There’s a quietly enchanting feel to a Southern California road trip—the way neighborhoods burst with colorful murals and eclectic storefronts seamlessly blend into the highways, the sudden appearance of the ocean with waves crashing fiercely against rocks, and time itself seeming to stretch just enough for curiosity to take the lead. Our adventure began in… Continue reading From Los Angeles to the Wild: A Road Trip to San Diego Zoo
Tag: blogger
Alcatraz
I was there once—intense views,spirits rising and falling,all of us entrappedon this piece of land. I heard the seagullsand the silent whisperslifting with the sunrise—people, dust, memories. Cold weather, cold hearts,remnants of man’s resentment.Nature goes on living;this is no reservation. Guilt, conscience, prayers,tears, the 1960s, modernity—love, maybe hate.Are you ever worriedabout the past? I see… Continue reading Alcatraz
Quote: Power is Gentle
What can people learn from our giants, the peaceful, friendly, playful African elephants? Power is gentle! Now keep that in mind.
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… Continue reading Roses
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.”
Random Thoughts 1
Here are some random thoughts I’ve been jotting down over the past week.
So… It Actually Rained in LA
It’s Friday evening, and I have some free time to write a few lines—I’m not sure if that’s a thing. No matter. A few days ago, I saw my first heavy rain in Los Angeles and got drenched trying to escape it! I’d heard the rumors — that rain in Los Angeles is rare, dramatic,… Continue reading So… It Actually Rained in LA
Nature’s Creepiest Nun
Let’s talk about the praying mantis. Sounds holy, right? With a name like that, you’d think it spends its days in quiet meditation, sipping herbal tea and whispering affirmations to butterflies; however, if “preying mantis” could have been a better name. Just saying. This bug is a straight-up ninja assassin in a leaf-green or sometimes… Continue reading Nature’s Creepiest Nun
Truth
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free – John 8.32
Life
What are you curious about? I’m curious about life, and everything in-between.
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… Continue reading Thank You, New Mexico!
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… Continue reading Sunrise & Sunset
Exercise: Imagine
While this isn’t poetry, let’s consider it a small exercise. Imagine you have the power to choose your feelings every day. What options would you select? Happiness or sadness Flowers or weedsPossibilities or adversitiesPlenty or scarcityLove or hateGreen or grayPeace or conflictBeginning or end Your choices shape your reality. If you’re having a tough day,… Continue reading Exercise: Imagine
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.… Continue reading Greater Roadrunners
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… Continue reading Albuquerque’s Night Rain
Ojibwe Proverb: On Resilience and Gratitude
May you be strengthened by yesterday’s rain, walk straight in tomorrow’s wind and cherish each moment of the sun today– Ojibwe Proverb
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… Continue reading Amuse: ‘Shadowy’ Tales
Count Your Blessings
Listen to the beautiful rhythm in your soul I am an avid listener and greatly enjoy the sounds of nature and the world around me. I find joy in the soothing sounds of rainfall, the rumbling of clouds, and the intensity of raging thunderstorms. I appreciate the gentle flow of waterfalls and the melodic symphonies… Continue reading Count Your Blessings
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… Continue reading You and I
Quote: Live in the Present
Remember to take a moment to appreciate the beauty and smell of flowers and the feel of wet clay. Smile is the best ornament you can wear. Take the time to watch the sunrise or sunset while you still can. Life is fragile, and nothing lasts forever — Oke Iroegbu
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… Continue reading Tale of the Wildwoods: When Summer Arrived
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… Continue reading Golden Horizons
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… Continue reading Chill Winds
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… Continue reading Colors and Tales
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… Continue reading Diary of a Village Boy: The Leopard Spirit 11 (Tales By Moonlight 1)
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.
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… Continue reading Patterns 3
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… Continue reading Charity begins at home
Muse: Thanksgiving
I’m grateful for you—you make my heart sing
Muse: Star
There’s a lone star up the sky,Glittering feverishlyBothered by the dark nightAnd the bright moon shine There’s a lone star up the sky,From the window you can seeHer struggle, weak and faintBut giving light to heaven
Muse: Inner Beauty
We all have some inner beauty—be it light, goodness, or gold dust; shine, sprinkle yours wherever you go. It will be said that such a person walked here once upon a time.
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… Continue reading Maybe
Quote: Breaking Barriers
We never know the places we go to. We become the first pioneers when we go, opening doors for people like us and breaking down historical and cultural barriers—Oke Iroegbu
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… Continue reading Reflection: Love and You Are My Star
Sunset at Moss Landing
Moss Landing, CA Sunset reminds me of the need to rest, and ocean waves, their unison and sudden quietness, speak of taking breaks. The strong tides smash into the rock boulders, and the wind is busy throwing tantrums at the traveling sunset. My friends, always remember to take breaks and to make time for rest.
Ego
Relationships often come to an end because of someone’s ego. Similarly, leaders’ egos have led countries to fight wars, causing innocent people to suffer and die needlessly. Sadly, in such wars, many soldiers who are people’s loved ones, such as husbands, wives, sons, and daughters, lose their lives as well. All this happens because people… Continue reading Ego
Unconditional Love
What is the greatest gift someone could give you? The greatest gift I ever received was that of unconditional love — Oke Iroegbu It takes enormous courage, sacrifice, and strength to give one’s self to serve others.
Muse: Love Again
I want to hold your hands againTo look into your eyes, to say how I feel This is a muse that came to me. Love is beautiful. I dedicate this to all lovers out there.
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… Continue reading Moonlight
Quote on the Human Mind
The human mind is a great asset, whatever is fed to it, it returns back. Feed it with positivity, and it will gladly return that to you.
August Reflection
Let’s love and respect each other, that’s what the world needs at this point. It costs absolutely nothing to treat others the way we want to be treated.
Night Poem: Stars Glitter
Cold Night
Stars came looking for the moonNightfall their fine playing groundWith cold hands of night blowingLovers turn to a sack of warmth
Sunrise
Sunrise reminds us all of new beginnings Sunrise reminds me of a new startThe gloom and cold are goneI hear the birds sing once againAnd the squirrel’s cheerful sport
Quote: Gratitude
I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude. Brene Brown
Image: Bedia, Obudu
I love to share this piece of Nature with you. This is Bedia, a serene village in Obudu located in Cross Rivers State in Nigeria. Obudu is home to mountain ranges and the popular Obudu cattle ranch.
Home Tales
Nightfall dreamsA ride through moonshineHome wait for tales
The Rainmaker’s Poem
Do you want to hear the rain howl in the wind?Then you must come to AfricaHere the rainfall is a sport to childrenAnd a time to count numerous blessingsBut if you doubt this, I will make it pour! Come rainfall! Come, dear friend!Send this town scuttling for safety,Let the first rain, fill pots with murky… Continue reading The Rainmaker’s Poem
Diary of A Village Boy: The Leopard Spirit 6
When I reached home that evening, it seemed like the whole world was upside down. I felt my head swell with hurt from the bee stings and sharp roots embedded in my feet. By the side of my bamboo bed, Nene and her dog sat, staring at me. She held my hand and squeezed softly.… Continue reading Diary of A Village Boy: The Leopard Spirit 6