The Chain of Violence

In sacred night, a blight took flight,

Evil's grasp, hearts stark in its sight.

A vile massacre, shadows cast,

Leaving anguish, a darkness vast.

Reprehensible deeds, deeply abhorred,

Ungodly shock, a tragic discord.

Satanic whispers taint the air,

A grief we bear, a burden to share.

Innocent lives, in cold blood stained,

Hopes and dreams forever chained.

Families shattered, profound grief,

Loved ones lost, beyond belief.

Hatred pierces where bells should toll,

Darkness leads astray, takes control.

Love's warmth should light the way,

Yet darkness came on Christmas eve.

Against violence, though we proclaim,

Rising together, who will break this chain, 

Healing wounds, mending sorrow,

In memory of lives now gone.

Farewell to Life

In this world, we all must go,

The governor's soul, now at rest, we know.

No more struggles, no more fight,

His power and influence, extinguished in the night.

Titles and degrees, no longer hold sway,

His skin, now fodder for termites, they say.

Luxury cars and mansions all left behind,

In death, such earthly treasures, we find.

Protocols and swags, no longer matter,

No security guards, no one to flatter.

In the afterlife, he goes alone,

A lesson for us all, to be shown.

For one day, it may be you or me,

We too shall leave everything, you see.

So remember, as you live and strive,

Death comes to all, let us truly thrive.

THE TRIUMPH OF TENACITY

Dedicated to the hardworking souls, 

a heartfelt verse to extol,

Through trials and triumphs, 

your dedication takes its toll.

In a world that sometimes fails to see, your worth shines bright,

I'm proud of you, dear souls, for your relentless fight.

When the storms of life grow fierce, you stand tall and true,

You've weathered every tempest, and your spirit has renewed.

The times you wanted to surrender, but you chose to persist,

Your resilience and determination, a mighty, ceaseless twist.

Day by day, you show up strong, despite the scars you bear,

Your unwavering commitment, a testament to how much you care.

You've taken steps to better yourself, your life, your core,

Unveiling boundless potential, as you reach for even more.

So here's a tribute to your strength, an ode to your grace,

In your relentless journey, you've found your special place.

I'm proud of you, hardworking hearts, in every way you grew,

For your unwavering courage, your spirit shines anew.

THE QUEST FOR CROSSING HORIZONS

For search of dreams, they took their flight,

Leaving homelands at the silent night,

"Japa" they called it, seeking the unknown,

A quest for a life that's yet to be shown.

Some established in their native land,

Yet destiny led with an unseen hand,

To foreign shores, they bravely flew,

Hoping for skies of a brighter hue.

Success, a fickle, elusive goal,

For some, it danced within their soul,

While others toil in menial strife,

Their dreams obscured, their hopes in strife.

Flight tickets home, a distant dream,

Even for kin, or so it may seem,

They bear the weight of pride's disguise,

Afraid of judgment in others' eyes.

But like the prodigal son of old,

Who strayed afar, his story told,

They too can seek their way back home,

Where love awaits, no need to roam.

Summon courage, for it's never late,

To reunite with their native state,

Home will open its warm embrace,

Forgiving hearts, in their rightful place.

Let "Brain Drain Syndrome" find its end,

As "Japa" souls to home descend,

A tale of hope, a journey won,

Returning, like the prodigal son.

MEMORY OF A LOST DREAM

For civic loyalty, a promising soul did dwell, 

A youth of dreams, where hopes and stories swell. 

With a heart ablaze, he ventured forth with might, 

To serve his land, to chase the morning's light.

But fate's cruel hand, it struck with stealthy grace, 

Robbers' shadows cast, in this treacherous place. 

A life cut short, a dream that won't unfold, 

Insecurity's grip, a tale left untold.

Innocence stolen, a heart now cold, 

In this land of ours, where fear takes its hold. 

A mother's tears, a family's shattered dream, 

Injustice reigns, or so it may seem.

Yet in our hearts, his memory shall reside, 

A beacon of hope, in this tempestuous tide. 

We'll strive for change, for justice to prevail, 

To mend the wounds, and set our nation's sail.

United we stand, against this raging storm, 

For every lost soul, we will transform. 

In his name, we'll rise, for a safer land we yearn, 

To honour his spirit, forever, we shall discern.

Let's join hands, and together we shall fight, 

To end this darkness, and restore the light. 

In memory of a friend, we'll strive to understand, 

A tribute to the fallen, in this troubled land.

ECHOES OF CALAMITY

In Nature's grasp, we stand so small,

When tempests rise and mighty waters fall, 

Earthquakes rumble, the ground does shake, 

In the wake of disaster, hearts do ache.

Amidst trembling earth, a force untamed, 

Buildings crumble, lives are maimed, 

Families torn from their homes, their kin, 

In the aftermath, we begin again.

Raging floods, a relentless tide, 

Sweeping dreams and hopes aside, 

Fields once lush, now submerged in woe, 

Struggles endured, as we learn to grow.

Erosion's subtle, relentless dance, 

Slowly erasing our world's expanse, 

Coasts recede, and lands retreat, 

As we witness nature's bittersweet defeat.

But in these trials, we find our strength, 

Communities unite, regardless of length, 

Together we rise, to heal and mend, 

In the face of disaster, love transcends.

Let us remember, when darkness looms, 

In the face of nature's mighty booms, 

Human spirit shines, resilient and bright, 

As we rebuild, in the aftermath's light.

Scene from Morocco earthquake last Friday.(The New York Times)

TIMELESS FLOW OF CULTURE

Amidst the hills and valleys, where traditions bloom, 

The Nze na Ozo, a cultural tale resumes. 

A title of prestige, with history intertwined, 

In the hearts of Igbo people, its legacy defined.

Through ages past, it stood as a noble aim, 

Aspiring hearts, old traditions, lit the flame. 

But times have changed, the winds of faith did blow, 

Yet Nze na Ozo persists, a cultural undertow.

For in diversity, the Igbo spirit still resides, 

A tapestry of beliefs, where unity abides. 

Just like the Pharisees and Knights of old, 

Nze na Ozo's story, through history, is told.

When knighthood's cloak adorns the faithful's chest, 

In the church's grace, they find their rest. 

And so, for Igbo people, their Ozo's embrace, 

A cultural legacy, a connection to their base.

Lolo and Lady, titles intertwined, 

In love and honour, their hearts aligned. 

No religion should divide, let it be clear, 

In culture's embrace, we hold what we hold dear.

So let's celebrate Nze na Ozo's rich embrace, 

A thread in the fabric of Igbo's noble space. 

In unity and respect, we find our way,

Preserving culture's essence, come what may.

REBRANDED DOMAIN

Amidst the past, a stereotype did loom,

Nigeria's name oft shrouded in a gloom,

For fraud was linked, a shadow on its name, 

But now a different story fuels its fame.

From dance to swagger, music's vibrant beat, 

A nation's rhythm, lively, full of heat,

Tech innovation, strides that break the mold, 

In Nigeria's heart, a future bright, untold.

Doctors and nurses, heroes on the front, 

With healing hands, in every challenge, blunt, 

They rise above, their dedication clear, 

In times of need, they're always near.

Thanks to those abroad, who proudly bear, 

A legacy of change, a love affair, 

With Nigeria's pride, they've helped to mend, 

The image tarnished, now on the mend.

So let us celebrate this transformation grand, 

A nation's spirit, by hardworking hands, 

From fraud to dance, and tech's advancing grace, 

Nigeria's new image, a shining embrace.

HOPES IN THE SHADOWS

Beneath a sky where once serenity did dwell,

Now shadows cast by fear, we know too well. 

Prominent souls and youth, in exodus they flee, 

From "unknown gunmen," seeking to break free.

Infernos rage, consuming homes and dreams, 

As darkness veils the land in silent screams. 

But in our hearts, a prayer takes flight, 

For peace to return and end this endless night.

Oh, grant us strength to heal each wounded soul, 

To mend the broken, to once again be whole. 

May peace descend like gentle morning's dew, 

And in our hearts, let hope and love renew.

In unity, we stand, our voices strong,

 To right the course of what has gone so wrong. 

With hope as our guide, and courage as our might, 

We'll reclaim our peace, and banish endless night.

ODE TO PUNCTUALITY

In lands where punctuality is a virtue rare, 

A syndrome lingers, causing quite a despair, 

They call it "African time," a casual stride, 

But in the world of clocks, it's a reckless tide.

In Nigeria's embrace, it's known far and wide, 

A habit that neglects the ticking tide,

African time, a foe to plans and dreams, 

Where seconds stretch to hours, it seems.

Yet time's a currency, in value untold, To squander it recklessly, we're often told, 

For time is money, a truth profound, 

And those who waste it find themselves unbound.

In meetings and appointments, we must be keen, 

Respect for others, not a fleeting scene, 

For when we honour time, we find our way, 

To progress, prosperity, a brighter day.

Let's bid farewell to "African time" we know, 

Embrace punctuality, let our virtues show, 

For time waits not, it marches on with grace, 

In every culture, every land, in every place.

So let us cherish moments, value each hour, 

In unity, we'll rise, like a mighty tower, For punctuality's a gift we can't deny, Time's importance, let it soar up high.

WHISPERS OF CHANGE MANTRA

Whispers of Change Mantra

In lands where sun-kissed savannas sprawl,
A tale of coups unfolds, standing tall.
African nations in tumultuous sway,
Seeking reasons why, night turns to day.

Power and pride, a potent brew,
Leaders falter, ambitions askew.
A struggle for control, hearts in dissent,
As military drums beat, a coup's intent.

Economic woes, corruption's grasp,
A people's patience worn, alas.
Leaders enrich themselves, the masses suffer,
Till soldiers rise, proclaiming, "No buffer!"

Yet celebration follows like a hush of rain,
Hope blooms anew, casting out disdain.
Why cheer for change brought by forceful hand?
A question raised, a paradox to understand.

Unity in upheaval, a sense of release,
But democratic values face a gradual decrease.
Worrisome, it is, this cycle's tide,
Celebrating coups, where liberties slide.

Seek a path of peace, a road less harsh,
Dialogue, justice, with no false march.
Empower the people, strengthen their voice,
Let democracy reign, let freedom rejoice.

Together we stand, in times of trial,
A continent's strength, a hopeful smile.
For Africa's destiny, a united endeavor,
Casting away shadows, bright future to gather.

TOMORROW'S DANCE

Tomorrow's Dance

In shadows cast, tomorrow waits,
A canvas blank, uncertain fates.
With hopeful eyes and plans held tight,
We strive to grasp the coming light.

Yet in its essence, future veiled,
By twists and turns, by winds assailed.
Paths unseen, like rivers flow,
Beyond our grasp, they ebb and grow.

The crystal ball of time eludes,
No formula, no set of rules.
Human hearts may dream and yearn,
But destiny remains to discern.

Embrace the mystery, let it be,
A dance of possibility.
For in the unknown, we find our way,
In every dawn of a new day.

ODE TO PASSION

ODE TO PASSION

In fields of gold, where wildflowers dance,
A love blooms true, a sweet romance.
Beneath the sun's warm, tender embrace,
Your smile outshines its golden grace.

Like rivers winding through the land,
Our love flows on, hand in hand.
Just as trees stretch towards the sky,
My heart reaches for you, oh my!

A gentle breeze whispers your name,
In nature's choir, you're the flame.
With every moment, our love grows,
Like nature's beauty that forever flows.

A WIDOWED'S RESOLVE (Poem Written by J.U. Ihejirika)

A WIDOWED'S RESOLVE

In a world of glass, a windowed soul,

With courage like a river, he plays his role.

Through storms and sun, he stands tall and strong,

Guiding his children where they belong.

With weary eyes that have seen much pain,

He toils tirelessly, his efforts not in vain.

His heart aches, his body worn,

Yet he presses on, from dusk till dawn.

A father's love, a steadfast flame,

Invisible battles he fights, without acclaim.

He shields his kin from life's harsh strife,

A beacon of hope in their journey of life.

When shadows fall and doubts arise,

He finds strength within, reaching for the skies.

For his children's future, he'll never yield,

His determination a mighty shield.

Though tired and worn, he carries on,

A brave windowed, his spirit drawn.

Through valleys low and mountains high,

He'll keep on working, never asking why.

For in his eyes, a love so true,

His sacrifices shine like morning dew.

With each new day, he finds the way,

To light their path, come what may.

SEASONS HARVEST (Poem Written by J.U. Ihejirika)

Seasons Harvest

Amidst fields of gold and skies so wide,

Farming season arrives with a gentle stride.

The earth awakened by the sun's warm embrace,

Seeds are sown with hope and grace.

With plows and hands, the soil is turned,

Life takes root, a lesson learned.

Tender shoots emerge, reaching for the light,

Nurtured by day and kissed by night.

Through rain and sun, the crops do thrive,

A dance of nature, so alive.

As seasons shift and time does pass,

The fields transform like a looking glass.

Harvest time approaches, a joyful sight,

Fruits of labour shining bright.

Bounty gathered, a reward well earned,

Gratitude fills hearts, lessons churned.

From seed to harvest, a cycle profound,

In farming's embrace, life's beauty is found.

As seasons change and stories unfold,

Nature's tapestry we forever hold.

THE THREADS OF FATE (Poem Written by J.U. Ihejirika)

In Fate's grand tapestry, threads entwine,

A symphony of lives, a design so divine.

Equal efforts sown, hearts brave and true,

Yet outcomes diverse, like morning's dew.

One's path may soar on wings of luck,

While another treads through shadows struck.

Fortune's dance, a fickle affair,

Bestows success here, and leaves hearts laid bare.

Life's stage, a theater of chance,

Where each actor strives, in their own dance.

Some find glory's embrace, radiant and bright,

While others wrestle with shadows of night.

Destiny's mystery, a puzzle untold,

Unfurls in ways unforeseen, bold.

In unity of effort, inequality resides,

As Fate weaves its tales, where truth abides.

So let us accept the diverse hands we're dealt,

And cherish the journey, in joy and heartfelt.

For though outcomes vary, we each leave a mark,

In the symphony of life, where we embark.

Tapestry material.