirrels make their abode Let us walk pass the dark shrubs in the hot noon, To feed our eyes on mother Nature’s wonders, Through lands where… Continue reading Let’s take a walk
Muse: Life
Quiet breezes roam this evening, I let my weary mind stroll with it, Walking it down these streets of life, And reflecting on life’s true meaning, Aware of seasons, of sowing and reaping, I wonder if life come in such seasons, And when stars die, if they fall off from heaven Or if there’s such… Continue reading Muse: Life
February Harmattan
Harbinger of Sahara, king of the queer dust I hail you! Your entourage of heavy sand storms and dunes Display there works of art on our glass windows and faces You give us very strange attires, ghostly ones We wonder, we make guesses of why you love the dust, Why you paint all; flowers, careless… Continue reading February Harmattan
Home
Home is where dance classes are unconventional, where meals are sumptuous and delicious no matter what. 😋 Home is cute smiles and beautiful memories and faces; green grasses and blue skies. 🙂 Home is happy hugs and pats, joyful and sometimes sad stories, when things change, we still end with it. 🤗 Home is a… Continue reading Home
Health, our new Wealth
Health is a new wealth! Here are some factors that may help us live healthily. Our psychology plays a significant role in our wellbeing. If you think healthy thoughts, you’ll be healthy. We were thinking healthy means being conscious of our internal and external environment and knowing how to maintain a proper balance. As a… Continue reading Health, our new Wealth