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Umukwu’s Masquerades
I never knew today was Ekpo (masquerade) day in Umukwu, Ovim. I was having a little nap when the noisy drummers arrived with the masquerades. When I was growing up I witnessed many masquerade carnivals and took particular interest in Ebulu–ogu – the biggest and stout masquerade. They are known to be merciless and stubborn.…
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Back Home
This morning I and Jindu traveled back to our village. Thanks to the holidays we have enough time to explore and enjoy the quiet countryside. We took the 6.30AM bus and arrived 10.23AM. It wouldn’t take that long but for bad roads and many checkpoints. It is common for Governments to abandon capital projects here.…
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Merry Christmas Eve
As we progress to the year’s end, remember to enjoy the people God has put in your life. Drop all forms of disagreements and grudges, be humble to serve others, let things you can’t control be and try to help people. Forgive and see things from different angles. Never forget to spend quality time with…
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Dear Diary: State of Affairs
Dear Diary, This is no poetry either is it political, but a personal note, a soliloquy and thoughts that bother me. I perceive corruption every day, and it seems people are too timid to stand against it. Most are afraid of something. And I’m aware of this something. Maybe I’m a little scared again, but…
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How I see trees
It’s grandeur how trees culture mushrooms, Gathering all little termites to themselves And providing their needs of shelter and food Their branches are playground for monkeys and flies, They shed leaves which serve as bed for worms below Birds nest and sing from the farthest of leaves, Squirrels hide and seek, throwing nuts at strangers…
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In Ovim 2
Good morning. I promised to take some shots during my morning walk. I’m not a good photographer though.There’s a thick fog this morning. These kind of buildings are common in the village. It hasn’t been long since the mud house went out of fashion. With high rate of poverty, it’s hard to afford good housing…
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In Ovim
I’m back to Ovim Isuikwuato, my hometown. It has been a long week for me, marking and grading students’ math exam. Coupled with the noisy neighbourhood, the stress nearly overwhelmed me. Thank God it’s Friday. Now far away from work and town’s hustle bustle, I can feel myself heal. The surrounding hills – notably Ugwu…
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Reflecting on the Sunset
There’s that feeling of nostalgia when the sun drifts away from the hamlets, sinking, sailing through the clouds like a golden phantom, spherical like a child’s playball. Sometimes when it’s hot we wish away the sun and when it’s cold we wish the sun’s heat could warm our land. It’s man’s nature to want balance…
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Pirate ship by ‘Jindu Iroegbu
‘Jindu paints another image. This he identified as a pirate ship sailing on blue waters. There are birds enjoying the sea breeze. ‘Jindu likes The Pirates of the Caribbean and other sea faring movies, maybe this influenced this painting. Sometimes I wonder how it feels to go on a sea voyage. Thanks to ‘Jindu’s painting,…
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Visit Africa: Safari
Safari is a term used for expeditions to observe or hunt animals in their natural habitats. It has a Swahili origin and it is commonly used in East Africa. You might want to consider Safari as a holiday option. There are beautiful things waiting for you to enjoy. The misty sunrise and magical sunset will…
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Night rains
Darkened clouds bark with dogs When surging winds sweep through The hamlet and nearby forest Flying rain drops turn deep bass Blowing out the sticky candle light, Wrestling with tree branches, shaking window frames Twisting away, undressing tied curtains As the rain drops play on the glass Ghostly lightning snap across the skies Creating alien…