Oke’s Musings: Poetry, People and Places

Category: Albuquerque

  • Perspectives: So Big, So Small

    I wrote a quote about this some time ago; this post is a revised version. I’ve always wondered how big an aircraft can be. Standing near one feels so massive that it could hold hundreds of people as they board. I often imagine the passengers inside a passing plane from the ground. Where are they…

  • Sandia Mountain 2

    I miss the sight of Sandia Mountain—its quiet congregation of morning clouds,brief visitors dissolving in the first light. On the bus, with the window as a frame,I witness a slow-moving masterpiece:mountain, sunrise, cloud—a trinity that feels intentional. Sandia follows me, or so it seems,a steadfast citadel keeping paceno matter which road I take.I wonder what…

  • Roses

    One bright Sunday, I came across a beautiful rose blooming unexpectedly in a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of Albuquerque, Rio Rancho. It was a simple moment, but the charm of that surprise flower made it truly unforgettable. The striking beauty of the desert landscape shows that a single event or element can transform the…

  • Thank You, New Mexico!

    Thank You, New Mexico! In Igbo culture, there’s a saying: ekele onye akịdị, ọ gwọta ọzọ, which translates to “If you thank the one who cooks beans, they will be happy to cook more.” But, I’m not talking about beans. I am overwhelmed with gratitude as I reflect on my recent experiences. The end of…

  • Summer Nights

    Hot Days, Calm Evenings Interestingly, the winds decided to be gentle this evening. The day had been extremely hot, and I sometimes wonder if this is the exact Albuquerque that was chilly just a few weeks ago. I prefer summer evenings to the sweltering days because the heat lessens, allowing everyone to breathe a sigh…

  • Amuse: Windy Conversation

    Three incredible American states—Oregon, Vermont, and New Mexico—are hotspots for thrilling conversations about strong winds! Though I haven’t explored many states in the U.S., my brief adventure in Vermont left me breathless as I encountered some of the most powerful winds I’ve ever felt! Even the Lake Chaplain was basking in the windy euphoria. Those…

  • Sunrise & Sunset

    Sunrise and sunset look pretty similar, even though the rays of light travel in opposite directions. Both may occur at the exact location, and their glow appears alike. Occasionally, sunsets glow orange and are surrounded by clouds. I’ll explore words that might capture how I feel and characterize these two events tonight. Anyhow, it’s a…

  • Gratitude Day 1

    Today, I want to take a moment to thank those who have supported me. Friends, we all have people who stood by us during our most challenging times. I invite you to join me in remembering and appreciating them. Consider sending a thank-you letter, text, email, or gift to show your gratitude. I don’t want…

  • Mushroom Cloud

    This morning, I noticed a mushroom-shaped cloud in the sky. Unlike my impatient, fluffy friends who won’t wait for the camera, I am thankful that the clouds have a sense of humor. I do wonder if cloud formations reveal any significant information. Maybe not. However, I know that New Mexico is home to the United…

  • 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…

  • Morning Rain: A Welcome Relief for Albuquerque

    Summer night rain has its charm, but morning rain brings a different vibe. I think everyone can relate to the refreshing coolness it offers and the extra time it gives to those with plans. Often, it is a perfect excuse not to do anything. Morning rain, dark clouds, chilly weather, and gloomy skies make me…

  • Greater Roadrunners

    I followed this Roadrunner around campus for a steady portrait, and it couldn’t wait. What an impatient gentlebird! I remember the first time I saw the Greater Roadrunner; I was amused. The next time I encountered it in a picture, I thought it was having a bad hair day because of its natural mohawk hairstyle.…

  • Quote on Perspectives

    We need to realize how big but little everything is, how deep and shallow arguments can go, and that perspectives matter. We might be wrong or right, but we should give people grace. ~ Oke Iroegbu

  • Albuquerque’s Night Rain

    The sky churns with dark, rumbling clouds, and lightning streaks behind my window curtain illuminate the night with its brief, electric glow. These raindrops are accompanied by soft claps of thunder reverberating through the air, adding to the symphony of the rain’s soft drumming. It’s my first night of rain in Albuquerque, and my excitement…

  • Shades of Mount Sandia

    Mount Sandia will rise majestically. Its silhouette reminds me of a picturesque landscape painted on an expansive canvas. The view from which it is observed influences its allure. For instance, on Easter Sunday, I was fortunate enough to witness the sunrise, with her golden rays piercing the horizon, casting a divine light that bathed the…

  • Abqs Chill Weather

    I’ve noticed that the sunlight often plays hide-and-seek, like a game of “Now you see me…” I appreciate the unpredictability of the weather here. Sometimes, I see bright sunshine out the window, so I wear a short-sleeved T-shirt and shorts, only to find it chilly outside. Other times, the day looks gloomy, and I assume…

  • Patterns 2

    Patterns are woven into the very fabric of our world, often escaping our notice in the bustle of daily life. From intricate colors of feathers on birds to ethereal shapes of cloud formations that drift across the sky, from vibrant prints on textiles to subtle variations in skin and hair, they are everywhere. Over the…

  • Amuse: ‘Shadowy’ Tales

    Moonlight blankets the entire landscape, illuminating even the darkest areas. Silhouettes are cast on roads, buildings, and everything else. If you’re not careful, you might be startled by a palm tree; the shadows of its leaves can easily resemble the fingers of masked figures waiting to grab their victim. A passerby’s silhouette can also be…

  • 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…