Oke’s Musings: Poetry, People and Places

Tag: love

  • Small Ocean in the Corner

    Small Ocean in the Corner A quiet tankBreathing blue lightin the corner of the room. Pebbles hold small storiesof water and waiting,plants sway like soft thoughtsno one hears. The lamp hums gentlyabove a glass horizon,turning an ordinary nightinto a small ocean. Outside, the room sleeps—couch, curtain, shadow. Inside,a world floatsin patient silence. Developing My Concrete…

  • Before America: Musing of All Places I’ve Become

    I want to share a part of a short story about not giving up. The longer version will come as we go along. There is a strange quiet that comes when recognition arrives late. Before America, before UC Berkeley and UCLA.Before the awards and recognitions: Mastercard Foundation Scholarship and Alumni Fund, International House Berkeley, Davis…

  • Catch the Falling Leaves

    I sit where the grass remembersevery footstep and every season,one shoe pressed into the afternoon,the earth breathing beneath me. The trees are letting go again.Soft brown confessions drift downward,each leaf rehearsing its last small dance. I’m going to stare into the horizon,wait for the sunset,and watch and catch the falling tree leaveswhen they say goodbye.…

  • Less is More

    Where can you reduce clutter in your life? For a long time, I believed clutter was just about possessions. Extra clothes, crowded desks, piles of books I intended to read. But I’ve realized that the most draining clutter isn’t always visible. It’s the kind that quietly builds up in attention, time, and thoughts. I first…

  • Pigeons

    Pigeons A few years ago, I tried to raise a couple of pigeons in Nigeria. I’ll call them elegant and bright birds, and I got them as babies because they fell out of their nests. They were vulnerable, and other birds, rodents, cats, dogs, or even insects could eat them! However, I only had them…

  • 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.

  • 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…

  • Homelessness 2

    Do you truly understand what love is? It’s the powerful realization that homelessness doesn’t define a person’s worth. Homeless individuals are everyday people—just like you and me—deserving of kindness, respect, and love. Recognizing their dignity can ignite compassion within us and inspire real actions to help uplift their lives. So next time you see someone…

  • Love is a Choice

    Love is a choice, so I chose it—not because I had feelings that fade over time. Not because I notice your height or weight, but because I decided to. Not because I think I should, but because I made a decision to. Most times, there won’t be butterflies; other times, misunderstandings may occur. Sometimes, it…

  • 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…

  • Go Forth and Sparkle

    Leave gold dust wherever you stray,In kind words, in light, in gentle sway.Let hearts you touch in warmth still glow—A trace or say trail of love is all to sow.

  • 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…

  • Protected: Love From Afar

    There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

  • Ina Murna – Obi n’atọm

    Would you dance to the beautiful rhythm in your heart and soul, or because of the warmth and smiles of loved ones and even strangers? What about the gentle breeze that caresses your body and mind? Or the encouraging words from good friends? Take a moment to look closely—there’s always something to be grateful for!…

  • Gratitude Day 1

    Today, I want to take a moment to thank those who have supported me. Friends, we all have people who stood by us during our most challenging times. I invite you to join me in remembering and appreciating them. Consider sending a thank-you letter, text, email, or gift to show your gratitude. I don’t want…

  • 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,…

  • Shades of Mount Sandia

    Mount Sandia will rise majestically. Its silhouette reminds me of a picturesque landscape painted on an expansive canvas. The view from which it is observed influences its allure. For instance, on Easter Sunday, I was fortunate enough to witness the sunrise, with her golden rays piercing the horizon, casting a divine light that bathed the…

  • Abqs Chill Weather

    I’ve noticed that the sunlight often plays hide-and-seek, like a game of “Now you see me…” I appreciate the unpredictability of the weather here. Sometimes, I see bright sunshine out the window, so I wear a short-sleeved T-shirt and shorts, only to find it chilly outside. Other times, the day looks gloomy, and I assume…

  • Dance in the Rain

    How lovely it is to dance in the rain at night,Like lost children—twisting, turning, and soaked.How sweet it is to listen to Nature’s songWhen nights are cold and the lights are out.How happy it is to hear the heartbeats of loved onesIn a vigorous hug or a gentle embrace, or even both. Would you become…

  • 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

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Maybe 4

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

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Love Poem: When You Look At Me

    Love is the sum of little things that people do every day When you look at me, your grey eyes make me fall deeperWhen you smile at me – ina murna – my heart dance for joy! Commentary Ina murna in the Nigerian Hausa language means I’m happy. In Igbo, it means obinatom. Why do…

  • 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…

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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…

  • Poetry: Moon

    Dear Moon—You beautiful ball of white light. I saw your smiling face this evening, and it reminded me of home. You stood—a shiny ball imposed on the fleeting night clouds. I see you as a myth, a floating phantom without legs. You swept—the streets and roads clean with your pretty light. Incredible, natural, unspoiled, immaculate,…

  • Quote: Love

    Travel—travel light, love—love unconditionally – Oke Iroegbu Happy Valentine’s Day.

  • 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.

  • Love Poem: Lightning in Your Eyes

    There’s the lightning in your eyesEach time you turn to smile at meThe fire—gracefulness, everythingIn-between, within and withoutNature witness to this love createdCrafted by two precious heartsOurs—the beginning and end For all lovers out there.

  • Love Poem: Music to my Soul

    Your words are music to my soulIt’s silent as the falling tree leaves,Yet loud like the currents of rapids Your songs are music to my heartThe bird songs and their trifle tweets,Squeaky sits, and dancing beats Your laughter is music to my soulI listen while it fades and lights outTo love again—laugh, songs, and all…

  • War Is Not The Answer

    Humanity first—war is not the solution, love is.

  • Quote: Gratitude

    Gratitude is best reflected in great things like smiles, and laughter.

  • Be Kind, Be Love

    Be Kind, Be Love Love is a beautiful feeling. In a world of injustice, inequality, and pain, it’s the only healing balm to embrace all. I define love as a sort of overwhelming magic. Magic because it can’t be genuinely expressed or explained. Magic because it looks beyond tribe, color, status, race, pasts, hurts, anger,…

  • Love knows no race

    Each time I look into people’s eyes, I realize we have a lot of things in common. I see myself, and the more we try to understand each other, the more exceptional we can be. We must try to make the world a better place by loving others as we love ourselves. It starts with…

  • Love Changes

    Your love changed meIt gave me a new lifeStanding beside you gives me confidenceWalking with you gives joy in abundanceMy imagination comes aliveMy mind becomes creativeI see all the beautiful thingsBecause you are in my life For all lovers out there

  • Twilight

    What’s your favorite sunset moment? I have created an imaginative piece for lovers. Well, love is the greatest magic ever. Good night. *** Warm evening blankets lurk behindWhen the golden sunset float ahead,Heralding end of daylightSo let’s watch it go in installments,Let’s feel the soft airs traverseDrift with pure graceThrough our hair and coatsIt gets…

  • 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.

  • Sound of Water

    Poetry may come in the form of flowing water,That tells of no serious thing in particular;But about the few that wash others’ feetAnd the wild that calls the forest home,It chats of fauns that hide in crevicesWhere waterfalls are happy to fall in currents,Rushing, flowing in streams and slow rivers, Out of sight, far away from hamlets,Planting…

  • Love Challenge 4: Reason

    Be the reason someone sings in joy and happiness.

  • Love Challenge 3: Assistance

    Be each others shoulder to lean on when it gets dark or tough.