Oke’s Musings: Poetry, People and Places

Category: Poetry

  • A Poem of Los Angeles, First Part

    Urban Space & Ecological Memory Los Angeles is often seen as a spectacle: film studios, freeways, and the ceaseless growth of a city driven by movement. But beneath this image lies a landscape that has long been inhabited, named, and listened to by Indigenous communities whose ties to land and water come before the city…

  • Below—apparently

    They call it sub-Saharan—as if Africa were a submarine,ducking politely beneath elsewhere,periscope up, waiting for permission. Excuse me. 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…

  • 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…

  • The Bee and The Bloom

    A bumblebee buzzed with bumbling grace,Zipping and dipping all over the place.It spotted a flower, so red and sweet,And said, “Well hello there—my sugary treat!” It wiggled and jiggled and landed just right,Its belly fuzzy, with stripes shining bright.Then whispered, “Dear flower, don’t mind if I stay,I’m just here for nectar… and maybe to play.”

  • 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…

  • Muse: Albuquerque

    Celebrating uniqueness is a valuable treasure; it creates a unique refuge in one’s soul for peace and self-discovery. Now, let’s take part in a fun word challenge. Think of a term or expression and replace the emphasized words in the sentence below with their closest synonyms and then with their antonyms. Afterward, reread it. Nothing…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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.

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Patterns 3

    Look at the peaks; they are citadels without motionAnd crevices cut in perfect lines on the mountainsLook at trees; they dance together in the windTheir branches and leaves in peaceful unisonLook at worms; they crawl and inscribe patternsOn Earth, they author unblemished marks and signsLook at the moon, with its glossy morningsAnd the happiness and…

  • 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…

  • Muse: Thanksgiving

    I’m grateful for you—you make my heart sing

  • Muse: Sun Streaks

    Sun Streaks What happens when the day comes to an end? That’s a question worth a million dollars, and people often have varied responses. I find myself quickly captivated by the setting sun, leading me to scribble down words or phrases that come to mind. This magnificent view never fails to distract me from the…

  • Quote: Kings and Kingmakers

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

  • 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

  • Thoughts: Angels

    Angels live amongst us. The good thing is that we don’t have to look hard or far to find them. Sometimes, angels are good and kind people. Those who share themselves with others. Those who do good things for others. Those who don’t hesitate to assist even when they might be going through pain or…

  • 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…

  • 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

  • Don’t Forget To Dance

    Dance because you can. Dance because you are alive and happy—put your hands up, shout for joy, and move your body, because you can.

  • 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…

  • Muse: Smiling Stories

    Your smiles tell a lot of beautiful stories. Please never lose it, keep smiling for the world—for me.

  • Nightfall

    NightfallShades sailEvening’s callWind and chill MoonlightChirping cricketsTwilight’s elementsAlive and about

  • Maybe

    Maybe shadows tell stories tooMaybe the beautiful patternsOf crawling earthwormsAre Mother Earth’s signatureMaybe the trail left by snails & snakesAre stories on the dirtMaybe the silhouette of treelinesIs a natural art unknown, yetMaybe we dream of being the rainOr the sun, or the moon, or the windTo travel the world and see its breadthMaybe heartbeats…

  • Reflection: Love and You Are My Star

    Love One thing that the humankind needs to learn more often is how to love. Love can come in different forms. Respect is a form of love. Kindness, openness, happiness for others, and more. It’s a shame that a lot still divides the world. Tonight I chose to write a very short love poem—and for…

  • Moonlight

    Purely handsomeImmaculate phantomCircle, one of gentlenessOffering the galaxy,To all, and sundryLight and calmness,And breezy evening tideFor all, and sundry

  • Poem: Don’t Cry

    Don’t cry when the last coal burn outAnd the little flickering fire tries to stayDon’t cry around the noise of silenceEven when it’s so loud and deafeningDon’t cry when there’s a moonless nightWhen the cold hands of twilight threatenDon’t cry, my friend, when it seems it’s overLet it be; the sun will rise, so will…

  • 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…

  • Quote: Your People

    People who are your people are not just those who share the same values, experiences or color but people who want to see you succeed and become a greater version of yourself — Oke Iroegbu

  • Big Sur; The Streams Rush In Haste

    The sound of the streams happy haste is music to my ears and joy to my soul

  • Sunset

    Evening—fair sunsetCalm wind, twilightBirds in mid-air flightChirp to this day’s exitSo breath in and outFor memories are all we got

  • Moonlight

    It’s time that candlelights are blown outOne after the other; in this little town,All wait for the moon to shine againWhen black figures stroll aboutBeyond the fences, the forest stoodThe green grass against the moonlightNow faint but immaculately whiteVarious odors greeted all, people, mudThere were dark patches on the stream The moon had spread over…

  • Poetry

    Why do you blog? This short blog post answers the prompt on why I blog… Poetry Poetry is a composition in verse or language, exhibiting conscious attention to patterns. The bolded are crucial to understanding the true nature of poems. Poetry has been in existence for centuries. As an art that survived centuries, I was…

  • Night Poem: Stars Glitter

    https://wp.me/p1F7lc-2rk

  • Home

    What’s the shortest verse you read this week and what is home to you? Below is a piece drafted from a discussion I had with a friend. You might agree that home is truly the best place to be. East or WestRain or ShineHome is the best

  • Nature’s Symphonies

    I love to hear the symphonies of natureBy the side of streams or up the pretty sunny skies,When it showers or through the whirling wind trail,The smooth rush of the flowing stream,The screeching of insects beneath grasses,The virtually silent clouds whose sounds are exaltedThe call of birds, the hop of deer, minutes of termites,And effervescent…

  • Love Quote

    Love is the greatest magic ever

  • Let

    Let the soft wind of morning speakLet squirrels pick nutsLet happy deer forage rootsLet pretty flowers blossomLet the sun shine bright tooJust let all good things be Listen, to the rhythm of your heart – of Nature’s

  • Quote: Real Treasures

    Look at each day and value the real treasures; good friends, warm sun, fresh air, hearty laughter, and true love.