To free us from expectations of others, to give us back to ourselves – there lies the great, the singular power of self-respect.
~Joan Didion
WWN Reflections by JulietKego: On the vexing Issue of comparison: A wise mentor (Casey James Combden), often mentions that the basis of all unhappiness is comparison. Underlying the seeming starkness of what it is each of us does, it is important to remember that there’s an alchemy to everything.
VISION | VOICE |
VISIBILITY | VALUE-EXHANGE|
A Poem by Hauwa Shaffii Nuhu
you are bed of comfort, minna
fluffy and subtle to me
and i leave you today, again
rolling on soft affection that is your bedsheets
Conversation #9 of 77 from the Short Story Series:
“Conversations with an African Grandmother”
Grandmother: Adaugo! Adaugo!
Adaugo (In a very sleepy voice): Eh nnem, I am coming Grandmother: Nwam, I hope you had a good night’s sleep? Hurry up, have your bath, eat breakfast fast and accompany me to visit mama Ikenna
Adaugo: Nnem, isn’t a bit too early to be visiting anyone? Grandmother: You know mama Ikenna and her theatrics. Her son Ike, came this morning before the first cock crow to wake me up. Your grandfather did not find it amusing at all and warned Ike severely. First he asked him if anyone was at the point of death? When Ike replied in the negative, my Batram gave him a tongue lashing and lecture on how young men of today don’t respect the sacred hours that the body needs…
Adaugo (Smiling broadly): Nnem, everyone knows grandpapa doesn’t like anyone disturbing your sleep. He’s always complaining to mama and uncle Jaja that the townspeople bring all their problems to your doorstep.
Grandmother (Laughing cheekily): Woman to woman, you know a man is fully awake and standing early in the morning.
Floetry by JulietKego: Losing a Best Friend
The worst way to
lose a best friend
is other than
through death
for she is a
welcomed kiss,
a kind
finality
VISION | VOICE |
VISIBILITY | VALUE-EXHANGE|
Father’s Funeral by Oluwasegun Romeo Oriogun (Ogun Da Silva)
the body was laid to rest
along with his years
his memories
and nothing,
#98. Heatbreak, in slow motion.
And in my left hand
an intricately patterned
Russian crystal wine-glass
half-filled, half-empty
with fine, tangy red wine
I am floating away
from myself
Listen to the audio version of the poem: “Hug Me”
Give me
a hug
No,
I need more…
Tighter
Hmmmnnn Tighter, still…
Until I disappear
Into the folds of your warmth
Release me
Only when
All pieces of you
Flow into me
Till all I am is imprinted
On the opening
Of your heart.
(c) Juliet ‘Kego Ume-Onyido. September 21, 2015.
(All rights Reserved).
[A huge thank you to the beautiful spirit, a selfless mentor who inspired and guided my words].
#TheBeautifulOnesAreAlreadyHere
Below is the Farsi language version of the poem. [Translated by Sepi Sajadi, Toronto, Canada]. Merci.
اغوش
در اغوشم گير
نه، بيشتر ميخوام
محكمتر
اووم، بازهم محكمتر
تا كه در لابلاي گرماي تو، محو شوم
رهايم كن، ..
تنها زماني كه تمام ذرات وجودت در وجودم جريان يابد
تنها زماني كه هر انچه كه هستم درون قلبت حك شود
Floetry by JulietKego: A Pilgrim’s Plea
1.
Be careful, these careless
words you and I weave.
They seduce and call
my soul’s forgotten name.
See you not the danger
of hearts that have no shame?
Of these words we let run unfettered,
no filters, no sieve?
VISION | VOICE |
VISIBILITY | VALUE-EXHANGE|
Last Words Mama Couldn’t Say
by Oluwasegun Romeo Oriogun (Ogun Da Silva)
1. The end won’t hurt like the beginning.
2. Beautiful houses do not always make good homes.
3. The first time I held you God turned his face.
4. I could give you lessons about loneliness but I can’t tell you how it feels.
5. Learn to wait for love.
6. Your father bled me in places that killed me.
7. A woman is a body.
8. Learn about suffering.
9. Learn about nights and tears.
10. Never hit a woman. Click Here to Read More
Juliet 'Kego's World of Floetry; Explore! Experience! Enjoy! 