Category: Africa

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… Continue reading Pigeons

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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… Continue reading Homelessness 2

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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… Continue reading Love is a Choice

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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… Continue reading Whispers from First Earth

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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… Continue reading Indigenous Knowledge and Ecology

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

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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,… Continue reading Lions & Leopards

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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… Continue reading Muse: Windy Evenings and Lullaby

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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.… Continue reading Sounds 1

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

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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… Continue reading Sandia Mountain

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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… Continue reading Sun, Rain, or Snow?

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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

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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

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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.

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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… Continue reading Multiple Ways of Knowing

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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.

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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… Continue reading Congo

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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. Now, I just concluded a graduate program in Folklore from a prestigious university… Continue reading Folklore and Cultural Studies

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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… Continue reading Books that impacted on me

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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.

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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.

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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

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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… Continue reading Sunset and Misery

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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.

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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.

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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… Continue reading Writing

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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

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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,… Continue reading Poetry: Moon

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My First Name

Write about your first name: its meaning, significance, etymology, etc. My first name is Okechukwu which originates from the southern Nigerian Igbo tribe. It means my portion or share from God! Most Igbo names arise from situations and experiences encountered by people. I can expand the name thus: Okechukwunyerem!—which means the share I got from… Continue reading My First Name

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