Okechukwu’s Musings: Poetry, People and Places

Category: america

  • 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…

  • 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 in Albuquerque

    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…

  • Updated: Tale of The Wildwoods: When Summer Arrived!

    oiroegbu.com/2025/02/23/tale-of-the-wildwoods-when-summer-arrived/

  • 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…

  • A Month-Long Stay in California’s Nature Reserve

    Describe one of your favorite moments. One of my favorite experiences was my month-long stay at the Blue Oak Ranch Reserve in California, where I worked on ecological projects. The beauty of the ranch was captivating, and as a nature lover, I truly cherished my time spent alone. The highlight of my stay was befriending…

  • Love Like Spring Water

    When there was love,We saw the pretty cloudsClearer like the sweet springThat leap in delighted hasteRefreshing lands far & unknown

  • Gratitude Day 1

    An African saying states, “I am because you are.” It’s important to take a moment to sincerely thank those who have always stood by our side. 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…

  • 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…

  • Hummingbird

    I’ve been reading extensively about Native American folklore lately. As part of my Master’s research at Berkeley, I studied the relationships between people, wildlife, and the environment to understand how everything is interconnected. In Native American folklore, hummingbirds symbolize joy, happiness, and good luck. They are also seen as messengers from the other side, bringing…

  • 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

  • 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…

  • You and I

    Love is the heartbeat of life; it’s the force that brings joy, connection, and meaning to our existence. Without it, everything else feels incomplete. Always make it a point to express your love to those who matter most, verbally or in acts. A little affection goes a long way in strengthening your bond and creating…

  • Superstitions

    Are you superstitious? I want to give a quick response to this topic. People often believe in many things that might not be true. These beliefs can be deeply rooted in social, religious, or political contexts. I want to share some common superstitions found in Southern Nigeria. Whistling at Night Growing up, we were always…

  • Video: Summer Feel

    I promised to write about my recent encounters with birds, but this post is not about that. I just wanted to share some short videos I captured. Some of my followers might wonder why I post about night-related events like evening clouds, but trust me; I’m not a vampire—I take walks whenever I feel like…

  • Patterns 4

    It’s the weekend and the last day of February 2025! What better way to start than by appreciating the beauty around us? This morning, I captured white-lined patterns in the dreamy blue skies. I also noticed shapes that resemble fingers on the tree branches. The blue clouds today seem so surreal that I can’t help…

  • Tale of the Wildwoods: When Summer Arrived

    I’ve got a little adventure planned! I will take you, my readers, on a delightful journey where I’ll reshare some of my favorite past blog tales and poetry (I like to call them Poetales—because a tale got married to a poem, and they gave birth to… shhh, it’s our little secret!). Tonight, I’m super excited…

  • Golden Horizons

    Today, I decided to take my evening walk a little earlier than usual. As I strolled along the familiar path, I was oblivious to the gathering clouds until I had covered about a mile. Once I glanced up, I observed how the changing temperatures influence the sky; when it gets cold, the clouds take on…

  • 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.…

  • Chill Winds

    Chilly winds in New Mexico carry fine particles and dust, which are common wherever strong winds are present. I will discuss this in more detail in the following paragraph. In contrast to California, where I often see deer, squirrels, birds, coyotes, insects, and various species, there is little wildlife or plant life to observe here…

  • Colors and Tales

    Do colors tell stories too? I would say yes. Have you seen a field of ripe wheat or a bunch of yellow mangoes? The golden heads of wheat tell stories of a potential harvest. The murky water rushing down the hills conveys tales of pollution. From my personal experience, a dusty stream suggests that a…

  • 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…

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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…

  • 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

  • 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…

  • 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…