Saturday 12 September 2015

Poetry: Ibadan by Kolade Olanrewaju Freedom



Ibadan

Ibadan,
The shape of your body men lust after
Like the galloping derriere of a woman
In her loveliest but meanest prime


Ibadan,
Like birds, demons of dust and rust
Descend upon your boundless roofs
To tell tales of your ancientness
To the saints of your historicity 


Ibadan,
The marks on your bony cheeks
Are as permanent as your fame
Transcending the invasion of your lands,
Enslavement of slavery across coastal lines

Ibadan,
Your words are naturally humorous
Creating a peculiar mess in the ears
Of your detractors who are ignorant
Of The Penkelemes Years…

Sunday 18 January 2015

Don't turn a blind eye!


Father, that malnourished child
who strums the guitar of hunger
on desolate streets of poverty
begs to feed on crumbs
falling off your golden table.
Don't turn a blind eye!

Mother, that wild, merchandised child
who makes your head dangle in shame
for womanhood, humanity and posterity
can still be tamed and saved.
Don't turn a blind eye!

Humanity, that homeless child
who wanders in the valley of negligence
beseeches you for a home, no, a crib...
don't push him away!

Justice, that abused child
is as defenseless as an orphaned chick.
where are your wings, O Justice?
I rebuke your guilty silence!
Quit sitting on that towering fence
lest you fall into the rescuing hands
of injustice.

*The dignity of humanity is embedded in love, empathy, benevolence, hospitality and selflessness not indifference, bitterness and religious bigotry.

~ Kolade Olanrewaju Freedom




This poem is inspired by a heart-wrenching story(news) I read off Linda Ikeji's blog. Shared below:

Pope Francis who is currently in the Philippines was moved to hug these two children after one of them, 12 year old Glyzelle Palomar, a rehabilitated homeless girl, asked him in tears why God could allow children to become prostitutes.

"Many children get involved in drugs and prostitution. Why does God allow these things to happen to us? The children are not guilty of anything.” Palomar said during her speech at a Catholic mass.

Pope Francis who couldn't find an immediate answer for her question, got up and gave a hug. He later replied her and the congregation saying:

“She is the only one who has put forward a question for which there is no answer and she was not even able to express it in words but rather in tears. I invite each one of you to ask yourselves, 'Have I learned how to weep, how to cry when I see a hungry child, a child on the street who uses drugs, a homeless child, an abandoned child, an abused child, a child that society uses as a slave?” He said.



Wednesday 31 December 2014

Eriata Oribhabor Food Poetry Contest 2014- The Shortlist



We are pleased to announce the shortlist for Eriata Oribhabor Food Poetry Contest 2014. Our esteemed judge came up with top 12 poems after assessing 130 entries. Below are the titles of the shortlisted poems and their authors:

- The Blackman's Pride (Egusi Soup) by Emecheta Chukwuma Christian

- The Last Supper by Estrella Gada

- Abacha by Oghenero Ezaza

- Spare a Thought by Darlington Ekene Ogugua

- Agege Bread by Bada Yusuf Amoo

- Feed me in the African Spirit by Iyeomoan Emmanuel Ehizogie

- Edikang Ikong by Idongesit Ifet

- Suya by Asoegwu F. Christiana

- Ode to the White Pap by Deji W. Adesoye

- Who Shall I Make my Wife by Okpaefi Anyanwu Mabel

-Eba and Hunger by Olajide Adedamola (D'Ola)

- Xaziime with Samir at Maroosh by Terri Carrion

* The above listed poems will be further assessed by the Judge whose ultimate aim is to select the top 3 winning poems that'll be awarded accordingly. This will be done soon.

Congratulations to the shortlisted poets. It's a well-deserved victory considering the scrupulous method adopted.

~Kolade Olanrewaju Freedom
Moderator, EOFPC 2014






Sunday 2 November 2014

THE ERIATA ORIBHABOR 2014 FOOD POETRY CONTEST (EOFPC)


In recognition of the value of foods to human existence and the need to embellish them in poetic lines, Mr. Eriata Oribhabor launched The Eriata Oribhabor's Food Poetry Contest in 2013. Passionate about promoting their richness and diversity via poetry, Eriata Oribhabor is soliciting poetry submissions for the Annual Poetry Contest tagged ''The Eriata Oribhabor 2014 Food Poetry Contest".
Find below the guidelines:

* Theme: Promoting Unity via Food Diversity

- all poems must be food-related, descriptive and accessible (coherent).

- poems should appeal to the senses.

- effective use of imagery counts.

- submissions are neither limited to country nor race.

- maximum of 2 poems with limitless word count.

- entries must be original intellectual property of the entrants.

- submissions should be accompanied by brief biography and contact information comprising full name, email address and phone number (in the body of the email.)

*All submissions should be forwarded to eriatafoodpoetrycontest@gmail.com and tagged: "Eriata Oribhabor Food Poetry Contest 2014"

Submission Deadline: 25th November, 2014

PRIZES TO BE WON:

First Prize: A mini laptop (notebook)
Second Prize: A blackberry Z10 phone
Third Prize: A Tecno P5 Phone

Kolade Olanrewaju Freedom
Moderator, EOFPC

Author, Punctured Silence

Wednesday 27 August 2014

Punctured Silence ( A collection of irrepressible poems)




As much as I like to exercise the power of logical reasoning when writing creatively, I'm careful enough not to displace inspiration in the process.

Punctured Silence is an inspired title for a collection of poems incubated by inspiration in the laboratory of thoughts. It's a book fathered by passion, but nurtured by vision.

Studying literature, I devised this definition for it- 'a duplicative form of life that addresses the past in its quest to enlighten the present on how to mold the clayey future.' With this understanding, I penned every poem in this book basically to educate and entertain without sacking integrity and clarity.

In my inventive attempt to clearly reach out to my readers, I frowned at obscurity by throwing an addictive look at coherence. Therefore, a reader can courageously and judiciously try to find the depth of each poem without drowning in the ocean of ambiguity. Without communicating, the essence of language is lost.

In this collection, silence is punctured to provoke ceaseless flow of irrepressible emotions seeking the redemption of humanity. My aim as a poet finds utmost expression in the words of Martin Luther King Jnr; 'Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.'

Punctured Silence!

I dip a blazing pen
into my aerated soul
to punctured silence.

~Freedom
 

Thursday 17 April 2014

The Nelson Mandela Poetry Collaboration


Inspired by the selfless deeds of Nelson Mandela, writers from different nationalities unite their pens to honour Mandela and inspire others to greatness. TNMPC is a collection of tribute poems, essays and artistic works- all revolving around the life of the great Madiba.
This much anticipated anthology is hosted by Kingstar Digital Publishing, and it has been scheduled for release this month by the Publisher. 

Ensure you get a copy!
***************









List of Contributing Authors for The Nelson Mandela Poetry Collaboration

Don't be surprised to see your favourite writer as a contributor to this great anthology:

POETRY

Olaoluwa Abiola Abidemi, for 2 poems: ‘My Madiba’ and ‘Nelson Mandela’
Sunday Christian Lawrence, for 3 poems: ‘The Great Icon’, ‘Mandela Lays’, and ‘The Warrior‘
Ahmad Nura, for 3 poems: ‘Me, Too!’, ‘A Note To Remember’, and ‘This Day’
Opuku Bismark Seth, for 1 poem: ‘Tuneless Song’
Williams A.V. Christena, for 1 poem: ‘The Black Pearl Of South Africa’
Elosiuba Okechukwu Izuchukwu, for 1 poem: ‘He Still Lives’
Sandile Tawanda Ntini, for 1 poem: ‘The Journey Continues’
Folami Mustafa Olawale, for 3 poems: ‘Untitled’, ‘The Secret Face’, and ‘The South’
Epron Silas, for 2 poems: ‘The White Garment’ and ‘The Laugh Of A Wounded Lion’
Agbarakwe Eugenia Adaku, for 1 poem: ‘In Memory Of Nelson Rolihlahla Madiba’
Aminu Aliyu, for 1 poem: ‘Madiba’
Adetimilehin Vic’Adex Inioluwa, for 1 poem: ‘A Freedom Trail’
Oku-Ola Paul Abiola, for 1 poem: ‘Indeed The Hen Gets Wet’
Oswald George Okaitei, for 1 poem: ‘The Warrior’s Task Is Over’
Okoro Chinedu Vincent, for 1 poem: ‘Selfless Flesh’
Obi Peter M.C., for 1 poem: ‘Our Hero’s Last’
Yerimoh Ezekiel, for 1 poem: ‘That Great Man’
Okechukwu Elosiuba Izuchukwu, for 1 poem: ‘He Still Lives’
Adefila Adeyinka, for 3 poems: ‘The Mighty One Is Gone’, ‘Rise In Honour’ and ‘Bow Before The Fallen King’
Mmahi Justice Uchenna, for 2 poems: ‘Full Moon’ and ‘The Golden Wreath That Befit Posterity’
Idowu Joshua, for 1 poem: ‘Bring Back The Hero’
Seraphin Albert Oladipupo Nwachukwu, for 1 poem: ‘Ride On’
Siddartha Beth Pierce, for 1 poem: ‘Mandela’s Lesson’
Philip Kwame Freitas, for 1 poem: ‘Sound Of Our Tears’
Neneth Ramiro Rondera, for 1 poem: ‘The Great Rolihlahla’
Dyke Williams, for 2 poems: ‘Ode To Madiba’ and ‘On Madiba’
Indrajit Rai, for 1 poem: ‘Glory To All The Energies Divine’
Shweta Kesari, for 1 poem: ‘Reward Of Mansion’
Fayomi Olufemi Emmanuel, for 2 poems: ‘Madiba, The Fierce, The Humane’ and ‘Soul Of Africa’
Joyce Nwanokwai, for 1 poem: ‘Song For Mandela’
Anakani Godswill Odatuwa, for 1 poem: ‘My Home Africa’
Opara Moses Chibueze, for 1 poem: ‘Memezama (Fight For Freedom)’
Elizabeth E. Castillo, for 1 poem: ‘A Man Named Madiba’
Okeke Akudo Nkemjika Christien, for 1 poem: ‘Detained Hero’
Kolade Olanrewaju Freedom, for 2 poems: ‘The Eagle Is Gone’ and ‘Madiba Lives’
Kolade Olajumoke, for 1 poem: ‘Gone In The Flesh But Not In Deeds’
Ojuola Tolutope Daniel, for 1 poem: ‘I Have Seen Reason’
Kufreabasi Dennis, for 1 poem: ‘Sunrise On The South’
Adelaja Ridwan Olayiwola, for 1 poem: ‘Like Mandela’
Alozor Michael Ikechukwu, for 2 poems: ‘Like Mandela (A Ghazal)’ and ‘Adieu Tata’
Ogwo David Emenike, for 1 poem: ‘Unforgettable Madiba’
Adedayo Adeyemi Agarau, for 1 poem: ‘Rusted Arrow’
Nwachukwu Michael Anene, for 1 poem: ‘African Haiku for Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela’
Kukogho I. Samson, for 2 poems: ‘Not Before The Flashbulb Crew’ and ‘No Tears’
King Samuel Benson, for 3 poems: ‘I Never Really Knew Him’ , ‘Life Begins At Death’and ‘We Are All That’s Left’

ESSAYS
Kolade Olanrewaju Freedom, for 1 essay: ‘A Costly Price He Paid’
Kolade Gbolagade Freedom, for 1 epitaph: ‘The Last Great Liberator of the 20th Century’

ARTWORK
Sule Abdulai, for 1 portrait of Nelson Mandela.
Procure more information about this anthology here: http://kdp.ebooksreloaded.com/final-numbers-list-contributing-authors-nelson-mandela-poetry-collaboration/#.U06u6KhdUsB

Blessings!

Book Introduction: Made Strong by Olajumoke Kolade

Book Description


The entrance of the Word gives light and understanding to the simple psalm 119:130.This book is set to illuminate the lives of many by the inspiration of truth. The frailties in the heart of men is about to receive the sure Word of God which breeds confidence. Sit back and enjoy the grace of God at work in the lives of His patriarchs of faith.















About The Author

Olajumoke Kolade is a final year student of Public Administration at Ekiti State University. She is an active member of Ladies Christian Group where she contributed to the publication of a magazine captioned 'Ladies of Influence'. Her poems have been featured in two global anthologies titled World Healing World Peace Poetry & Nelson Mandela poetry collaboration. The inspiration to write is drawn from her desire to see God's purpose fulfilled in the lives of others. Have you ever witnessed the zeal embedded in her passion? Hear her speak and you will be amazed. Good news! The kindle edition of the book is already available on amazon. Here is the link to it : www.amazon.com/dp/B00JMOMLJ8

Monday 17 March 2014

A Nation Sitting On A Keg Of Gun Powder (A Satire by Kolade Olanrewaju Freedom)





A gigantic nation located in the Western part of Africa sits on a keg of gun powder.The nation Nigeria has its structure erected on a quicksand; disaster peeps through the window of the nation like the rude Sun radiating its light through the opening of a window.I am not a pessimist; I am just being factual and realistic. The political status of Nigeria is the unjust force that has imposed the sitting of the nation on an explosive keg.Analysis will be done to unravel the mysterious factors that have placed the nation in a state of terrorism, poverty and corruption.


In the year 1960 when Nigeria gained independence, hope swam in the water of abundance, freedom kicked captivity's manhood and ridiculed its weak strength.There was freedom to govern ourselves the way we wanted; but not anyhow, we forgot that at the onset. Political freedom granted us by the Colonialist has degenerated into political captivity. In the year 1966, the first coup d' etat was born as a baby to parents I will term corruption,greediness and foolishness.


The nation has been governed by different leaders who are all suffering from malnutrition or unbalanced diet.They may have all other nutrients in their mind system, but they are all deficient in selflessness.The present frustrating state of this nation can be linked to the bad past that had selfish leaders at the helm of political affairs.When the foundation is destroyed, what can the "clueless" righteous do? All blames will not be attributed to the past governments alone, the present government has also failed in its quest for rectification, rejuvenation, solution and transformation.

The once peaceful nation is now a screen where the world views violence as a movie.Terrorism is a fruit we have reaped from the tree of selfishness, religious intolerance,bad governance and corruption. The Islamist sect, Boko Haram, is an offspring of political failure not religious extremism as widely believed or publicized. This devilish baby, Boko Haram was conceived right from 1960 without anyone being aware. The founding fathers of democracy lacked selflessness, all aimed to rule by all means, they were like Maradona,foul play was pleasant to them as long as it produced result.These selfish acts stepped on the toes of peace,right from that moment, ethnic chauvinism was born and this led to the civil war in 1967, we thought that ended in 1970, but we were wrong. We only cut off the branches, the stump still lives and the branches have regrown with thorns that are piercing and choking the throat of the nation. Tribalism and religious extremism both have their roots in the political disaster we have nurtured with the water of selfishness.You might want to ridicule me as a novice who knows nothing about Nigerian politics and has presented a moral topic before you that has no significance:but you are wrong, below are cogent points that back me up.

Selfless leaders would not compromise the peace of the nation for their political ambitions.

A selfless leader would lose his sleep at night strategizing on security, knowing demonic creatures could possibly be aiming at bombing a school.

A selfless government will not allocate outrageous resources to itself knowing majority of the governed live in poverty.

A selfless leader will be gutsy enough to confront the cabals rather than intimidate and punish the masses by increasing fuel price.

Selfless government will destroy tribalism, nepotism, despotism and favouritism in the selection of people to governmental positions; meritability will be the watchword.

Selfless judiciary will put on a robe of justness and avoid prejudice and corruption in the delivery of justice.

Sectional leaders that are selfless will lose happiness and do anything to stop the violence emanating from religious extremism rather than become opportunists who aim at using anarchy to usurp power.

I will continue analyzing different occurrences of selfishness in this nation without an end if I aim at doing so.Our leaders must excrete selfishness for change to occur.Our leaders must drink the urine of selflessness if this nation will ever survive.I intentionally used ' urine' in this context; it signifies the odds and unpleasantness associated with being good or doing the right thing. Until our readers are ready to sacrifice their convenience and well-being for the nation; things will grow from worse to worst.



Politics feeds on a food I call wisdom. Stupidity is not a curse, it is the possession of a mentally retarded fellow. Foolishness is not an abuse; it is the manifestation of an undeveloped mind. What happens when our leaders lack wisdom? The followers suffer and the nation heads towards doom. As a writer of subtle approach, I will not term our leaders foolish nor stupid, but their ways are, their words are, their actions and inactions are. Imagine a leader of a nation who was being attacked by his followers due to insecurity, and all he had to say to defend himself was that, he was not a tyrant or a dictator. The truth is, you do not need to be autocratic before you enforce a change, all you need is wisdom married to timely action.

The obnoxious policies that have emanated from the present government are quite unpleasant and ludicrous. If security can take a huge chunk out of revenue allocation, but insecurity still mocks the nation the way butter does to a bread, then I am sorry for my fatherland.


It is unwise and stupid of the legislature to have ever had the time to debate on abortion and prostitution when basic challenges such as poor education and unemployment are laughing the nation to scorn.

It is unjustly stupid for the judiciary to have freed corrupt political leaders even when there was enough evidence to nail them to the cross.

I see nothing wise in a leader attempting to name an educational institution after a great icon of democracy when he hasn't fully delivered the dividends of democracy.

The government has failed likewise the citizens.A balanced view is what makes a writer just.Truth is bitter but sweet.As citizens, we have the power to vote in and vote out; but it saddens me to realise we often trade this single power or right for short term benefits. We sell our votes to them forgetting they have whips in hand to beat us for our misdeeds when they come to power.

Your vote should not be sold, it should be earned justly. Maybe we deserve the kind of government we have, but am forced to say 'nay'. Crafty politicians trick gullible citizens, so terrible! Yet again, I am forced to say 'yes' ; from among the people comes the leaders.

Before the completion of this satire, I have to add this hilarious piece: Sanni Abacha's blood system was extremely infected with selfishness to the extent that he attempted to eat an apple and a lady at the same time; that choked his throat and led to his demise. "Olojukokoro" I will call him in yoruba, "Oliver Twist" in English. He fell at the feet of his enemies when his body system crashed due to the presence of rampant virus (selfishness) ...I cannot vouch for the authenticity of this since we were all made to believe he died from an heart attack, heart attack my foot!


When our leaders start acquiring knowledge, they will begin to make effective decisions; when they embrace selflessness, terrorism and corruption will let go.

When the citizens become wise- they will put on the gown of patriotism, shun bribery, corruption and violence, vote based on meritability, avoid tribalism and be positive. SELL NO VOTE OF YOURS, LET IT BE EARNED JUSTLY; FOR YOUR VOTE IS NOT ATTACHED TO YOU ALONE, YOUR CHILDREN'S FUTURE IS IN IT, THE NATION'S FUTURE IS IN IT.


It is time for the nation to rise up from the seat, that seat of gun powder. Explosion may occur soon, and no one may have the opportunity to put on a fedora hat; not even the president and no time for a sheepish smile.


The right action by the leaders and citizens is what we need, we can spell transformation agenda since it has been echoed to our ears countless times, but we need to experience it. Now is the time!

Written by : Kolade Olanrewaju Freedom

Wednesday 12 March 2014

Mi'Ca Harkless- Exceptional Singer and Song writer

Mi'Ca is an exceptional singer who is divinely designed with musical nutrition. As a writer, I spend much time nurturing my writing prowess,but life has a web which it uses to connect us together irrespective of our diverse identities and purposes.I secured Mi'Ca's assistance with ease while working on my book trailer, I needed a soundtrack and surprisingly she joyfully contributed her song 'Eternity' from her album- "Just Michelle". Listening to her song made me realise how exceptionally good  she is. Stunned by it,I humbly requested to feature her on my blog...You don't hide the good,you reveal it to all.

Listen to a song of hers to verify the accolades duly bestowed on her:




About Michelle Harkless
Mi'cA better known as Michelle Harkless is a singer -songwriter from Petersburg, Virginia with a unique sound of rnb, neo-soul, and gospel with a dash of reggae fusion. Mi'cA is inspired by Tweet, Lauryn Hill, and Sade. 
Mi'cA offers her musical talents in singing, songwriting, and collaboration for upcoming projects. She also offers her services as a keyboardist for churches and events.
Connect with her via these links: iTunes: http://smarturl.it/justmichelle-ep

Monday 3 March 2014

The Rose ( A Poem by Christena AV Williams)

The Rose



A rose is just a flower
That is how it seems
When it blooms its beauty
It signifies life, love and eternity.

If you just think, it has a rose
Then that is what it will be
However, when you see the beauty
And you make it yours
Oh, how magnificent it can be.

When you talk about roses
You talk about love
A rose expresses your heart desires
I am like a rose in your garden
With beauty you see
It blossoms with the most notorious colours
It never dies.

It attracts the most enchanting creatures
That is filled with love
Would you take me?
More than just a rose,
A flower,

But beauty of love
That when you see
Me, so bright
Such delight
How can you not accept?
A profound love that is given,

A rose is much more than how it seems
It is to you to make it super fabulous
I am not just any rose
I am your rose.

Copyright Reserved.
Christena AV Williams

Author's Biography

Christena AV Williams is a young Jamaican poet and Author of newly published collection of poetry, “Pearls among Stones.” This book is accessible via the online bookstore blurb http://www.blurb.com/b/4148458-pearls-among-stones. This poet writes from the heart and soul spilling over inked by her lips and God’s gift manifested. She is lover of oldies, classics, Bob Marley, Gospel and country music and she is a radical thinker and writer and is not afraid to speak her mind. She is published in international anthologies, Magazines online, Anthologies for charities, blogs, blog talk radios, literary sites and the local newspaper Gleaner. Contacted via email williams.christena@yahoo.com




Friday 28 February 2014

It Could Have Been You (Solidarity Pro Unitate)




O' My God, it could have been me
O' Humanity, it could have been you
Sleeping on a bed cursed with death
Slaughtered like rams in an abattoir.

Those kids must have said their prayers
Some must have recited spiritual mantras
Before giving sleep its right
Oh! O' sleep,why allow death snatch them from you?
So feeble are you to give them away as preys
to demonic vampires whose consciences
are seared by brutality and cruelty.

O' Nation, behold your future
O' Future, behold your nation
Has it any right to one?
Was your throat not slit while you slept?

40 kids,43 kids,59 kids
Ah!see the death figures above
Statistics are confused men
Blame them not
Those are lives in their prime
Cut off before their time.

O' People, rise up and confront the woes-
with claws shredding your tomorrow like papers
Hear me! You, who wear a fedora
Proffer solution to terrorism
and stop misplacing priorities.

O' Fathers,behold your kids grusomely murdered
O' Mothers,behold your kids violently butchered
O' Brothers, behold your sisters badly burnt
O' Sisters, behold your brothers gunned down
O' Mr. President, behold your citizens bereaved !
O' God, behold your gods utterly destroyed!

Call unto fury if positivism is its motive
Tell commiseration to shut up
Order solution to speak up
Call out the lions in every sheep.

This pen desires to write no more
It is not as indifferent as man
It weeps uncontrollably
But just before it faints,
Hear its blatant truth:
"It could have been you"

Written by: Kolade Olanrewaju Freedom


As a foreigner, you wonder what birthed my poem ? Read this saddening news : http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/25/boko-haram-kills-children-boarding-school

Wednesday 26 February 2014

The Journey

The Journey




Off the factory of The Most High
Into the womb of an 'Eve'
Where I metamorphosed while being groomed
for the journey ahead.

Out I came
Clothed in a torn red garment
Crying to disapprove my forceful ejection
From a home best described as an 'oasis.'

As a child, I had fantasy as my pal
Innocence in me demonized reality
No pressure to insure pleasure
I lived like a bird.

Growing up grew responsibilities
Which were like weeds to be uprooted;
Standing up prepared me for an odious journey
But unavoidable it was-
Running away means starting right away.

Eagerness to try the trials
deprived me of sensible patience
But life itself held a cane its hand
A stroke of it for every erroneous step.

Here I am in the present,standing at a crossroad
Mathematically analyzing the length of the next step
Economically calculating the cost of the next step
Philosophically propounding the theoretical features of the next step
Religiously verifying the authenticity of the next step.

The journey!
It begins with a step
It is enjoyable with a step
It is detestable with a step
It ends with a step onto a life elsewhere.

Written by: Kolade Olanrewaju Freedom