Oke’s Musings: Poetry, People and Places

Category: Africa

  • Below—apparently

    They call it sub-Saharan—as if Africa were a submarine,ducking politely beneath elsewhere,periscope up, waiting for permission. Wait. Sub like “less than,”like a footnote that forgot it was a library,like history that somehow happenedbefore it was discovered. I’m thinking out loud. A desert becomes a ruler.A line in the sand gets tenure.Everything south of it is “sub,”as if…

  • Notes on Leisure

    What do you enjoy doing most in your leisure time? This is a response to the prompt above. Leisure, for me, isn’t the opposite of work; it’s where I reconnect with myself. I enjoy unclaimed time—time that doesn’t require me to produce, justify, or perform. During these moments, thinking slows and becomes less goal-focused. I…

  • What This Blog Is Turning Toward This Year

    New Year Rigmarole You know, there’s just something about having to witness the New Year in California. We’re always one of the last places on Earth to welcome the new year. I have to celebrate “Happy New Year” with everyone, and even take a nap before I get to mine. Sometimes I tell my friends…

  • Diary of a Village Boy: The Leopard Spirit 13 (Tales by Moonlight 3)

    I ignored the onlookers and went to sit with Fata. The evening was still young, and more children arrived as time went on. The moon shone differently than before; the white underside looked like it was cloaked in a light gray hue. The evening wind was busy doing its thing, and the little commotion of…

  • Pigeons

    Pigeons A few years ago, I tried to raise a couple of pigeons in Nigeria. I’ll call them elegant and bright birds, and I got them as babies because they fell out of their nests. They were vulnerable, and other birds, rodents, cats, dogs, or even insects could eat them! However, I only had them…

  • Quote: Power is Gentle

    What can people learn from our giants, the peaceful, friendly, playful African elephants? Power is gentle! Now keep that in mind.

  • Homelessness 2

    Do you truly understand what love is? It’s the powerful realization that homelessness doesn’t define a person’s worth. Homeless individuals are everyday people—just like you and me—deserving of kindness, respect, and love. Recognizing their dignity can ignite compassion within us and inspire real actions to help uplift their lives. So next time you see someone…

  • Love is a Choice

    Love is a choice, so I chose it—not because I had feelings that fade over time. Not because I notice your height or weight, but because I decided to. Not because I think I should, but because I made a decision to. Most times, there won’t be butterflies; other times, misunderstandings may occur. Sometimes, it…

  • Protected: Love From Afar

    There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

  • Whispers from First Earth

    Beneath this sun’s ancestral flame,Where baobabs bear me witness, still—Africa stirs with sacred name,In every plain and every hill. The Nile, in silken stories told,Winds through Nubian dreams of old,Where Kush once ruled with a crown of gold,And river gods their secrets hold. Mount Kilimanjaro stands,A sky-pierced crown of ancient lands—The Chagga guards its snowy…

  • Indigeneity 101c: Indigenous Knowledge and Ecology

    I invite you to read an article in Romanian (which can be translated into other languages) about the importance of incorporating indigenous practices into our ecological efforts. The article provides examples of environmental initiatives from communities in France, Vanuatu, Nigeria, Kenya, and Chad. How can we sustainably resolve conflicts between humans and wildlife in rural…

  • Quote on Elephants

    How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time! – Desmond Tutu

  • Summer’s Warmth

    Have you ever written in the shade of a tree? I have done it several times, and I highly recommend it. The best time to try is on a sunny day. While we cannot control the increasing warmth of summer, we can embrace it and make the most of it. Now, I’d like to share…

  • Dance in the Rain

    How lovely it is to dance in the rain at night,Like lost children—twisting, turning, and soaked.How sweet it is to listen to Nature’s songWhen nights are cold and the lights are out.How happy it is to hear the heartbeats of loved onesIn a vigorous hug or a gentle embrace, or even both. Would you become…

  • Diary of A Village Boy: The Leopard Spirit 12 (Tales by Moonlight 2)

    I stood up and tried to follow the figure. The wind began to blow, and I felt it was calling to me for some reason. Navigating through the crowd was difficult. Some kids were bothering me by tugging at my feet, while teenagers watched me with disdain nearby because I was blocking their view. The…

  • Lions & Leopards

    Which animal would you compare yourself to and why? From a young age, I have been captivated by the majestic presence of big cats—lions, leopards, tigers, jaguars, cheetahs, and more. There’s something undeniably awe-inspiring about these mighty creatures. Among them, I am particularly drawn to the regal lions, their golden manes flowing like fiery crowns,…

  • Muse: Windy Evenings and Lullaby

    It has been extremely windy here in Albuquerque for the past few days. The winds remind me of the harmattan winds that blow in Nigeria during the yuletide, although Albuquerque’s winds are more consistent and tend to increase in intensity. These winds carry small rocks and fine sand as they gust by. You must dress…

  • Sounds 1

    In my previous reflections, I explored the vibrant world of colors that captivate our vision. Tonight, however, I invite you to join me on a different sensory journey as we delve into the enchanting realm of sounds that resonate with our ears and humanity. Sounds, much like colors, are essential to our existence and environment.…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Quote: Nature

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

  • Quote: Kings and Kingmakers

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

  • 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…

  • Maybe 2

    Maybe sunsets are the beginning

  • 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

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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 (òkè), male (ókē)and boundary (òkè). My full name, Okechukwu, means share from God, where òkè means share and Chukwu means personal god/God.

  • Congo

    Congo, my dear CongoThe land of many warriors Land of happy womenWho dance and turnTo the beats of drumsAnd to glaring menThe land of goldAnd lush green fieldsOf shrooms, dandelions,And blue horizons boldThe land of many rivers,And great, many lovers,land of the gazelle, leopard,And all graceful dancers The evening is sadSounds of canonRent the air,Bloodthirst,Soldiers,Crying…

  • Folklore and Cultural Studies

    On what subject(s) are you an authority? One subject that I admire and love so much is Folklore or Cultural Studies. Growing up in a culture that prides itself on storytelling, I paid keen attention to how stories shape who people become. I just completed a graduate program in Folklore at a prestigious university in…

  • Mountains in Stories

    There are stories about mountains, and there are mountains in stories. It makes perfect sense that places play a crucial role in narratives.

  • Books that impacted on me

    List three books that have had an impact on you. Why? This post will be challenging because there are captivating books out there. I have read some books recently, but three stood out. One pioneer book that addressed the ills of colonialism in Africa was Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. The book describes in…

  • Oak Wilderness

    Pockets of green, here and thereSpread across a vast wildernessBlue skies, roaming deer, and harePretty birds in a reptile paradise The night will convey dark cloudsStreams flow into a wonder lakeWith the sound of life piping loudAll for this gentle oak land’s sake

  • Poetry

    What are you good at? I believe poetry is one thing I can do even with my eyes closed in sleep. By the way, I love sleeping as well. Good night.

  • Africa Day 2024

    Image: Uniquenewsonline Song: Lebo M. Lion Sleeps Tonight Today, we celebrate Africa! I coined a short video from Lebo’s presentation of my favorite song.

  • Podcast: Oke’s Folklore Corner

    Yo friends! I hope everyone is doing great. I just started my folklore podcast channel. The intention is to discuss cultural forms such as proverbs, folktales, songs, and folklore. I would love your thoughts on the intro. Click here to listen. Thank you, and stay tuned for more. Warmly.

  • Quote on Hardwork

    Do you have a quote you live your life by or think of often? Just remember you can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pocket — Arnold Schwarzenegger

  • Sunset and Misery

    Until When? It’s crazy times we live in. We just came out of COVID-19 to witness the world fall apart. I hope we survive the peace when it all ends and that we dare to look into people’s faces and say we tried our best to live in peace. We must learn to talk with…

  • Sunset at Moss Landing

    Moss Landing, CA Sunset reminds me of the need to rest, and ocean waves, their unison and sudden quietness, speak of taking breaks. The strong tides smash into the rock boulders, and the wind is busy throwing tantrums at the traveling sunset. My friends, always remember to take breaks and to make time for rest.

  • Muse: Moonlight 2

    You beautiful sphere of light I behold your face once again Fast falls the evening tide And you remind me of home That to everything that has a beginning There must someday come an ending That home calls from a long-distance That I can only wait and listen to its call I see you, mythical…

  • Eclipse Day

    It’s amazing how we can’t see it directly but need special equipment to. Do you now agree that there are a lot of things that happen that we are not aware of? Happy Eclipse Day.

  • Writing

    What experiences in life helped you grow the most? One thing that has helped me grow is creative and imaginative writing. I always enjoy expressing my thoughts on paper. One thing led to the other and I started this blog to share my poetry with the world. But it metamorphosed into something bigger. I have…

  • Destiny

    Do you believe in fate/destiny? Destiny is like day and nightWe get closer to itBut don’t see what’s nextSometimes there’s heavy mistOther times, there is sunlight

  • Poetry: Moon

    Dear Moon—You beautiful ball of white light. I saw your smiling face this evening, and it reminded me of home. You stood—a shiny ball imposed on the fleeting night clouds. I see you as a myth, a floating phantom without legs. You swept—the streets and roads clean with your pretty light. Incredible, natural, unspoiled, immaculate,…

  • Kind People

    Who are your favorite people to be around? Kind people are my kind of people.