Oke’s Musings: Poetry, People and Places

Tag: blogging

  • Perspectives: So Big, So Small

    I wrote a quote about this some time ago; this post is a revised version. I’ve always wondered how big an aircraft can be. Standing near one feels so massive that it could hold hundreds of people as they board. I often imagine the passengers inside a passing plane from the ground. Where are they…

  • 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…

  • 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.”

  • Life

    What are you curious about? I’m curious about life, and everything in-between.

  • Quote on Grace

    Being gracious does not mean you are weak. Choose to be graceful regardless!

  • 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.…

  • 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…

  • 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

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Maybe 4

    Maybe heartbeats are drumsticksRolling out beats for loved onesAnd each moment we get a hugIt’s an assurance that we are home

  • Quote: Courage

    Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear — George Addair

  • Muse: Be Curious

    What does it mean to be a kid at heart? Be the sunshine when you can, be the rainfall, be the memories from the sound of laughter Be free, be happy, be kind, be playful, be everything that makes you smile—finally, be curious.

  • Maybe 3

    Maybe shadows tell stories too

  • There’s a Lion Out there!

    You see, sometimes what we seek is on the other side of fear. There’s a Lion Out there! Once upon a time, there was an announcement in a small village about a beautiful garden outside the village, reputed to have an abundance of all kinds of food and drinks. However, the problem was that the…

  • Congo

    Congo, my dear CongoThe land of many warriors Land of happy womenWho dance and turnTo the beats of drumsAnd to glaring menThe land of goldAnd lush green fieldsOf shrooms, dandelions,And blue horizons boldThe land of many rivers,And great, many lovers,land of the gazelle, leopard,And all graceful dancers The evening is sadSounds of canonRent the air,Bloodthirst,Soldiers,Crying…

  • My Father’s Book Collections

    Describe an item you were incredibly attached to as a youth. What became of it? I was fond of my father’s book collections. Most of them I have read several times. The books were kept in the countryside, and each time I went home, I had something to read. The collection included Shakespeare and Oscar…

  • Travel the World

    What is your mission? It has been my dream to travel around the world—to see the sunset in different climes and nations, go up the peaks, sniff the pure air, watch the wildlife, swim with mild stream currents, dance with natives, smile at strangers, write stories of good places and people, dream, fall in love…

  • Don’t Worry, Just Live…

    What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life? We came orderly and will leave randomly I don’t think much about these life philosophies and concepts. I only want to do what makes me, my loved ones, and the people around me happy. At the end of it all, memories are…

  • 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.

  • Creative Writing

    How are you creative? I started this blog in 2012; I wasn’t sure what to make of it. However, I knew that I wanted to use it as an avenue to express my thoughts and creativity. Writing poetry and narrative essays also exhibited my creative pursuits and has been instrumental to my academic endeavors. Talking…

  • Friendship

    What relationships have a positive impact on you? Friends are family we chose for ourselves Friendship is illustrated in love, sympathy, kindness, loyalty, generosity, forgiveness, altruism, mutual understanding, compassion, trust, and the ability to be oneself and to express one’s feelings. I have friends who have contributed to my success in life. Many have offered…

  • Push-Ups & Squats

    What are your favorite physical activities or exercises? I do push-ups and squats in the morning. It’s the best exercise to get me out of bed and start the day. I feel energetic afterward. It gets easier with daily practice and is convenient as I don’t have to go to the gym to do both…

  • Penguins of Madagascar

    What’s your favorite cartoon? I liked many TV shows, but I enjoyed The Penguins of Madagascar, the series the most. It was my family show as everyone gathered at night to see the sequel. King Julien was a laughable character, and so was his minions. The Penguins were intelligent, funny, and cute. I thought about…

  • Egusi Soup

    Do you or your family make any special dishes for the holidays? Spicy, warm soups are delightful for me. Food is culture. Food is life, and I can go on dropping poetic lines about food. As a traditional person, I am a foodie who appreciates good food! I love traditional Igbo dishes like egusi, ede,…

  • Play and Work

    In what ways does hard work make you feel fulfilled? Let’s start this prompt with a short poem I wrote some time ago. I call it Play or Labor. Play green locust, hopTake a swerve, make a loopWatch days turn into dismal years Labor brown ant, toilMorn and noon, dig the soil,Gather seeds before bitter…

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Don’t Give Up

    Dreams are like songs. Keep singing; keep it alive. Dance if you may; spice it up. Don’t stop singing; never give up.

  • America

    Dear friends, Forgive me, I arrived at UC Berkeley from Frankfurt yesterday after sitting on a plane for 13 hours. Timezones changed. Unpacking, registrations, and preparing for classes took their toll on me. As part of my apology I’ll upload a song I’m fond of. Well, I’m energized, I’m empowered and I’m loved. You know,…

  • 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…

  • 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.…

  • Pic: Ostriches

  • Speak Up

    Silence is not always golden When it comes to caution and discipline, silence may be an adversary. Take, for example, seeing a kid who rides bicycles on the busy road and deciding not to warn him of the hazard. Also, consider not calling the police instead preferring to record or watch gang violence across the…

  • African Proverb: Closed Mind

    Proverb: Eyes are useless if the mind is blind The eyes see tangible things, but the mind sees much more than that. Ideas are shaped in the mind. After ideas are formed they can now be manifested into real things. Therefore, while eyes are physical, the mind is mental. A mentally blind person can walk…

  • Happiness: An Old Story

    Happiness: An Old Story My dear friends, happiness is an old story. Indeed many people have sought it in the wrong places: material things and found it not. But this story sent to me reveals that happiness is not a function of physical possession. As for me, I find happiness daily – in the rain,…

  • Don’t Give Up Yet

    Never forget, “if you lost it, it’s because you are meant to find something better.” Let go of the past and make room for what is coming.

  • Lights: Last Blog 2021

    There’s no moon tonight, just galaxies. Despite the littering stars up the sky, there’s pitch darkness on the path leading to my granny’s place. This night is unusual. I know this small village to be cold at night. However, tonight the aura is indifferent. The air is mild and the harmattan breeze is nowhere to…

  • Reflection: Faces

    Faces I am worried that my village would be a changed place when I return. It’s been a while since I left and I wonder what changed. I daydreamed on the bus as it sped down the hill. Palm trees crawled past, I lost count. The clouds seem to change with each turn but the…

  • Love As Living Water

    Love like precious elixir, Green, blue, of many hues Pure as the sweet spring – Leaping water, living waters, Flowing fast, east and west, In haste to lands far away, I desire, fetch this life-giver, This abundant zest of vitality So that the glamorous spring May birth a new beginning One that won’t lack anymore

  • Art: Ruhige Nacht

    Ruhige Nacht Variety is the spice of life, they say. So I’ve decided to give this blog post a title in German. If I was proficient in the language I would love to write the entire blog post in German. Ruhige Nacht is Quiet Night in English. If I was a European, I would be…

  • A Hopeful September

    Hope is the faint light that keeps burning in our hearts even in profound darkness September is a month that means a lot to me. It reminds me of life and death. It’s my sober month. Someday I’ll find the courage to write about September’s significance to me. I’m grateful for everything. It was just…

  • Igbo Proverb: On the Kite and Eagle

    Igbo: Egbe bere, Ugo bere, nke si ibe ya ebele, nku gbajie ya English: Let the Kite perch, let the Eagle perch, any that forbids the other from perching, let its wings break. Origin: This proverb originated from the Igbo tribe of Nigeria. It’s commonly used when trying to settle disputes or for prayers. Meaning:…

  • Folk: Eri, the Orphan

    Once upon a time. In a land far away, when things were not the way they are today. There lived an orphan, Eri whose parents died when she was just a few months old. Her uncle took her in, to raise her alongside his kids, Agbona and Tete. Eri was hardworking. She learned new things…

  • Short Story: True Beauty

    the true beauty of the word beauty is felt when we see things differently… One Word – Different Opinions Everyone has a different notion about beauty. To me, beauty is a function of the heart. Beauty is everything that makes someone or a thing wholly pleasing, attractive, or acceptable. Hence, beauty goes beyond the physical.…

  • Be You

    People always make fun of others because they think they are different Well, it’s not a bad thing to be different. So be the very best version of yourself.

  • Failure Vs Regret

    Do not fear failure, fear regret Arise! Wake up! This is a clarion call! Resolve to take action today. Write that book or lyrics. Volunteer. Start that business. Vocalize that song. Take dancing classes. Work out. Travel. Live. Just a take step. What will it be? What will it take? If Failure or Success? If…