Oke’s Musings: Poetry, People and Places

Category: culture/tradition

Self Reflection 23: Generosity

Spare a coat, clothe the naked Spare a spoon, feed the hungry

April 1, 2020
Movie: The Ghost and the Darkness

As we observe our social distancing, I started seeing old favourite movies. I remember this historic film back in the days. Trust me, this is a thriller you will enjoy. Plot from Wikipedia. **** Plot: In 1898, Sir Robert Beaumont, the primary financier of a railroad project in Tsavo, Kenya, is furious because the project…

March 31, 2020
Self Reflection 22: Get Knowledge 2

A lack of knowledge creates fear, seeking knowledge creates courage. NB: To reject something you know nothing about is ignorance.

March 29, 2020
I hear you whisper

I hear you whisper in the morning, Waking to your tweet and joyful song, Lonely morning, seeds spread to the rising sun, Fields of tropical wheat sing with the mountain, And with you, beautiful birds; choir made in Heaven

March 28, 2020
Self Reflection 21: Faith 2

Believing is seeing, not the other way round.

March 28, 2020
I choose Faith over Fear

Just a few months ago, the world celebrated the new year. People, companies and countries nurtured aspirations and dreams, hoping for a happy year. But the advent of the virus brought fear and uncertainty. With what is going on, this pandemic may cause economic stress across the globe, particularly in Africa. I’m happy it’s Friday…

March 27, 2020
Self Reflection 20: Dream

If you can dream it, you can do it _Walt Disney

March 27, 2020
Stars Glitter for you

Stars glitter for you When you look up the skies

March 26, 2020
Diary of a Village Boy: The Leopard Spirit 7 (Crocodile at the Stream)

Dada said I had to be strong to attend the next Tales by Moonlight night. He also promised I could play and hunt with other children if I got well fast. So I took my medication and exercise seriously. The moonlight night tales come once in a fortnight, sometimes it may be delayed especially during…

March 25, 2020
Self Reflection 19: Get Knowledge

Not to know is bad, not to wish to know is worse. African proverb.

March 25, 2020
Dream

You came as a Dream to me This Dream has made me beautiful

March 25, 2020
Self Reflection 17: Companionship

Surround yourself with worthy people. Your network is your net worth.

March 22, 2020
Mother

Love is a beautiful journey in your eyes, You cook all day to feed our hungry selves And you eat only when we’re satisfied, Our first teacher, lover and my citadel You are a hero, you are my hero! Your love is restraint and inspiration Like the hen, sheltering chicks with her wings, You teach…

March 22, 2020
Self Reflection 16: Look beyond

Look beyond the mirror called self.

March 21, 2020
Self Reflection 15: Compassion

Consideration for others is the basis of a good life, a good society.

March 20, 2020
My Friend, the Free Wind

I like that I soak in the rain, Catching water drops That melt before my eyes I play with Nature’s gifts, Dancing with the wind, My free, worthy friend! Rejoicing when our pots fill To embrace mother Nature’s bliss

March 19, 2020
Folklore: The Straw, the Coal and the Bean from Gutenberg Project

In a village dwelt a poor old woman, who had gathered together a dish of beans and wanted to cook them. So she made a fire on her hearth and that it might burn the quicker, she lighted it with a handful of straw. When she was emptying the beans into the pan, one dropped…

March 16, 2020
Self Reflection 14: Courage

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. –Lao Tzu

March 16, 2020
Wait on the Stars

Night is falling, I wait on the stars To tell a tale or two

March 15, 2020
The Magic in a Smile

A smile is the prettiest thing you can wear. Let me tell you a story of how my experience got me an intern position in a leading Nigerian bank. In 2010, I was privileged to sit for a recruitment test in my school. The test was supervised by representatives of Diamond Bank Nigeria PLC, now…

March 15, 2020
Thoughts: Friends Vs Foes 2

After watching this funny video, I concluded that people are not always what they seem. Friends, colleagues and even family members may sabotage someone’s effort, thereby becoming a hindrance to that person’s progress. Keep in mind that we can achieve progress when everyone in our boat is rowing with and not against us. ***

March 14, 2020
Self Reflection 13: Happiness

Fill yourself with joy. Let your inner self radiate true happiness.

March 14, 2020
Homeland

I love you homeland

March 13, 2020
Another visit to Ovim’s Hills

If you encounter tablelands and rocks, hills and valleys, waterfalls and streams, abundant trees and virgin forests, all set in one quiet countryside, you will agree that Ovim is really blessed. Ovim is situated on ancient hills, a beautiful place for camping and outdoor fun. Each time I visit I get healed by her beautiful…

March 13, 2020
Self Reflection 12: Patience

The law of sowing and reaping may take time to manifest sometimes, but it will surely come to pass.

March 12, 2020
Music in me

They say you are the reason why they sing, I say you are the song in my heart.

March 12, 2020
Muse: Family

Things may change but we begin and end with the family.

March 11, 2020
Cling to Hope

I cling to hope She woke slowly But I must wait

March 11, 2020
Reflection

I wonder why we, sophisticated humans find it hard to love. If we all can take a lesson or two from ants, the world may just be as peaceful as the anthill. I saw on Facebook a video of people being tormented and executed somewhere in Asia and Christians in Northern Nigeria and a human…

March 10, 2020
Self Reflection 11: Feed your Faith

Feed your faith, starve your doubts.

March 10, 2020
Self Reflection 10: Don’t worry

Worry gives a small thing a bigger shadow. Feed your faith and don’t be anxious!

March 9, 2020
International Women’s Day

I wish everyone a happy International Women’s Day! Remember, education is still the best empowerment.

March 8, 2020
Muse: I choose you

I’ll choose you any day; today and tomorrow

March 8, 2020
Dealing with Anger and Frustration

I compiled what worked for me in dealing with anger and frustration, I hope they work for others too. The first thing I do when I’m angry is to walk away. I hold back the urge to argue, reply or fight back even when I’m clearly right. When I’m angry I ignore the offender and…

March 6, 2020
Self Reflection 7: Plan

Plans not executed are as good as failure.

March 6, 2020
Memories

You remind me of home, far away, Fine memories I cherish each day

March 6, 2020
Self Reflection 6: Watch and Pray

Never relax your guard: watch and pray.

March 5, 2020
Homecoming

Mama is waiting The hills too! The road is slow I hear her call… I’m coming mother, I’m coming home!

March 5, 2020
Self Reflection 5: Be contented

There’s nothing wrong in helping, giving away roses, gifts and love. People may take these for granted, be contented to being the good person you are.

March 4, 2020
Self Reflection 4: Gratitude

Gratitude is an attitude that creates doors in walls and hearts.

March 4, 2020
First rain

First rain, Strong wind, We celebrate The long wait, And sniff the scent Off the wet earth

March 3, 2020
Self Reflection 2: Love yourself

Love yourself enough to take the actions required for your happiness.

March 2, 2020
Diary of a Village Boy: The Leopard Spirit 6 (Another Attack)

That night I had another attack. It was midnight and everybody was settled for some sleep. The moon was white, there were no stars and the evening brought mild breezes. Wild dogs and wolves howled from the hilly distance and the night was deafened in their terrifying noise. Night was nobody’s friend those days. Travelers…

March 1, 2020
Muse: Even Though…

Let me hold your hands, look into your eyes & sing, For even though I fail sometimes, I love you still

March 1, 2020
Happy New Month

Here’s to wish you all a fruitful month! Let’s march on to greater fruitfulness, open doors, good health and blessings. ❤💚💜💛💙

March 1, 2020
African Folklore

Folklore are tales, legends, superstitions of a particular ethnic population. In Igbo culture and other African societies, story telling is unique, such that it is a passage to transmit the tradition of a place from one generation to another. These tales convey the history, ancient messages and old knowledge. They teach morals and virtues to…

February 27, 2020
The Rainmaker’s Tales: Beginning

When I am not making the rain fall To flood the village and farms And to make the river banks overflow Then I will be watching the glittering stars And talking to her, the night and moon Well, the night is never complete without a tale And this is for the sleepy little ones, I…

February 26, 2020
Take a Break

Do you feel overwhelmed by life’s stress? Then it’s time to take a break. Here are some recommended tips to stay relaxed: 1. Take a nap: It’s obvious that our body system is designed for rest. So enjoying some sleep is a good way to let off steam. 2. Water, Water and more Water :…

February 25, 2020
Anger Vs Love

A friend sent this to me on WhatsApp and I thought of sharing with you. While a man was polishing his new car, his 6 year old son picked up a stone and scratched lines on the side of the car. In anger, the man took the child’s hand and hit it many times; not…

February 24, 2020
The Rainmaker’s Tales 2

Now it was tradition that young men Cut wood in the neighboring forest Before they are allowed to chose a maiden There was no axe in the town and nearby hamlets So young men did desperate things, Mirtle was a young man, deformed in one hand, Humbly dull, but very courageous Youth of the hamlet,…

February 22, 2020