Okechukwu’s Musings: Poetry, People and Places

Author: Oke Iroegbu

  • Beauty in Nature

    Welcome to February 2025 Happy New Month, friends! Let’s talk about writing about nature and how it can be a pleasurable experience. Writing is a remarkable and deeply personal experience. I am amazed by our ability to craft beautiful expressions with words. This month, let’s focus on writing about our preferences and sharing our thoughts…

  • Diary of a Village Boy: The Leopard Spirit 11 (Tales By Moonlight 1)

    When the moonlight came, the villagers would gather at the Square near Eze’s palace to share stories and tales. Children and even some adults eagerly looked forward to this time. It was a joyful period for the village, as everyone could come together to have fun—playing games, solving riddles, and telling folktales. The first storyteller…

  • Soar

    Glide gracefully across the horizonand listen to the sound of your wings. Majestic talons against the gentle skies, a lethal mix, a juxtapose of fierce tenderness—strength and tricks. Shadows cast on the ground magnify,causing critters to scatter for safety. Spread your wings and soar;the sky and the world are yours to explore.

  • Albuquerque’s Blue Clouds

    Floating blue clouds basking in self-esteem, clear skies demonstrating their power of invisibility, and a chilly mountain climate are the norms for me here. Why not enjoy this captivating view while it lasts? I may print these beautiful New Mexico images and sign them as postcards. Like the aircraft passing above, the permanence of my…

  • Maybe 4

    Maybe heartbeats are drumsticksRolling out beats for loved onesAnd each moment we get a hugIt’s an assurance that we are home

  • Providence

    As the outdoor bulb lights softly illuminate the landscape, I can’t help but notice the wild grass gently swaying in the calm winds. The fresh scent of evening dew fills the air, creating a serene atmosphere on this beautiful desert night. Patches of brush are scattered around, and familiar shadows of the bushes dance across…

  • Amuse: Moon, Melodies, Myth, and Man

    Tonight, I tried to capture the cloud formation, but the images turned out blurry. The constant lights from the nearby estate may have contributed to this. I noticed a flock of night insects gathering around street lights. Occasionally, the insects collide with one another and fall, but they manage to catch themselves mid-air and change…

  • Muse: Moonlit Night

    The moonlit night usually creates different images in the clouds, both in its glow and in the minds of those observing it. I am a passionate observer of moonlight against the evening clouds. It reminds me of the moonlit nights filled with folktales from my home. The moon and its light are tangible aspects of…

  • Santa Fe 2

    The highlands and homes are ancient, surrounded by a uniform hue of brown light. Santa Fe stretches across the valley, showcasing its abundant daylight and beauty. The crisscrossing roads create uneven patterns, while automobiles scuttle through the intersections like cockroaches. The blue, inviting clouds of Santa Fe is unique, awesome, and cherished.

  • Sandia Mountain

    Sandia Mountain This impressive escarpment is a natural beauty I appreciate more each time I see it. Sandia and other abundant mountains in New Mexico are essential to its splendor. The landscape, which is somewhat desert-like but not entirely desert, stretches against apparent blue horizons. I feel the vibes of the movie The Good, The…

  • Nature’s Craftwork

    I took this image two nights before Christmas and was amazed by the white cloud resembling a blue whale. I could see various shapes against the charcoal-blue horizon, but the whale was the most remarkable. I couldn’t stop admiring the magnificent view. Do you see how the tree in the center looks like a Christmas…

  • Quote: Courage

    Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear — George Addair

  • Mother Nature (Africa)

    I remember writing this poem in Nigeria in 2020. I enjoyed exploring the theme of nature and how it brings me a sense of freedom. The fresh air and lack of pollution and human disturbance allow for deep self-reflection. I miss home, but I believe that home can be found anywhere. This poem, with slight…

  • Patterns 3

    Look at the peaks; they are citadels without motionAnd crevices cut in perfect lines on the mountainsLook at trees; they dance together in the windTheir branches and leaves in peaceful unisonLook at worms; they crawl and inscribe patternsOn Earth, they author unblemished marks and signsLook at the moon, with its glossy morningsAnd the happiness and…

  • Charity begins at home

    If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love. Don’t be surly at home, then go out in the street and start grinning ‘Good morning’ at total strangers — Maya Angelou Even the proverb “charity begins at home” reminds us that it’s our responsibility to care for those closest…

  • Quote: Nature

    We are tenants, and nature is our landlord. No one treats their landlord wrongly – Oke Iroegbu

  • Muse: Thanksgiving

    I’m grateful for you—you make my heart sing

  • Muse: Sun Streaks

    Sun Streaks What happens when the day comes to an end? That’s a question worth a million dollars, and people often have varied responses. I find myself quickly captivated by the setting sun, leading me to scribble down words or phrases that come to mind. This magnificent view never fails to distract me from the…

  • Quote: Kings and Kingmakers

    When you become a King or Queen, do not forget those who helped you to the crown — Oke Iroegbu

  • Love Poem: When You Look At Me

    Love is the sum of little things that people do every day When you look at me, your grey eyes make me fall deeperWhen you smile at me – ina murna – my heart dance for joy! Commentary Ina murna in the Nigerian Hausa language means I’m happy. In Igbo, it means obinatom. Why do…

  • Sun, Rain, or Snow?

    It’s human nature to wish for something, such as rain, snow, or sunlight, but to wish it away when it becomes too much. Sun, rain, or snow, which do you prefer?The sun & rain I like, I’m tempted by the later Mild sunlight is a pleasure for outdoorsChill rainfall can be a great cradlesongThe earth…

  • Muse: Sunlight

    Sunrise is like music to my eyesIt is like the mountain climber’s sighThe reflection from the sunlight is goldHer warmth she spreads across the world

  • Thoughts: Angels

    Angels live amongst us. The good thing is that we don’t have to look hard or far to find them. Sometimes, angels are good and kind people. Those who share themselves with others. Those who do good things for others. Those who don’t hesitate to assist even when they might be going through pain or…

  • Patterns 1

    Look at those fascinating cloudsHow they fold, foam, and float awayA glimpse at their majestic patternsReveals the forms these clouds takeMountains poke up to meet the skiesTake a deep breath; the sky, the views are all yours

  • Muse: Be Curious

    What does it mean to be a kid at heart? Be the sunshine when you can, be the rainfall, be the memories from the sound of laughter Be free, be happy, be kind, be playful, be everything that makes you smile—finally, be curious.

  • Reflection: Sunset

    Sunsets are my favorite quiet time. Sunsets are prettier and golden out here on the blue horizon and the footsteps of the great mountains of New Mexico. The lower parts of the white clouds glitter, portraying a shade like that seen on wallpapers. My poetry can not explain the beauty of the views. Sometimes I…

  • Train to Santa Fe

    Verse 1: Mountains and Vast GrasslandDry streambeds in a whileLonely cattle here and thereVast plains overlooking peaksHills grow into mountainsAnd mountains touch the clouds Verse 2: Rainfall and Gloomy CloudsThere’s raindrops on windowsA lullaby of metal and rainTunnels, bridges, creaking,The clouds play hide and seekAnd sunlight is half amused Verse 3: Villages and Happy FolksClay…

  • Maybe 3

    Maybe shadows tell stories too

  • Indigeneity 101b: Indigenous People’s Day

    Today is Indigenous People’s Day, so let’s take time to celebrate and support Indigenous communities around the globe.

  • Amuse: Stand-off

    Sunset and a stand-off with a handsome strangerHair fuzzy, I wonder why it stood its groundOver the golden horizon, retreating birds watch the calm wagerUpon this lonely highway, time will tell who gets the upper hand

  • Albuquerque’s Balloons

    Floating colorful balloonsUp the blue-white clouds Sailing quietly away Look, there’s one with linesAnd another of different design They sail merrily away Albuquerque’s balloonsWhether one of the traditions Or just the city’s routine

  • Maybe 2

    Maybe sunsets are the beginning

  • Don’t Forget To Dance

    Dance because you can. Dance because you are alive and happy—put your hands up, shout for joy, and move your body, because you can.

  • May

    Let a million tongues singYou, I, our stars, may we all win!

  • Quote: Self-Care

    What details of your life could you pay more attention to? No one is coming to save you; no one is coming to make life right for you; no one is coming to solve your problems. If you don’t do something, nothing is going to get better — Nathaniel Branden

  • Freestyle: San Francisco 2

    City by the BayAdorable sunriseEven prettier sunsetWatch the skies danceNotice the seagulls callFearless, surfing the windTowers stand confidently,They come in many shapes,Punching high into the skies,Concrete, verdantAsh and greenBold and naiveThe nights are chillBay breeze makes it soThe noons are warmBright clouds pleat above If it’s afternoonGlasses glitterIf the wind sings,Passersby listen That’s SF, a…

  • Muse: Star

    There’s a lone star up the sky,Glittering feverishlyBothered by the dark nightAnd the bright moon shine There’s a lone star up the sky,From the window you can seeHer struggle, weak and faintBut giving light to heaven

  • Outdoors

    What could you do more of? I love the outdoors. I love the feel of forest wind and the sound of its inhabitants—caressing my thoughts and senses. I love that I can be in tune with Nature, away from concrete cities and unnatural sounds.

  • Indigeneity 101a: Multiple Ways of Knowing

    In my research, I challenge the misconceptions that indigenous cultures have not contributed to modern knowledge. Different cultures have historically documented their knowledge in diverse ways, including through cultural practices such as music, spoken poetry, and dance performances. Recognizing multiple ways of creating and documenting knowledge can facilitate mutual understanding and acknowledgment, paving the way…

  • Video: Black Cat

    A random, curious black cat approached me a few days ago when I was exhausted from traveling and waiting for my host. It must have felt my tiredness. It stood for a while and eventually sat like a guard, waiting with me and watching my luggage until my host came. It was so calm that…

  • Muse: Inner Beauty

    We all have some inner beauty—be it light, goodness, or gold dust; shine, sprinkle yours wherever you go. It will be said that such a person walked here once upon a time.

  • Muse: Smiling Stories

    Your smiles tell a lot of beautiful stories. Please never lose it, keep smiling for the world—for me.

  • San Francisco, First part

    City by the BayBig heart, big ups,Where imploring sun raysAnd dreams stay View the multitude of automobilesCockcroaching through lengthy tunnels,The shine from their radiant metals ricochet,Bouncing off on glass and seawater Soothing sea breezesWelcoming, flirty winds, With drifting ululating seagullsReach out to the setting sun Big City by the BayMajor hub, big startups,Where desires aboundThe…

  • Nightfall

    NightfallShades sailEvening’s callWind and chill MoonlightChirping cricketsTwilight’s elementsAlive and about

  • Books

    If you were going to open up a shop, what would you sell? If I opened a shop,What would I be selling?Hmmm, let’s see…Books, oh well, New books, old books,I could sell cough drops,Tumblers, pretty rings,Or things that are shiny, But books I can read and sellTo add to my wit and bank

  • A Voice for the Voiceless and Birthday Wishes

    What change, big or small, would you like your blog to make in the world? On my birthday, I wish that this blog will continue to be the voice of the voiceless I am writing this short reflection today, not just for my birthday but because it will be my first August 8 away from…

  • Maybe

    Maybe shadows tell stories tooMaybe the beautiful patternsOf crawling earthwormsAre Mother Earth’s signatureMaybe the trail left by snails & snakesAre stories on the dirtMaybe the silhouette of treelinesIs a natural art unknown, yetMaybe we dream of being the rainOr the sun, or the moon, or the windTo travel the world and see its breadthMaybe heartbeats…

  • Love

    Write about a random act of kindness you’ve done for someone. I believe love is the most incredible magic ever because in love are all the beautiful things one can think of—Oke Iroegbu My random act of kindness is loving people more than they deserve. For context, I’m not referring to the love between a…

  • There’s a Lion Out there!

    You see, sometimes what we seek is on the other side of fear. There’s a Lion Out there! Once upon a time, there was an announcement in a small village about a beautiful garden outside the village, reputed to have an abundance of all kinds of food and drinks. However, the problem was that the…

  • Òkè

    What’s the story behind your nickname? Òkè is a short version of my name, Okechukwu. Oke in Igbo can mean different things based on the pronunciation. It can mean rat (óké), share/part (òkè), male (ókē), and boundary (òkè). My full name, Okechukwu, means share from/part of God, where òkè means share/part and Chukwu means personal…