Verses for the Masses - PopPoetry

It Comes

2011-07-19T00:02:00.000-07:00

But we were crying
before -
bitter and behind
Now it's cry-of-joy
Alas, cries

But they drove past us
before -
wailing sirens, hailing citizens
Now the convoys head
to jails
Alas, wails

Our weight
gone...
with the wait

Never Called

2011-06-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

No dictator goes willingly
In the end, they bluster
then gamble

No dictator wins narrowly
In the end, they cluster
then trample

No dictator ends merrily
In the end, they muster
then crumble

If dictators end miserably
and dictators come furiously
why, blood is oyster
blood is ouster

Hmm... Dictators!

The Dope Scatter

2011-05-04T02:30:00.000-07:00

Don't Push
don't Wrap
It's the gay
not the way
and
the pay
not the day

Don't Push
don't Wrap
It's the rote
not the note
and
the rot
not the sport

Don't Push
don't Wrap
It's the jail
not the hail
and
the Hell
not the Helluva

Together

2011-04-08T20:38:00.000-07:00

For a season so treacherous
we need a bond of faith
For a nation so anxious
we need the bond of truth
For a people so broken
we need the plaster of love
For a land so weary
we need the basket of care
For a generation so hungry
we need the opposite of anger
For a time so slippery
we need the grit of elders
For a proverb so forlorn
we need the reason of here
For a season of anomie
we need the beauty of peace

In this reason do we live
for this season must we rise
To make our season the reason
and our reason the prism
we need to stay as one
work as one
share as one

Lands Afar

2011-04-05T14:02:00.000-07:00

As we regard distant lands:
Tales of the great Atlantis
legends of huge empires
feats that chill our spines
thoughts beyond bare souls
- tickles and buckles -
- masters, disasters -
measured in treasures
we marvel and are baffled

But as we see today, if we see
nothing achieved in times past
be past man’s hidden talent
It is of time, care and effort
Driven by purpose, given direction
Laden for service, hidden in codes
The sage lays the ground beams:
commitment, honour and sanctity
And history be on its way!

All lands, however far
- in space, time and dimension -
are lands as here as yonder
If we work them as they did
Atlantis will rise again
When we stay core as they did
legends will reign again
And the marvel and baffle
will happen, as they do--
in our very “before”!

Chances At Dawn

2011-03-29T21:04:00.000-07:00

Can we blame time
for giving us dawns
Can we query time
for granting us nights
Who? Who amongst us is clever
Let him come
Who? Who, amongst us is restless
Let him run
For when time has chosen
even before our eyes
it confounds the bright
and out-smarts the agile
Who? Who amongst us can gather
the sky and squeeze the ocean
Let him speak

Those who rise and shine
must honour time
Never again will man and time
battle for the wings of flight
No, no, never again
For time brings, time takes
Time makes, time dissolves
Time of chances, chances of time
After our nights and dawns
over our fights and yawns
we will remain with time
Oh, take your chances!

Adventure

2011-03-12T11:41:00.000-08:00

Someone must answer the call
no mater how long it takes
Something must matter today
no matter how bad we hurt
Somewhere be home again
no mater how far we stray
For some fun remains ahead
no matter how gory the past

Adventure!
Search the world, and roam
Search your heart, then your head
Go, go in search of gold
and work your world
If you fly, fly
if you sink, stay not down
When you conquer, be humbled
when you’re floored, be humoured-
they both bring honour
in coming days
They each house glory
in special ways

Measure!
As you give, you receive
When you take, do give
Search thee equally
For, this day is all day
to those who are free
to those who know the world…
And work for all

Tones of Tonight

2011-03-07T22:05:00.000-08:00

Levels and pitches
make some high
and many low, tonight
Sign on and Weigh in
no matter how broken
you are, tonight
Sign in and sing along-
the waters are warm
and the tide alluring
Hey, hey, honey
hide them your swim-suit, tonight

Take me to levels
and pitches, my friend -
why bother the world
Bring me to currents
bring me to tears...
And still bother, tonight

Sing, as the moon mimes-
it is da music to heed
Rap, as the stars twinkle-
there is music to read
Take me to levels
bring me to pitches...
We see the better, tonight

When together, why the bother
When asunder, all the ponder
This be our music, tonight

That Little Girl

2011-02-27T07:38:00.000-08:00

Someone is eating alone in the park of many
and no-one is stretching a hand
Is she selfish
are we snobbish
Not only time but space will tell

Something is missing in the cupboard of fame
yet no-one is counting tonight
Is this horror
are we honoured
Not only scores but pain will tell

The little girl seeks company
but friendship is short
She opens up to reach out
and every hand is engaged
Yet she cuddles the wide horizon
which mummy planted in her

A little girl, an iron of yore -
she won't forget the boisterous lore
A fringe pastime, a deeply fright -
she can’t contain the rash sight
which daddy painted for her

This little girl, that tiny hand
will bring the battle-ship to shore
But if you want the anchor space
or like to stretch in case it failed
a mum, a dad may never do.

Alone To Atone

2011-02-23T20:14:00.000-08:00

The soul who stole
paid
The soul who gave
got
So upon your rule
so within your reign
Time is speaking
again

The Court holds
with heads and hordes
with crown and clowns
Time is heavy
in pain

Soon, dear leader
you be alone
The waves cometh
the rays riseth
The soul that serves self
be alone to atone!

And We Hold On!

2011-02-16T08:41:00.000-08:00

Denials and defiance
are the hallmarks of our rule
Demons and dethronement
have coloured our times
We create them
celebrate them
and crush them to boot
Then life goes on, again

Look back, and around
They come, they stab, they stash
No matter how we feel
No matter how they go
The world sets up a monument
We spell their names
and write their story
Making space for devils
Creating place for saints
To give both the chance
of their roll in legend

We hold on to darkness
to mirror our light
We cast the shadow
to enrich the substance
So, when the boy screams
we hush him with sweets
And when the girl flirts
we stuff her the pill
No back-steps
No new paths
Every stunt we pull
is from the new old bag

The TASK

2011-02-02T07:38:00.000-08:00

Since divine forces freed the majors
from the fatality of politics and lucre
The fields are free again
Our patience has shamed the pain
and the guilty is running around
Sine the generals found the stomach
of patriotic honour and pride
the barrels are full again
and the banks are heading for black
No matter the trickles and drops

Since the honourables stormed our House
the fire is flaming anew
creating a new pain again
We ask which task they choose
they answer with more flame, new looting
Each day we pray, each House a turmoil
Yet we have a task, a mission

Who is the matter in our matter
what is the call in our call
Rumbling stomachs are holding on
roving eyes are raking ahead
but our silent fingers are hoping for hoes
not guns, not grenades
Those who have the throne have the task
we who gave the vote own the throne
So, let the message so come
and the heading so right
that the task, this task
be truly done.

Draft Dodgers

2011-01-29T00:50:00.000-08:00

When times change

we balk and sulk

The signs were always there

When people change

we call the ancient tune

as though time was no use

Yet we love a changing world

and cherish the makers of change

You must hold high your head

the ageing hunter told his son

Those who don’t fall prey to snakes

he who does makes mince of lions

And when the village gong goes

he shall commune with bent sages

Let it not read in vain

this sacred code of life

for it gives strength

as it purges wealth

Drink it not in vain

for this is the secret of monsters

yet the goal of heroes

When the village crier calls

you may run, but can’t hide

You may deceive, but won’t decide

for duty is no honour in force

anger gives all fury in hate

You may dodge the kettle, not the pot

You may marry the princess, not the Kingdom

for if your day arrives and you demur

a million steps ahead

won’t bring you the gold.

JOS: The COST of BLOOD

2011-01-17T13:27:00.000-08:00

Now in the season of joy

comesthe treason of pain

Pain of deep wounds seen

and deeper wounds beyond

Rain of stiff words heard

and stiffer words beyond

How may we counter with balm

how do we utter with calm

Jos, and the cost of blood

The goons of gain

can be boon to schemes

Bare hooks, hair nooks

What a gain

Blank looks, dark looks

Where again

The hearts in pain

can be homes of themes

Faith laws, hate lores

What a pain

True thaws, truce flaws

When again

How may we matter as dove

how shall we render with love

Jos, and the cost of blood

The hidden is ridden

and its golden forbidden

Your hold is your fare

their hold ought be fair

What a gain

The ridden is hidden

and its mirror forbidden

Be not beholden

they ought be golden

Where again

How may we banter as old

how shall we barter and hold

Jos, and the cost of blood

Peace is leased and seized

taken to highs broken to lows

given in lips fallen by hands

Yuletides as sad tides

in lands made and marred

What a tease

Yuletides as sweet tides

in hearts sacred and scarred

Why the tease

We will rescue peace

it will not cease

We will render love

as pure as dove

Now the order of culture, of nature

will nurture Jos from the cuts and blood

Endgame Blues

2010-12-15T03:49:00.000-08:00

You may suppress the news
not the views
People are people
You may suppress the rumours
not the tumours
Ripples are ripples
Many disguise for power
eat power as flour
drink power as soda
garnish every guile and guise
By their trip, pray power
tears and laughter be endgame
Soon the lost and lusting
goes consuming
gets presumptive
stays deceptive
Marauders are marauders
From the cliff of bile and brigand
it is ramble, gamble, bramble
Oh power, behold the tumble
behold the endgame!

You may distort the news
not the views
Facts are facts
You may distort the budgets
not the targets
Fiction is fiction
Many disguise in power
trade myth as mystery
travesty as majesty
brandish every guile and guise
How your mirrors hide your tumours
and horrors pride as honours
be our note to sages - pray, unknot
How your carrots pay for pirates
and sticks slay our patriots
be the note of ages - pray, unknot
Fate-tempters in grimey game
losing rafter in sure endgame
Hate-prompters of hellish pride
oozing chapters we so deride
Pray power, call in sages
not marabouts -
truths are bold roundabouts
upheld from ages
They will bind your guile
break each guise and disguise
Oh power, behold the honey
behold the bees...
enjoy the roses, endure the thorns
Serve and be served...
deserve and preserve
As you proceed, pray power
behold the game, the fame
behold the endgame!

Rains of Glory

2010-12-14T07:18:00.000-08:00

The rains are pouring today
Will it be gory terrain
or glory again
Dream on, people
but work your dream
The rains are pouring again
Will it be? Will it be?
Ask no question! Ask no question
without action!
Bards have sung before
The rains are pouring again
Oh benefits
Ye deficits
The rains, the rains
the pains, the pains
The rains are pouring again
Hurrays
and horrors
The rains, the rains
the gains, the gains
The rains are pouring again
Rains of glory are for poor and rich
Pouring again in pains and gains
The wise are poring over plans, over facts
and actions
Fools are boring everyone with begging
commotion, haunting concoctions
So there’ll be pains in the rains
gains in the rains
with chains of stories for rich and poor
The rains are pouring again
Will it be? Will it be?
Ask no question! Ask no question
without action!
The sage has spoken before
Rains of glory, rains of glory:
You pour for all, fall for all
Who will rise will rise
You come for all, cease for all
Who will seize will seize
Rains of glory, rains of glory
I rise for benefits to work the pains -
work, work and work
I seize the moment as my raiment -
work, work and work
I’ll work the rains to earn the glory
- work, work and work
Hear ye the bards, heed thou the sage
Alas, the rains are pouring again!

We Know Not

2010-11-27T12:23:00.000-08:00

If we knew!

The mysteries of life
are the higher levels of knowledge
which outclass human permutations
benumbs human connotations
giving us shivers and sun
making living challenge and fun!

If we knew!

Must we know
Why should we be aware
Even in our non-knowing
we act, perform and play as gods:
Playing God!

If we knew…

If man were to know
if he knows his hollowness
and the mighty void he can’t fill
if he knows the holiness
that carries life on creation’s path
his faith will drive his fate
his say will be his way
Yes, he would save his world
as he saves himself
he would bless our world
as he keeps his word
The huge emptiness of boasts
as if he owns tomorrow
as if he made life
as if he be more than man
will fizzle fast

If we knew…
we be mere MORTAL!

Why Bother?

2010-11-09T06:51:00.000-08:00

Too many rivers to cross
Too many bridges unseen

Too many moaners around
Too many needy to give
When we look around
not seeing
we smell luxury
in our food

Too many chores to grind
Too many mortars unfound
Too many instruments to play
Too much energy unsecured
As light goes, sweat comes
or noise comes, noisy time
which takes our senses apart

Hmm…
If you listen they speak
When you speak, if you speak
only you listen to self
Yes, too many bridges unseen!

The REWARD

2010-11-09T06:47:00.000-08:00

Don’t tell me to listen
even as I gear my ears
or I will switch off
Don’t ask me to follow
though I like to tow
or I will turn off
My joy is not for toy
nor my reward by wads
I ride a conscience train

Why ask me to train
and give me the drain
or am I the pawn
Why ask them the route
then give me the drill
am I the chess
Listen to the droppings again:
where will the dawn lead
Come to the village again:
who is your arrow-head
The cash? Or the pipe
The hunch? Or the hunt

As you go, dear driller
the reward be clear, and revered
Tell it, trail it
As you wine, dear driller
chew on it, dream of it
For those who went before
have marked the narrow path

It's The System, Stupid

2010-10-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

Built system
broken units
and it suits
Broken system
built units
and it sues
The system fails all
upon its turns:
we, at the manholes
you, gouging on loopholes
In time man mans the holes
we're safe at home
In the end loop bares the loot
you're safely hung
Yes, the system

My Special Apologies!

2010-10-02T09:50:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows Nigeria and Nigerians knows that we are very passionate about our dear nation, and go the extra mile to mull over her. We will not be put down or held down. Ask the colonialists, ask the military, ask the Third Termists! Read up on the Nigeria vs Niger Delta conundrum. Ask the so-called "cabal" that held our late President Yar'Adua and his regime by the jugular! Just to add a more current scent, ask our soccer (mis)representatives - the Super Eagles (?) – to the just-concluded FIFA World Cup in South Africa: For earning us such a poor grade, and not rising to the challenge of making Africa proud in the first-ever mundial on African soil, they are being roasted! This, despite our criminal and incriminating absence of focus, bad and improper coordination, the palpable fraud in sports administration - not unlike everywhere else - late and inadequate preparation, and an ageing squad!!

Followers of this site may recall my passion and commitment when all was well. So, for me to be off - sort of AWOL - all these months is the most painful and depressing blow my country has dealt me thus far. Recall, dear friends, that we've had hitches and glitches before: Internet Access wahala. And the usual apologies followed. However, this time, it became very clear that there was a plot to "under-DIGITALize" the nation! The official national carrier, NITEL, had been "cornered" along with SAT-3, the submarine cable. As my preferred ISP and Nigeria's Internet backbone, we have been virtually crippled in the last 20+ months! I got very angry and decided to await the Glo-1 and Main One submarine cables being deployed by some great patriots Mike Adenuga (I told you before) and Fola Adeola (founder of GTB Bank) + Ms Opeke (a Telecoms Amazon). I will revisit this subject sometime soon.

If it cost these firms less than US$1.5bn to land their cables in West Africa, we could have wired up the Whole of Africa with US$5bn a few years back. Yet, Nigeria paid over US$15bn to exit her so-called "external debt", to the London and Paris Clubs of Creditors!! Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Libya, Nigeria & South Africa should have paid US$5bn to put their continent on a 21st Century Internet pedestal, under the proud auspices of the African Union. It would have been easier, cheaper and faster. Thank God for our conscientious compatriots and their likes around Africa, and within the African Diaspora.

Returning to my blogs, and remaining online, was my only condition for re-subscribing to any ISP. I have used most of what was on offer, and, along with other nationals, the story has been sad. So sad. Since you are reading this, it means I'm fairly confident I now have a good deal. Well, I hope!

My apologies to you all. If you had any lashes for my back for going AWOL, spare them: I've groaned under the harshest possible punishment: not being able to "speak" with you, "share" with you, in this privileged and enthralling zone of our Online Commons!!

What Shall We Tell Them?

2010-09-30T05:23:00.000-07:00

The picture is the picture
and we live the facts
But the picture ain't right image
and the acts deny the facts
When our neighbours frown
what shall we tell them

The figures are the figures
and we know the facts
But the figures ain't translating
and the nation is stagnating
When our children cry
what shall we tell them

The speeches are the speeches
and we know the facts
But the speeches ain't conveying
and the nation is decaying
When our parents bleed
what shall we tell them

The experts are the experts
and we have the best
But the experts serve another
and the nation seems asunder
When investors cringe
what shall we tell them

The clerics are the preachers
and we know the facts
But religion turns pavilion
as vices hit contagion
When ancestors call
what shall we tell them

The braindrain is economic
and we know the facts
But the drain can be sweetgain
once leaders stop their looting
When the UN screams
what shall we tell them

The new world is the New World -
knowledge, culture, nature
And every bit we have lots
begging honest action
When tomorrow does call
let the nation stand tall
For, once we earn the victory
we have lots to tell them!

Count Your Silence

2010-09-30T04:59:00.000-07:00

Life causes scant pause
but we must pause
or be paused...
both by a cause, for a cause
and the pulse of our source
The course of life
is thus rife for strife

Then silence...
the elders' sentence
is balm

Hmm. Elders!

Deal and Dealt

2010-09-30T04:50:00.001-07:00

Deal a hand
dealt a hand

Strived for orange
were served lemon?
Ha ha ha!
Strife not, oh striver...
Lemonade it
and serve with glee
Ha ha ha!

Dealt a hand
deal a hand

Jubilee Knocks!

2010-09-30T04:00:00.000-07:00

Thank God for both big and small mercies! I am writing with great gratitude myself, as with my dear country Nigeria, for resuming my blogs on the eve of our Fiftieth Independence Anniversary. Details will follow on why and how I've been off. But I apologize sincerely.

As I write, there is optimism in the air and in my own heart. If we cannot speak for the past, we can certainly play a worthy part in the plans for the future. These are indeed challenging times, exciting times, momentous times.

Your humble blogger shall do his bit. May God's Plan for country and citizen be fulfilled in Jesus' Name. Amen.

God bless NIGERIA!

Identity Song

2008-01-12T13:43:00.001-08:00

Integrity, identity: WE are!

Because we dey, I fit dream
Because we choose, I fit deck
If I look and see sey una
tanda well well
my sister, I go do yanga
If I look and see sey una
dey kampe
my broda, I go dance samba

I am....because...WE are!

By Not Voice

2007-12-15T19:22:00.000-08:00

Look into her past
far beyond the fast
Look into her eyes
deep beyond the gaze
See what you see
note what you note
Never dampen her date
never trample her fate

Walk into her night
far beyond the clock
Walk into her rain
deep beyond her drench
Heal what you drill
drain that terrain
Making merry her day

Not by word
Not by wand
Not in straits
Simply win by deeds
and noble creed

Sing into her soul
deep beyond her ears
Sign unto her needs
far beyond her feeds
Give more than take
stake, shake and bake
Many ovens abound
bake, bake, bake

Win by day
Win each day
Day by day...
simply win by deeds
and da noble creed

Blast the past
Bless da fast
Seal the deal
to heal all deeds
Fill da deal
to give real feel
Jointly win her will
and da noble creed

Alight

2007-12-15T19:05:00.000-08:00

Come up to the mount of merry
but leave your greed below
Come here and try
Come here to fly
It is my moment and might
Pray climb

Come down to the ocean of merry
but leave your greed on shore
Come here and trawl
Come not to crawl
It is my measure and mine
Pray swim

Come home to my country of merry
but keep ya worry abroad
Come here and crave
Come cool to brave
It is my consent by conscience
Pray sow

Come now to my meaning of merry
But keep ya meanness away
Come here to know
Come sow and own
It is my season and sealing
Pray reap...and
Pray stay

Bard in Cyberland

2007-12-14T21:07:00.000-08:00

His time is here
though never lost
His era in full, not elders' error
Selling-in-telling
timing-in-chimes
Modern lines in cybertimes
Hear, hear, hear
His day be here, alas!

Ancient tips by cyberbards
whether smooth or prickly hot
be songs of the times:
Bare, bright
Simple, smart
Bear, bear, bear!

Cyberlinks and megaways
will hold lost souls
Cyberlocks in bardy-words
must save lost ways
At once blowing open mighty myths
and mirths
At once blasting open mystery verses
and poems
At last slamming shut many codes
and odes
Not slinging, not slaying freedom ways
or beasts
Hear, hear, hear!

Cybermatics as culture buffs
and addicts
Cybermedia as nature buffs
and critics
Cybermania as future buffs
and medics...
squaring frontiers of language and lines
of signs and signals
from probes to proverbs
to songs and summons:
Da poet is home
Bear, tear, hear!

Minds and Might

2007-12-14T20:37:00.000-08:00

Fetching hilarity, catchy sobriety
grand balls, show festivals
and the culture of restraints
power our locomotives apart
This way for maxis
That lane for minis
Let the traveller rejoice

Bring me the deeply strength
in the seas of open weakness
Holla
Serve me the open soft
from the hills of hidden steeliness
Bravo
Get grand in subtle lights
and flow in gentle shadows
Let the artiste rejoice

Homes of grandeur, meals of splendour
The kids may roam and groan
Trains of treasure, trips to measure
The trick is own-and-learn
Think ye global, act true local
Wide be not all, small be not lost
Content, consent, contentment
Let the buyer rejoice

Strength in value, wealth and valour
Minds must rise anew
Tents of riches, treats in deserts
Might must mellow anew
The beauty of locks in rocks
is as beauty of peace in seas
Holla
Let da measure be choice

Missed Naps

2007-12-14T18:43:00.000-08:00

In statecraft
as in aircraft
be alert
or
your last

Missing the naps
make thee the snaps
Mounting snaps
earn the raps

Come votes
or coups
you end in wraps
or
crap

Mess with naps, Dear Hubris
and
sleep in da bliss
of
misfits!

By The Way...

2007-11-09T15:26:00.000-08:00

Talking with you
takes its toll
Tangling with you
tells its tales
Whether in biz
or bliss
Whether of buzz
or blitz

There is a twirl
and the twang
There be a swirl
in our swing

Yes...here, there
and bare
As time tills
and stills...

Voices and Tides

2007-11-02T20:48:00.000-07:00

You came up before
it wasn't up
I came in to town
you weren't in...
Down went da dream

You went out of zone
to simmer down
You came in to town
I didn't know...
Down stayed da dream

You came up again
just as before
I got out of zone
to settle down
And no one could say
just like before...
So stayed da dream

You zoomed through da zone
just like before
And got fresh a hint
not like before
Is this now the deal
which was before
or still just a dream
just like before...
Which way to dream

We have now a voice
unlike before
But have not a face
just like before...
Oh, what a dream

Is this now da voice
which was to come
Shall we have to wait
still for the face
How long a wait...
Now, what a dream

I hold on to fate
just as to faith
To work me my dream
now that I hear
I still have my fears
just as before
But since wiped my tears
so I'll be free...
Yes, what a dream

Will you stay with fate
just as I do
And pull up your faith
now that we know
Can you walk the talk
da bulk
Will you tame the game
da shame
What be your take
ya stake...
now that we know
not like before
It's still up for grabs
not for the drab
Oh, what a DREAM!

No Limits

2007-11-01T21:28:00.000-07:00

Stop the silly game
Why bother with disrupters:
They be prompts
They are pins
They should push
you to spurs

Stop the silly game
Why dither with dictators:
They be flies
They are fiery
They should fire
you to fairs

Stir the sensory game
Why shudder at uptakers:
They be many
They are merry
They should mellow
you to mints

Shun the blame game
Why tarry in low quarters:
They be curious
They cynics
They should critique
you to cakes

Stay the winners' way
Why buddy with them cheaters:
They are loser
They be loonies
They should lumber
you to fly

This Dawn is Drawn

2007-10-31T21:53:00.000-07:00

We waited. Have weighed the to and fro
And waited in peace
We waited. And the day be here

By their past we scroll and stroll
In their songs we note and denote
Now they know...
It be not for aye
By heist some come
In haste some become
And the wait be long - mighty long
Was it a dueling fuel
was it a feud
or a feuding few
Pray patience
Deep silence
We waited, alas
It be dawn, at last

The smiling sun kept up the beat
All for votes
All for hearts
The soothing breeze spread round the heat
All in strides
All in souls
We have waited, alas
It's our moment, at last

A dawn can be no better dawn
or drawn
Made by nature
Shades of culture
Cast in statutes and codes
What you trade be grade
What you shed be height
A dawn can be no better drawn
as dawn
For by the vote, this day, posts
and power be drawn, kept
or withdrawn
Yes, we waited, alas
Yes, it's dawn, at last!

Quests and Conquests

2007-10-08T22:07:00.001-07:00

If you gun
and be gunned
There is vest for blasts

If you kite
and be caught
There is keel for heights

When you toil
and be soiled
There is sap for stains

When you shame
and be shamed
There is space for face

If you clear
and be cleared
There is height for tests

When you loot
and we hoot
There be no home, alas!

Housefuls

2007-10-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

Your eyes are full
and fooled
Yet you dance
Your house is a houseful
of 'fuuls':
Full of fools
who seem full-proof
Full of a full dose
of tomfoolery
Fools with carts
and drunken horses
Real eyeful

Refrain:
I go climb o - I go chop o
You go fall o - We go chop o
I no go gree - You no go win
Fall Fall....gboa!

Your ears are full
and fooled
Yet you prance
Your house is barnful
of 'fuuls':
Full of goons
who dream red-pool
Fools with a full dose
of crackfoolery
Full of gaps
and gory swagger
Real earful

Refrain:
I go climb o - I go chop o
You go fall o - We go chop o
I no go gree - You no go win
Fall Fall...gboa!

As We Wish

2007-10-03T19:24:00.000-07:00

It will crack
if we wish...and work
not wail-a-day
It will rack
if we work...and wash
up gem-a-star
This dawn wakes all
from
NINE-moons-before:
Yell, Yell...October-FREE

Sail for fatherland
Hail, as all must stand!

Me and You

2007-09-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

Despite the distance`
respect my stance
I am the traveller
who needs a friend
Despite the horror
show me the mirror
I am the hunter
who fears and dares
Despite the money
join me the journey
I am the farmer
whose barns will grow
Despite our honours
remain my humour
I am the music
whose tune is time

So, hurry if you can
tarry if you must
Me....and you
Now, bury most your doubts
measure roundabouts
Me....and you
Sure, query why it costs
marry gains plus cuts
Me....and you

Despite the pleasure
uphold the pressure
I am the timer
who needs to prime
Despite tomorrow
I trust today
You be my treasure
hold me as rights
Despite the mystery
we have sweet mastery
You be my spirit
hold me as torch
Despite the distance
we keep our stance
I am a traveller
you be my home

So, carry da meaning
make it ya bidding
Me....and you
Merry on your day
knowing I will pay
Me....and you
I be merry my way
knowing you will pray
Me....and you

You Can Lead

2007-09-16T19:13:00.001-07:00

Let my cry be your try
so you can fly
Let my plight be your fight
so you can bite
Let, and let be

Make your flaw not da law
so you may flow
Make ya shirt not the show
so you may glow
Live, and let be

Find my heart
not my hurt
Find my joy
not for toy
Find
not bind
Love, and let be

Pay, play
and
pray...
so it can be fun
again

Doubt...but... Dare

2007-09-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

Damn not their motive
though their action irks
Damn not their reason
though their output stinks
Damn not their deity
though their prayer fails
I reel...but...feel

Doubt if you may
Douse if you must
Dim if you will
But leave them da door
- a weeny bit -
for breath and rethink
Save them da pain
- a teeny bit -
for health and retreat

Sense of Giving

2007-08-30T23:51:00.000-07:00

Living is giving
Seeding gives more than gifts
and giving
Dear Heart
Show me da way
Giving love and life
Giving
Sharing in health and death
Giving
Some will lack though they hack
Giving
Some will have though they halve
Giving

The sense of living
is the essence in giving
The chance to give...
It's da song of Da Sage
The sense of giving
is the essence of life
The quest to share...
It's da tap into Deep Age

Living is giving
Seething damns more than fists
and fighting
Love to live
Then love to give
By Jove, hums Da Sage...
Give for living
Live for giving
Give as you live
Give while you live
and watch your giving grow!

Another Slang...

2007-08-29T10:59:00.000-07:00

We have our ways
and a way
It is in the words and chords
as we weave our day
sans hay
Probes and proverbs
Traps and trappings
con and coinage
we vote the code
but rote in voyage

Oh, to lift the masses
Ah, to serve the grassroots
The sling game:
Poverty Allegation
Oh no, it's Eradication
Well, why not Reduction
as da bridge between

The slang game
Passion, tension,recession
Mission, vision, deception
Then, the master-speak
of tense and nonsense:
Da Dividends of Democracy
C'est cloak and dagger
as in Demon-crazy, alas

Now, dear counter
the slang be new and screw:
Emergency, Emergency, Emergency!
Patriots... and...Parrots on cue!!

Debt To The World

2007-08-21T19:55:00.000-07:00

My joy of knowing
is the pain of owing
I owe my town
My joy of learning
be the pain of knowing
I owe my clan
The joy of to-ing
is the pain of fro-ing
Never enough
ever so tough
towers and troughs
I owe my soul
The joy of living
be da pain of loving
Always needing
sometimes needling
plenty to gain
I owe da WORLD!

Our Main Clue

2007-08-17T15:26:00.000-07:00

Down in the tiny twists
are mighty hints
and sprawling ways
of most
I up for ups
and hop not down
with hops

Up in the misty swings
are many pegs
and hinting sways
for most
I train for strains
and step not down
in chains

You can read or knead
as you learn each creed
You may kiss or hiss
as you hit each miss
But the key, oh scout
is to stay silent
in tow

Memory

2007-08-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

Nature. And we be made
Who wears
Nurture. We are being made
Who tears
Whether of plant or mammal
same sun, same water, same winds
Same, same.....same
Whether of male or female
same trails, same trials, same taps
Same, same.....same
Nature. And we be made
Culture. We are one
Future. We be then MADE!

Floating Abroad

2007-08-17T14:53:00.000-07:00

Clever leader
You bought your loss
to sell our gain
What a float!
Clever leader
You sold our vote
to buy your note
What a float!
Forever leader
They've torn da sales
to sail their boat
What a spider-float!

Minimalism

2007-08-17T14:42:00.000-07:00

2007. We head for space
throttle ahead, spin and jet
expanding space
by
exploiting and exploring space
or vice versa

2027. We know space
by showing space
as
friend and trend
not choke or poke

2020. The space between
be sure
our min-max allure
More space and pace
will let space
be space

High Tides

2007-08-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

The voice of my story
will tell its tale
Look me in the face
Tell me you are true
And the tale will flow

The heat in my heart
will bear its task
Look me in the eye
Show me you are clear
And the tears will glow

The tip of my iceberg
will crush the fake
Tempt me in my dream
Thrill me in your stream
And the seas will beam

Waves be my day
Come ride
Waves be my way
Don't hide
Waves, waves, away

The tale in my voice
will pitch its tone
The heart in my heat
will set its beat
Take me in your hand
Lead me to your land
And our souls be ONE!

Free Balance

2007-08-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

Ask God what you believe
Task man when you believe
Fault none when you deceive
Find ways how to retrieve
Hold high what you conceive
Count stars when you achieve...
da gain!

Stringing The Stretch

2007-08-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

Make my memories
the mystery of highs
I will master metres
Make my misery
the mutters in hype
I will master tedium
Make my entry
the meaning of grit
I will muster history
Make da 'morrow
the measure of now
I will master legend

My August Dream

2007-08-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

Bursting with life to-dawn
Gushing no lines of hype
There is a season this day
da first light of August
my moon of precious dreams
Welcome!

Bring me friends
that fend for freedom
so fiends have no say
Goad me on
to love my nation
so loot will not pay
Grant me heart
that lives in honour
so dreams may take hold
Welcome!

As you come, Dear August
bring me a chair
so we can rock and rock
Find me gems
that fit real labour
so fakes get no harbour
Tell me tales that edify
show me maps that magnify
and sell me da deal

As we deal, this autumn
lead me, alas
Teach me
Train me
Tend me in measures and mind
Make me be strong
that I may serve
Take me to tips
that mirrors can't trip
Welcome!

A nation be nation
or notion
I want mine to hold
A nation be passion
or passe
I love mine to pose
Shake my nation
that it may function
so patriots hold da reins
Shape my this home
that it be haven
so da heavens may joy, at last
Welcome!

Bursting and gushing with zest
I dream no evil
Rearing and gearing to give
I dream sweet hurry
Come, Dear August
come home with rain
Be my known and august guest
day, week and month
Be my task and veneer-mark
year, year and year
Be key when they lock
and cheese when I bake
Be tough when I doubt
and swell I rout
Then, answer the truth
as be asked of time:
Am I worthy?
Yes, says AUGUST...
I've made you so!

Frailties, Fantasies and Foibles

2007-08-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

I fan no-one who fritters good food
They shun their mama's pot
I fault no soul who squanders sure power
They burn da people's vote
I slander not, tamper not
For they owe self their shelf
in screaming shades

Rocking and swinging in fantasies
there be no limits to range
Riding and swimming with hit frailties
there be strange hubris abroad
Raving and swanking in more foibles
there is high messing around

We fret, everyone alike
We fail, anyone, alas
We hold same space
sport like genes
smell them gas
that send some sane, some gaga

I can't create who will ruin than rule
But I note
I can't create who will loot than lead
But I vote
I won't take home da King of Fools
We've got a pool back there
I shan't make fun of Souls-in-Chains
We've lost a haul too much

I know what I know
You sow what you sow
We tip what we heap
Lave them alone...pain not alone
For, each soul has a low

Tricky Cut

2007-08-08T18:22:00.000-07:00

Though the forest
be zest
and crest...
Let deserts be
Though the ocean
be nest
and quest...
Let rivers be
Though the heavens
be high
and nigh...
Let mortals make
da painful choice

Link and Stay

2007-08-08T18:13:00.000-07:00

The stars speak to me
above the clouds
The clouds clang in me
beyond the stars
The combine
is a combo
This complex story
be long and soaring

I am the subject
the singing
and the song
I am tomorrow
TODAY!

Native Lines

2007-08-08T18:03:00.000-07:00

Mother Village
What do they do in Town
I rear to go
I hear the tale
Mother Village, bear me aloft

Father Village
How do they play in Town
I dread to go
I heard the gales
Father Village, gird me a loin

Village or Town a people love
Sages and Clowns a people have
Teach me Dear Mother
Keep me Oh Father...
In Village or Town

Milestone

2007-08-08T17:55:00.000-07:00

To leave or to live
Not a question
sure da puzzle
To live and to leave
Hail the passion
damn da muzzle
To leave and to live
What a season
damn da treason
To heave your relief
be a patriot
ride da chariot

Sure Cream

2007-08-08T16:48:00.000-07:00

2007
There is a stream
in my dream
The world need not dim
There is a cream
in my rim
The world need not scream
There is a team
with the vim
The worst not to deem

2007
There is da steam
and stream
My dream makes me scream
There is da cream
to redeem
The best, yes, to deem

Motions and Emotions

2007-08-08T16:18:00.000-07:00

Drive, don't dive
This veil hides the highways
and the deep dark seas
Drive for love, drive with love

Dive as motion, not emotions
This key keeps da meaning
and ya sweet measures
Dive with love, not at love

Watch and catch, be not a rhyme
It is story, it is song
Face da race is not a tale
It is reason, it be real

Listen to the Sailing Sage:
Be in love, be of pace and pant
Be on to capture as be captured
in ya drive to da Summit of LOVE.

If you read the tabloids and yellow press these days, there is no mistaking the meaning and meanness of love. Splashed with verve, venom and vim you are served hot, sizzling , snazzy and suffocating stuff. And it pays! It pays players and peepers, at once. Amazing.

If you watch the soaps, there is little left to imagine anymore! Mean-Street is merging quite lustily, even lusciously, with Main-Street. And there be no qualms, no outrage, alas!

Yet, dear trifler, LOVE makes da WORLD!!!

Policing DEATH

2007-08-08T15:56:00.000-07:00

If life, all life, be gem

police it

If man, all man, be germ

arrest him

As in all sane zones

keep strays in check:

Death be astray right here

Guide it, guard it

Death be a-roam right now

Tame it, shame it

Set it not on fake drugs

or killer-roads

Gift it not our infant souls

or prime brains

Shoot down stigmas

be truly nice...be nature-sweet

Let light be light and fuel be fuel

Police death, and slow-sure demise

by a "kill-or-capture" order...

on POVERTY!

This is the season of unprecedented catastrophe around the world that no-one is immune anymore. As we see day and night, our leaders are hardly up to speed in supplying and securing us...for da good life!

But the business, this business, is for us all.

With disasters, destruction, desecration and depression as base, DEATH is not kidding at all. It prowls!

Mom's Recipe

2007-05-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

I snatch your bag
you stuffed the box
Two stealing!
I cleared your vote
you chocked my voice
Two cheating!
You blocked my chops
I burnt your chaps
Two losing!

Now, why do you moan
and groan?
Is it for power that towers
or the lower who cower?
Is it for the length of strength
or the stench and wrench?
You tried your say - bad day
I have my say and way - swell day

Don't count ya gain
in others' pain
As our brothers' keepers, o' ripper
we'll save ya soul soonday
Don't count da gain
until the Blind Maiden swings
da final scale

Anyone who likes their mom must do well to remember how to win or lose in life. Watching my own country in the last twelve months reminds me of a million lines.

The key: remember the child of whom you are!

New, New Hint

2007-03-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

A new friend from the world
of meaning
going on moments
loving no torments
looking for pleasure
needing sweet treasure:
whether of man
or nature

A new friend from the soul
of feeling
coming with moments
loving fresh comments
of life

A friend from the end
asking the questions
posing no tensions
for minds

This friend, alas, may be just
the task
or
the last
This friend, oh Precious, is
sure a meaning
and for leaning
at last!

Have a great search in the cyber-world. When you meet, if you meet, make the best of life!

Mother On Song

2007-03-27T11:53:00.000-07:00

I was the channel of birth
can't be the pole of death
I was the bearer of breath
won't be the conduit of dirt
So, be happy
and beware, dear child
this is the meaning of life

I was the anchor
when parchments yearned
I was the ink
when blotters drank
I was the eyes and the tears
reading and reaching at once
Mine was the bosom
mine was the shield
How sweet you were in cuddly wrap!

I was the hoping, and the hope
as you reached out at night
I, the frightened and the fright
as you broke out in pangs
Hey, I was the night, you were the dawn
So, be happy
and beware, dear child
this is the story of life

I was the past as the hours passed
I am now the ancient - but I care
You are the shoot of the ageing tree
Grow in love
You be the modern - and should care
Give with love
There is a present no past can write
or rewrite
There is an ancient all youth must hold
and uphold
So, be happy
and beware, dear child
this is the history of love!

For, through you and spouse
the story continues
And, through both of you
our lineage be legend...or doom
Pray H.A.P.P.Y!

On the occasion of 2007 International Women's Day, we must celebrate MOTHERS. I wish our
world leaders were listening to their moms - or recalling what they were taught - these days!

Me, I thank my own mama o!!

The Come-back

2007-03-25T13:59:00.000-07:00

Sounds do trample and straddle
Voices come to kill and heal
Sounds may level or revel
Voices do split or lift
And none will come your way
any way
until you choose your way
- whether carefully, even carelessly -
as you set out in life, set sail for life

Coming to grief
Going past hate
Picking your heights and the poles
Choosing love and lovers
homes and home-makers
business, or biz-partners
As you handle the map of life
and plot your path, lead your life
All be not lost
As you guard your compass
and guide your steps, watch your way
There be come-back
You are alone, or must atone
never truly in a real crowd
until you're home, or in jail
Well, you can float or bloat -
it's by the store you set

Come-back kids abound:
From poverty to prosperity to penury
and slowly, surely back to fame
From primacy to prison to presidency
From chastity to calamity to celebrity
From honour to disgrace to dignity
From piety to propaganda, to promiscuity
and measurably back to pulpit
From diva to drugs to dungeon and duffs
You come back if you're tough
You stay down if you're lost
But no one goes or comes sans luck

History is full, isn't it, of mysteries and myths. You can find enough examples of freaks, failures and fliers. Then, there are these amazing resilients: people who make turns, runs, twists and turnarounds. We call them the come-back kids.

Whether you be on or off, right now, take a good note!

I "Dread" You Each Dawn

2007-03-17T13:42:00.000-07:00

Each night, and the dark smiles
I go high, high with stars
Come dawn, and the cockcrow
I am on the climbdown, and low

Each dawn the cock crows
I go low, low and low
I dread the light of dawn
and the fright it draws
I fight to keep me drawn
to the only one I love
Come dawn, Dear One
my heart pounds for fear...

Fear of distance
Fear of another. Another -
who may tear what we have
or tug away at it - sheer monster
Then, the tough part: meeting
you at dusk, before our night falls
for us...just you and me

Ecstasy
Having you to me
shutting all away
And the silent night
speaking love in signs and sighs
lofting us afloat in grips and gasps
No gloating
Sweet groaning
Taking us as one, staking all, alas
How meekly, how milking
each still - once and future -
still soothing - now and ever
seeping the darkness of nights

Then, like clockwork - strict and fair -
Nature, so sweet moments ago, bleeds
in the dreaded dawn
And I am drawn
Yes, drawn...again
Come dawn, and the cockcrow
I wonder
Each dawn the cock crows
I wonder
slowly picking my ponder
in tow...

Where in the world would you rather be, or who in the world would you rather be, other than one or both these love-stricken souls?!

But be sure, dear luster, that you have the heart to "wait & await".

If you see what I mean!

All for Try

2007-03-05T18:18:00.000-08:00

My gate is for heroes
and the lowly
It will swing for them
My gate be forbidden
to the spineless
It will slam at them
Pray home

You be hero if you try
and show
You be zero if you fail
to try
You be mighty when you win
and be empty if you love
to crawl
Stay off my gate

Let the lowly strive
at dawn, each dawn
I bow for them
Let the flyers scale
the stars, more stars
I cheer for them
But the lazy? Huh
They must find my line
and stay off it
They be poison... of life
Stay of my line

Let him try that fails
It is meet
Let her fly that wins
It's a due
But them that crawl
with limbs all firm
be called to pain at noon
It is my measure so dear
Let's try for gold
Pray try

My day, oh Precious, be meant for stars
my dusk for more stars
Are you game
Their days be all for shame
who tame their soul to soil our sail
Are you flame
My say be meant for tribes
my pay for trys
Are you on
Their ways be filled with tricks
who tie their rays to seeking rent
I beg, stay off gate:
Go create!

Many third world countries remain poor for a lack of entrepreneurship and the absence or failure of the private sector. You are either in government or dead!

Too many of us are content to "belong", scared to dare; scared to death.

Hey, you're reading this because someone dared!

So can you.

Chains and Wheels

2007-03-03T21:25:00.000-08:00

Sprint back in time
and read the textured mist
Take heed of lores
and tick the flowing truth
Strength kills the strong
Hurry or tarry...
It won't change, my son
Ply time

Stroll down the age
Soak up the tales
and let fools be fools
Moons mark the mines
as words cage the wise
Hurry or tarry...
It won't change, my doll
Stay time

Stay, stay and regard
There! Be our guard
A story starts, a moral ends
The tale of tails wagging
and slides of some flailing...
between their legs:
Go in arrant strength
come in errant shame
Mind time

Chains for wheels, all move
Wheels in chains, all moored
What be food be hood
What be drink be brink
The wise be fool again
the tough be steel no more
Measure! Be thee my guide
Pray time

As for strength, I seek
As for soul, I need
Yes. Grant both
In wisdom, in words
In wishes and wants
Ha! Set me free...
by the power of sage
and the beauty of tales
Yes. Be home for me
Hear time

I'm so tempted to comment on this piece! No, I will not. I will not spoil the fret & fun of the reader. No. No, I won't.

Let's sweat it out, and share the spoils of war!

Milestone Musing

2007-02-27T17:07:00.000-08:00

Milestones!
As for self, for several in search
Miles ahead, mission in head
Seas to cross, mountains to climb
And we cease not, tease on
please some, fail some
Milestones!
And the wading be on

Mile for self, stone for history
We heed what is set, reset what beset
Creed, culture, nature:
All be service of sets, all in tricky resets
Oh, it is age
Oh, it is deed
Ah, it is form...maybe forms, and reform
Milestones!
And we hurry along

Let me be me...on the day I Choose
Sweet hurry
Let them high...on the streets they tar
Sweet merry
For this day, like all stars
I hold my secret as key
This time, as time gives
I hold my mission to heart
Milestones! Hear loud my claim:
This world, as wide cage
will be no prison for me
Pray thrill

Milestones!
And the samba continues
Not their mile, but mine
Not their pitch to play
Not their stone for dates
Not their measure as set
Alas, dear soul...
It is mine in strength, mine in songs
and mine in footprints for aye!

Milestones!
I have da music in me
Come map my steps
Milestones!
I be the music of hints
Come shine my robes
Milestones!
I share the comment, hold my moment
paving due movement with love
Milestones!
Let the memories beam aloft, buoy our pace
merry gently save our space
in precious footprints for aye!

I wrote this poem some years ago, prompted by the impending birthday of one of my friends who thought the world was passing by at 40! Well...

Before then, as now, there's been no shortage of souls who feel same way for a variety of reasons and on a zillion issues. Pray, why not? Man is made to fret!!

This verse is thus dedicated to all such souls: Never too late, folks! Simply don't give up.

Believe.

The Beauty of Hype

2007-02-25T16:05:00.000-08:00

Build me a castle of hope
and boost it like horn
Let the hype and hyping
be the music of life
Buy me a platform of hope
and light it like stars
Let the hyping and hype
be the crystals of life
Paint me a canvass of hope
and crest it like shields
Let the myth and mystery
be the shimmers of life
Hahaha

It be good to hope even in war
Pray hope
It be fair to hype even in want
Pray hype
It be sore to lose even in death
Pray life
It be sure to wish even in health
Pray love

In this market of life and living
too many rivers to swim
In all seasons that test our reason
too many fires to quench
Test we must
Keep we may
Seal we need
It hold a day, can fold a year
One who win know not the pain
So a mighty hope plus a little hype
be their music...
in the glitzy castle, known
as the fortress of feasts
One who lost gain all the strain
So a little hope plus a mighty hype
be their music...
in an empty ballroom, cast
as the banquet of life!

Don't blame those whose humour themselves in power or projects. They read history sideways and let its mirror confuse their tiny brains! No matter.

From preachers to poachers, from professors to painters, and poets to presidents many remain in hypes, many in fading hopes! Given.

The beauty of hope is the balance in hype! A little over the line and your dreams be a myth. A solid tent in Hope-Land gives you the rights to fish in measured hype as a guest in Hype-Ville!

It's cut and blend.

PayDay Blues

2007-02-24T20:49:00.000-08:00

Is it time
Let's see the winds
and your whirlwind-dues
Is it time
Let's hear the tunes
and your whirlwind-strings
Is it time
Let's read the tome
of your whirl-wild-world

Fry, it may be tall
Cry, it may be fall
Trip, it may all come...
creaming
crashing
or
dashing, alas

If it be time - dreary, cheery -
it's pay as you go
or
earn as we come
Is it time
Ask thee at dawn!

When you do the mathematics of life, it hardly adds up smugly. No matter. What matters is our role and our place.

This season, Americans, Britons and Nigerians must know what I mean!

It is the Dawn-of-Asking in not a few lands!!

Mama's Yarn

2007-02-11T16:59:00.000-08:00

Gulp not hot curry
in darn hurry
despite ya hunger
despite its flurry
You'll burn ya tongue
You'll peel ya mouth
You'll lacerate ya gum
harming ya gasping throat

From thence, dear careless:
Forget ya favourite spice -
you'll lose da taste
From this peppered curry, oh gulper:
You be done in a hurry - no merry

At dawn, damn
Noon, damn
Night, damn
And if you're still hungry...
Damn, damn, damn!

Not many of us aren't living by enough caution these days, are we? Whether in respect of wars or HIV/AIDS or illegal immigration or political gambits or media onslaught: same same.

Listen to every Grandmother in sight. Yours, mine or theirs...they have tales to tell. And their songs are words of wisdom!

Believe.
Technorati Profile

Nigeria: A Fractured Presidency

2007-02-08T06:28:00.000-08:00

There is pain and pun in the land
and
the players play on
There is dread and drain in our land
and
the players dance on
There is storm and strain in the fold
and
the players slam on
Dear Leader, which one you dey?

Pull-me-I-pull-you
God no go vex
Jam-me-I-jam-you
Bone no go broke
Today na today, is the song in town
To stay na to kill, be da game sad game
It's danger ever and dagger galore
Bad matter!

They took office as friends, what friends
They shared conquests as gains, what gains
Now it's war, war war
They made merry as pals, what pals
They hurled others as stars, what stars
Now it's mud, mud-rake
They see nothing but feud, what feud
They suck others to feud, hell feud
Now they're fiends, fang fang
Pray Elder, which side you dey?

Parts, and we'll choose no part
until they pact
or part
Songs, we'll join no chants
until they chat
or chart
Votes, we'll take all care
before they flare
our share
Dear Leader, no nak our head!

Each day a way, each way their pay
No matter
These days be days no one foresaw
Small matter
But verily verily bubble be burst
Pure scatter
As they go, when they go
Not much be ours to cheer...
Sad matter!

Now, Dear Leader and Vice
We have a plea for you:
May ya minds be kind in sights
and kinder in fights
May ya skin be tight in shouts
and tighter in bouts
For this season of misery
be a mystery so dire
And this manner of parting
be nothing to cheer
Beware!

President Olusegun Obasanjo and Vice President Atiku Abubakar are in the final stages of the father (since they be male!) of all presidential roforofos (street fight)!

I rest comment on this saga for now.

Verses be golden...

Papa Shimon Peres: Apostle of Peace

2007-02-03T05:26:00.000-08:00

(From da Soul all GOOD)

High in the clouds of anger
fizzle all hope
High in the skies of measure
muzzle all hate
Sense and sensation can date
but the marriage fades
in time
Parts and paths may irk
but our carriage jades
with time
From da soul all good

Deep in the news of anger
drip all bile
Deep in the views of elders
drip all writ:
Let the young beware

Ply not the beaten path
Root for peace
Pile not on rotten parts
Build in peace
Fresh in the waves of nature
hold ya flag
Fresh in the hearts by reason
bear love-tags
May the young be warned

Pray peace, I plead
And hold ya world
Copy Sage Ghandi
Pray peace, I sing
And own da world
Follow Mandela, our dear Madiba
Yes... for in ya soul all good

Today's BBC World Debates (Special) in Doha, Qatar was indeed quite special. Pa Shimon Peres, deputy prime minister of Israel, was the distinguished guest, and he spoke with wisdom, pain, courage, hope and trust. He was absolutely honest and decidedly upbeat. He was calm, he was distinguished.

Palestine and Israel must make peace. It is the only right and sustainable outcome for all the hate and bile and deaths and carnage and talks and road-maps.

If Israel can make peace with Egypt and Jordan, why not Palestine!

The best way for the young in both States is to focus on the future, and work positively without bitterness. Study the past, if you will, but only to use its lessons to work for good. Don't repeat the bad past. It is useless and senseless.

The questions were relentless, urgent, agitated. Expected. His mien was disarming and his soul shined through his measured words and exhortations: "I didn't come here to win a/the debate". Every interrogator was respectfully nudged to be an interlocutor by the wise phrases and eye to eye contact of a genuine master of peace - The living Sage of Israel. The hall melted in his wake, and we hope the theatres of war and conflict will follow suit.

Apostle Peres got a resounding and warm applause from a predominantly Arab and largely young audience: befitting a balanced envoy of conscience, who has seen it all.

Let each cabinet, every world capital listen. BBC should extend its repeat broadcast specially: say once every week for FIVE weeks.

My respects.

Even If I Cry

2007-01-28T18:34:00.000-08:00

My land is my home
no matter our pain
Home home
My land is my hope
even as I pain
Hope hope
They asked me before
and I said no
They'll ask me again
and I'll say no...
To hate

My land makes me laugh
Let them tease
My land keeps my lot
Let them tempt
They have taken before
I know
They will gather again
I'm sure
But leave me alone
I am the stump
of the conquered race
I will sprout again
Spring spring
Gloat on as yore
Tease tease
I am the gourd
of the ancient wine
I sour not
I vintage on...
Even as I cry

My land be love
Love love
My home be all
Sweet home
These tears will water
the fields of freedom
Let me cry
This pain will rain
to gain again
Let me ache
My land is my home
Pray home
For I hold you no harm
or hate

My heart be store and song
as I bear for meals anew
All renewed
The tune is hard to dance
but I'll take you along
All renewed
The beat is meant for kings
but I'll ask you to dance
All for new
My land be my day
Come dance
My home is my pay
Come stay...
In peace

My land be my world
Yes yes...the world
My space be my say
Oh yes...my way
Come aboard, my friend
Mind not my cry
Come and know my way
Mind not the pain
For my land, this land
be mine, me, and more!

All those who have ever fought deprivations, apartheid, ethnic intolerance, religious bigotry, racism, gender imbalance or caste stigma will know where this drum is sounding from!

Buy, then, the Mandela Doctrine: Together, sans Bitterness.

It never fails.

My Swirl for You

2007-01-20T13:31:00.000-08:00

There is a link I lost
you now provide
There is a way to lust
you now deride
There is a hate I had
you now sedate
There was this fear around
you knocked aground
Welcome

I am the thanks afar
you now deserve
I am the gong aboard
no one would beat
I am that case
you heard and solved
I am the willing hand
none could engage
Thank you

There is the fear in me
I wish to share...
hidden secrets
I've held for years
There is a day I dread
someday ahead
and wonder if you'll
fight my frights
Welcome

It's the day of a thousand hearts
Heads as sea
Necks adorned
Lights aglow
For at "9 past 9" Due Day
the master-gong will sound
All true-blood will make the round
and the drunken-crowd
will mock the odd
Who be the odd? The barren
of means or mind...
Now, you've saved me both
Thank you

Will you be there
I was lost before
Will you be true
I was mocked before
Will you be swell
I deserve the glee
Will you be all
I must dance for you
Welcome

1993. There was this soul that thought it was all gone, all lost, over. Then the chance to meet and start something. Then the click, and it clicked! Bliss...

Because things are good, the observer records things - as means of lessons and records. The year was 2003. And it still keeps.

Hmm...Poets!

Gain from Bygones

2007-01-14T05:11:00.000-08:00

Poor as it comes, the past be past
Tough count
Low as it gets, a past be past
Hard bite
But the business this long
be a trigger both ways:
Pull...or it be pulled!

Build the past
with ya present
Don't fret
Blast the past
from ya moment
Don't doubt
Flush the past
from ya memory
Don't count
Seal the past
with ya present:
All done!

Hot as we lose, past be past
Long song
Cold as we freeze, past is past
Hard grit
And the window this short
be a platform both ways:
Mount...or be mount!

What role for me, dear builder
I'm tasking to heed
What day in me, dear blaster
I'm hurrying to cast
What time is it, dear flusher
I'm tarrying to cheer
Which cut you take, dear sealer
I merry to mould

Dark as we were, the past is past
Crude crawl
Damped as we got, all past be past
Creep crawl
The go this go is the anchor of life:
Hook...or be sunk!

Do you wonder if I'll bother
Do you ponder why I bother
Well, stay calm, honey:
We live a now from whence we came
We have a now by how we build
So, damn your past if you will
It changest not
Shine your now as best you can
It buildest all
And the past will rest...
in perfect sleep:
To give you rest
and perfect peace

Poor as it comes, pray
Hot as we lose, pray
Dark as we are, pray
Then cast ya bridge, dear builder
and join me... in Mission Control:
To a past redeemed...To da past no more!

What do you think: All them "come-back kids" we hear about, see around...they didn't drop from Mars, you know? They did it all here, right here on Planet Earth. Yes.

Get hold of yourself...and just get on with it, folks! Get the past out of the way, it's fouling things and blocking you!! Yes.

Who the blast am I to say? Past or blast, tag me...Town Crier! Yes.

One To Last

2007-01-10T08:59:00.000-08:00

Body to body
spirit by spirit
we won't be different
tonight
Alas, we ought be bonded
at last

Story of story
music to lyrics
I have a message
for you
At last, we will be bonded
alas

Dawn was the messenger of bliss
But I queried - not knowing
slow searching!
Noon was the driver of bliss
But I questioned its very route
still searching!
How a simple eve on nature's route
can act to heal...
How a merry tip from distant lips
can heal a heart...
How, dear apple, your sweetly lines
can chant and rhyme...
Love be the setting, alas
Love is the ending, at last!

Body to spirit
spirit and body
we won't be different
tonight
For, as one, we will be bonded
at last
And, by love, we will be different
no more!

Let no one kid you, the power of love is love. Now, for this to last you will have to journey to the place called LoveLand. And bite the bullet.

If you doubt or ask, pray, you are not alone. It's in the pie!

Some Know, Some Row

2007-01-02T12:29:00.000-08:00

Season of trials
season of trails
Reasons for pain
reasons for gain
You may go
You may behold

Some know, some row
I may win
I may wink
Some know...
and some row

Unions are unions
Pinions be pinions
If you pick the onions
you know your onions
If you lack opinion
you have no onion

Some know, some row
You may go
You may behold
No matter
I may win
I may wink
No matter
Some will row...
and some just know

Of all things bold
or told
some know, some row
Of all things high
and nigh
some just row...
and some will know

This is a verse which tells and sells to self. You can't choose (okay, shouldn't choose) for others. So, you sing to them...in verses, just in case!

Yeah, sounds, not fury.

Power Shows Them

2007-01-02T09:35:00.000-08:00

Dear Power
Thank you...
For we now know

But for you
they would have tricked us
used us
and dumped us, again

But for you
they would have ganged up
sold all
and mocked us, again

Dearest Power
Thank you...
For we now know

When we fought for freedom
they joined the dictators
When we sought democracy
they joined the usurpers
We forgave
they forgot
We voted
they plotted
We danced for nation
they pranced for pocket

Now is time for change
they forget their oath
Now is time to render
they forget their pledge
Thank you Power
for piercing their ranks
for showing their soul
and sheathing our sword

Oh, thank you Power
They would have used us, again
conned us again
Yes...
They would have killed, maimed
and fooled us, again
But Power, dear Power
You've shown them to us, anew
Yes...
Since you tackled them at noon
exposing their post and posing
they can't fool us at night, again
Yes...
Come election, next Elections
their chickens will come home
to roost

Pay Day is round the corner for elected officials who do not perform. And why not? Never take voters for a ride, nor your nation for granted. No.

Now it happens everywhere: politicians failing the electorate. So, this is not a third world sin. It is universal, and is becoming surprisingly globalised.

2007 will follow 2006 in punishing the guilty. No question.

For Nigeria, my country, we are entering our Era of Renaissance from this year. Let all who love this land work for that. Thank you for your positive part.

How We Are

2006-12-29T02:48:00.000-08:00

Behind the faces and facades
most be more
Beyond the dots and data
many be more
How we greenly wish
and greedy want...
to be
to own
to become!

Before the chicken is egg
No? Wait
To born da chick be egg
Yes? Wait
To lay them eggs be hen
Sure? Wait
Before the hatching is chicken
All kiddies' stuff? Well...

So of man, so of souls:
Each face with its hole, its hold
We won't know all
Each tongue with its lick, its lies
We dare not swipe
I know a path before but tread
no more...it burns
I swam a stretch before but dip
no more...it's crocks
I read a tune before but got
so wrong...it's mm
I tapped a line in fear but now
so sweet...it's wow!

If the "ifs" were so few or new
what a bore we'll be
If the "whats" were uncoiled
how boring our quest
If there be no foils to untie
or metaphors to behold
what a task of no-contest
I love the mystery in man
and the majesty of regrets:
When you win, you win
When it's lost, you begin
again, or retain the pain!

Many phases, many faces
Same in Town
same in Gown
Same in the sweetest joints
and saddest corners, alas
Who you know... you know not
Where you hide... you hide not
What you own... you owe
Ha! I bow to the mystery
of man: winks, links, lines
Yet, dear squinter, man is it
No kidding!

Oh, there be the pleasant pieces:
Man at his best...
underrated
underfunded
overlooked
somehow skewed, by time
Then you scratch, and...wow:
A soul of many parts
hidden and open at once
A tool for many tasks
sharp and shaped for all
A horse and carmel combined
heeded and needed, alas
Then you wonder and ponder
asking self and all:
How slow we are
in having...yet missing
How high we are
in loving...yet losing!

For a while now, I have been seeing and checking. In the business of life, you meet all sorts. In this business, no one be final master. I learned long ago from my vendor that leaders may play all the ostrich they want but they fool not the people. Just a matter of time!

Many resumes distort data or play up parts to suit postings and plans. Many thus "mislead" or lead users one way or another. Most times no ill intended - pure conventional stuff. Saw that on googling my friend's this day as well. We need all do some checking. Yeah.

Life, as we've found, is full of mirrors and mirage. And we know. But we still urge and surge, just in case! So, in discovering the "other parts, the other side", we go...gaga or ha ha or ho ho!

For ill, or for good. No matter.

And life goes on...

We Do (Ode to Ed Bradley of CBS News)

2006-12-26T05:35:00.000-08:00

When the news broke
and the pictures flicked
we saw the bloke
who the weary picked
When your story broke
and the pictures peaked
we had the news
which our hearts broke

Pray, at such an age
you’ve played the stage
Pray, on such odd day
we have no say
If a nation mourns
as sure we do
it brings no news
to you
If a people race
to match the pace
it brings real space
to you
If the world stops
to ask anew
it task new sweat
of you

Did we learn as we earn
We did…we do
Did we see as we’re seen
We did…we do
Do we wish that you know
We did...we do
Pray, Ed, how sure ya place
For you did the deeds
not just the deals
And brought much grace
our race…each race

Work as work
Play as play
All in grace...with grace
But the news this day
be not your pace
It is ya place
You brought the news
despite the face
You bought da team
in spite of steam
As all attest, dear soulful soul:
You beamed it all
You rolled the reams
and got teem souls
to roll, and rock

Oh, and that laughter!
It will melt as it felt
It will ring as we sing
It rang and sang
with bang and tang
Those moments damn torments
Those currents…rich comments
They be the memories
we hold
They creamed the torrent
and greased the monument
you are
Though from the cold
you made the fold
Now the world behold
the gold
No matter
For you were just Ed…
Ed Bradley. No more

Did we wish you know
Pray, yes
Did we do your wish
Pray, ask
Will we hold the word
despite discord
Hmm…tough task
But, pray yes…we will
For you were just Ed
Asking no more
And we be nowhere nearer
a fold, unless…until
we smash the mold –
unspoken code
Goodnight, Ed, take a bow
Have ya rest, ya peace deserved
As you remain Ed…
Ed Bradley. No more

This is my humble tribute to Ed Bradley 1941-2006, of CBS News, who did so much to inspire Blacks and other minorities in Broadcast Journalism.

Ed has learned and earned. Thank God!

Mine Me

2006-12-22T08:43:00.000-08:00

Hello
Whose heart is there
No changing
No charging
My train is here

Hello
Whose line is this
No coiling
No cutting
My show ain't tease

Hello
Whose part is due
No shutters
No shatters
My share is new

Hello
Whose heart be home
No blaming
No blighting
My sea will foam

Hello
Whose soul be mine
No wailing
No wavering
My gold to mine

Love: Which is your side of the divide? Too many souls are diving in and out, yet a zillion souls still yearn and search! Okay, maybe not hard or far enough...but they search. Yeah.

My take? Don't board up, get on board!

Restrained In Vain

2006-12-22T08:10:00.000-08:00

On and on you called
and claimed
Ears and earful we heard
and beamed
On and on you railed
and blamed
Eyes and eyeful we saw
and deemed
You be redeemed
will redeem, yes?
You be our sail
will not derail, yes?

On and on we looked
and shrugged
Pride and ride were all
you cared
Damn all
On and on we called
in vain
Pain and strain you built
all day
Damn love
Now you pay, yet will
still pay
despite your stay
today
Now we retrace, return
to base
One more strain, teary pain
to one, and all

From my suite last month I beheld a bruised and blazing couple, or couple-to-be/has-been, in a most virulent and verbally violent display! Was it love or war finding one and all? Or was it what was lost making way to stay? The silent crowd watched, alas.

In the end, they made peace - sort of. By then, too much had been expended, so much will need to give and be given. Trust the poet to ponder and ponder alone...both in wonder about love, and the business it holds. What a strain...and no restraint!

Lessons.

A Village Wish

2006-12-22T02:31:00.000-08:00

How we meet in CyberMeet
can matter or scatter
No matter
How we hold in CyberHold
can bolster or alter
No matter
What we kill and what we keep
in CyberScheme
be the all-in, the all-out
Sure matter

In this season of will and desire
let sweet memories be the fire
In all moments of thrill and grill
let cool measures grow our hill
Beam what you hold
Share most you own
Dream on to gold
So, as the blasts and beauty emerge
We may all know to leap...
know to give...and sort our keep
for keeps

Page by page
soak the sage
The song be finely same:
Win some, loathe some, lose some
Hahaha
It's the CyberGame of chats
files and fotos!
Stage on stage
soak the sage
The lines be firmly same:
Tame some, trick some, tap some
Hahaha
It's the CyberTwang of twists
tips and turns!
Then, you must choose ya bunch
no matter da pay
Hohoho

Yuletide gives the slate
as you wish...and wish all
This villageman is victorious
with the songs of nature:
Be you green as well
This citysoul is cheerglorious
with the buzz of gadgets:
Be you digital as well
I wish you - one and all -
that special wish only you
can dare, and own
Happy Holiday!

This verse is a special dedication to my friend, Nite Tanzarn, who wasn't a great fan of poetry though an academic. Now, I get scolded if I do not write enough by this "eminent convert"!

Thank you, Nite, for being one of my guinea pigs in the field trials of PopPoetry! You have been right in your predictions - one of the earliest I got on this journey. Very humbling.

And, through my friend, may I wish all my other great contacts, readers and prospects a Merry Christmas and very Happy & Prosperous New Year!

Peace.

'07 Knocks: Who's Home?

2006-12-21T11:34:00.000-08:00

Another year
another tear
What be da pain
A better year
must never tear
Oh, we must gain
'07 knocks...
We must hope again

Another year
another pear
What be da meal
A saner year
in safer gear
Oh, we must deal
'07 knocks...
We must hold the wheel

Another year
another cheer
What be da game
A working year
for banning fear
Oh, we must tame
'07 knocks...
We must up our name

Unless you play the proverbial ostrich, no one can wish the incoming year bon arrive more than any and every soul alive today. We've seen or heard it all. Every one of us. A break, in space and time is due...is needed. Reason: To help sweep away this year of horrors. To give the world a fresh wave. To grant our souls the long-sought relief. Oh, such relief!

And I do not have to recount, do I?

The Skies Between

2006-12-21T11:09:00.001-08:00

Optimist, be you open
and right
For, we will write
Pessimist, be you closed
and wrong
For, we will throng

The sky each sky
mark our try, your fly
Each soul a sky
all lands their skies
As we meet, which we will:
Kill not the dream
Quash not the thrill
For, we will write

Every year be a sky
many skies be a year
My music is ya musing
your misery be my mystery
So we meet
and may fit
Hear Hear!
Or we hit
and not beat
Ho Ho!

The lines ablaze
are the skies unknown
Pray fear...
For, we will write
The sky this year
be the how we've flown
All clear...
For, we will throng

Hey, are you like me? I found '06 an impatient flyer! Twelve months make a year, right? These twelve are a bloody goner...damn!

But the goon of a year still has its takes and takers: You be the juggler and judge. Not me!

On my part, dear juggler, I need a secret session with '06: There is so much to grunt over, and gloat about. So very much...

Our Deal With '06

2006-12-21T10:40:00.000-08:00

'05 spoke in tongues
but we sought not
decoders
And it sparked
'05 stole in droves
but we sent not
detectors
And it stank
'05 was a stretch
in dotted hopes
dripping and dropping aloud
Oh, did we spot
What blind a trip-in-bangs
'06, '06
Mean much to us!

As you come, all-sneak or relish:
Drop hints your wish
We will pick
Draw hits your ways
We will beat
As you come, all-tricks and kisses
Mind not last miss
and remiss
Bind
We'll redress
Cut not this mix
or the fix
Put
We will heave
As we drag and drop
pray '06...
Make us ya friend!

Hello Folks, do look back. Look over the barges, over the seas. Look again: what do you call and recall when '05 was fading away, racing away?

Hmm...

Dry Measures

2006-12-20T15:09:00.000-08:00

Open
I knock though I doubt
Can we be one
or be gone
Reason
I doubt though I knock
Can we be true
or be through
Caution
I see though I doubt
Will we begin
or be green
Measures
I doubt though I see
Will we be all
or befall

Counting and counting
as our day begins
I wonder why you want
a count
Mounting and panting
as our trip proceeds
I ponder when you want
to plant
Knock
Let the doubts dissolve
Look
Let the count be love
Reason and caution be seeds
of pain - so what!
Openings and measures be feeds
of gain -why not!

Depending on your courage and the stakes, this is the open season for the try. If you both see the way, why not ...the plunge!

Trapped In Time

2006-12-20T14:33:00.000-08:00

Much may be different
now
but I recall when we
were swell
Much may be alien
now
but recall how they
began
Mates may be hates
now
but be sure not
to deny
Traits may be baits
now
but be hell not
to be floored

Recall and remember
Damn not that light
those lines
and lining
Give bronze to bronze
gold to gold
plus the silver between

Recall and remember
A soul in time
be a song long sung
Brace pain in gain
and gain by pain
It be a lonely refrain
But to attain
is to restrain

So, stay trapped in bliss
by...
straying far from sleaze
We've played
and...paid

A code to all you out there needing a healing, and a re-sealing of old or failing deals. I speak of matters of the heart (what else!).

Looking back does help looking forwards. Catch up this season!

The Supreme Say

2006-12-09T06:47:00.000-08:00

When the battles rage
it is obscene
When their lordships sit
it is serene
Jungle, the one
Justice, the other

You may rage, fight
or kite
No matter
I may cage, slight
or spike
No matter
Jungle, the all
Justice at odds

All rise!
Once in court
it's courtesy and cut
All matter
C-o-u-r-t!
A judge be a judge
and the judge
Big matter
Jungle no more
Justice da more

In the journey thus on
no stops
much hops
bounce ye all the way
Jungle way down
Justice ya way
Tough matter
As you seek, if you seek
mind how you go
As you grope, all in groan
find thee da way
Grave matter

Stay, come sun
Pray, come rain
The temple so sought
is home and tomb
Clean matter
As ya journey winds
and twists
there be a final gate of faith
holding da fate
of all gates:
The inner sanctum
and saner spectrum
of all...
The Supreme Court
Pray silence
Shrine of Shrines
Grove of Groves
Stay silent
High Temple so ample
Justice alas, Justice at last

All rise!
Be stay risen...in awe
By its word be all call
For its sword be so tall
All rise!
Be stay risen...in awe
By its way may we play
In its say be the stay
C-O-U-R-T!

A verse in honour of the Temple of Justice - the last hope for the common man, the masses. It was triggered and inspired by the gale of impeachments sweeping through Nigeria's political market place, with the harvest of illegalities and disobedience of court orders. Plus this week's landmark judgment by the Nigerian Supreme Court, to wit, on the despicable case of Governor Rahidi Ladoja of Oyo State, south west Nigeria, who was illegally removed from office by the ruling PDP since January this year.

See www.manifestoesnigeriafrom2007.blogspot.com for full commentary.

Hot about Joy

2006-12-08T17:26:00.000-08:00

Pout your lips in taunts
and flaunts
Let's cream to joy
Plant a peck, a tease
a kiss
Let's cringe to joy
Make a rise:
raise me sweet tight
Ehen
Try for size:
seize me squeeze high
Ahan
Let's ride a-tight

Broken? What the heck!
Tempted? Why the fear!
Taken? Hahaha!
Joy be the business
in town
Ply not the clown
Joy be the music
ahead
Why play the dead

Joy. Boundless joy
in ploys and decoys
Mind not
Crack plots
And ride da tracks
Joy, alas, be...
hatch and catch!

Holidays: A season of tugging emotions, and the pouring of thoughts. What have you got in store and how will you fill the pot? Mean it, pin it.

Just the right season a-tight!

PDP "Red Alert" Weekend!

2006-12-08T16:58:00.000-08:00

December 9
Governorship Primaries
Peace or Pieces
Red Alert Weekend
Let the people speak
and....choose

December 9
Gubernatorial Hurdles
Soar or Sink
Red Alert Weekend
Let the masses make
or....break

December 9
People's Democratic Party
Gory or Glory
Red Alert Weekend
Oh, we goodly wish
and....pray

This is a warning and a well-wishing verse for Nigeria's ruling political party whose all-crucial gubernatorial primaries hold this weekend.

Visit www.manifestoesnigeriafrom2007.blogspot.com for full commentary.

Dawn as Pawn

2006-12-08T15:08:00.000-08:00

I take the chess of life
as days
at the feet of culture
Then dawns will count
I place the net of life
as ways
in the sea of nature
Then pawns will mount

When you move
and how you cast
be what you net
or regret
Chess?
Ask masters
Net? Task elders

Each move, seen or remote
lurks in hearts and minds
All moves, known or blown
breed or bleed in heads
Time, dear player, be
what you splice and dice
Our day be made at dawn
Our pay to grade in pawns
We set both or let all

A culture of dawns
serves one the pawns
A nature of yawns
makes one the pawn
How clear!

Remember the old saying, "how you lay your bed....."? Yep, that's the hint! Getting set at dawn is sure-fire pep. Setting out at dawn is key. Knowing and being known raises.

For 2007 beyond, combine!

Beyond The Movies

2006-12-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

The movies last week
suggested things
I am all thoughts
Though moves be moves
and flicks are flicks
speak me cool words, my dear
Beyond the tricks

The movie last night
erupted fonts
I am all flows
Though moves be moves
and dreams are dreams
take me cool high, my dear
Beyond the stars

The movie this day
suspended things
I am now fours
Though moves be moves
and cuts are cuts
bring me real cool, my dear
Beyond the seas

The movies henceforth
must strengthen things
I am all groans
Though moves be moves
and flicks are flicks
make me all real, darling
Beyond the flicks

It is little cream trying to guide or goad anyone to the temple of love. You got it, you grab it. You lost it, you seek it. However you stand is entirely ya fare.

December is in the air!

Life, Tong and Tongue

2006-12-08T13:37:00.000-08:00

Hello my friend
What is your end
Be patriotic not pathetic
Life will not end
All say hallo

Hello our dear
What do you fear
Be strategic not allergic
Time be so dear
All pray hallo

Hello sweet fool
Why be so full
Be ambitious not covetous
Flight be no height
All say hallo

Hello momma
Why do you mourn
Be reflective not deflective
Womb be not tomb
All pray hallo

Hello poppa
What did you groom
Be amending not contending
Life be one time
Pray, say hallo

Talking to others as to self, we can all identify links and linkages...in these lines. Sometimes, it pays to listen. In the hurry and worry of life we better be as whole as we jolly well can, or we may be charging others when we ought be charged!

A preachment? Not me.

FOUL FARM, FARM FOUL

2006-12-01T09:21:00.000-08:00

(Note To First-Ever Africa-South America Summit, ABUJA 2006)

Our land is breeding:
not food but famine
not winners but weaklings
not mothers but murders
not honour but horror
As for man, materials have
taken his place
As for hope, hype dealt
it a fatal blow
and hell has taken over
The lucky generations have
blocked tunnels, channels
and passages
The doomed generations are
pruning their chances
to bare bones
in the heat of waste
From these throes
the web of multiple traps
is choking our willing limbs
From this betrayal
a million scenes have grown
into the movie reels of angst
so our land conjures blockbuster
tales and magic cartoons
Neither the Sage nor the sapling
can fathom this thunderbolt
The eerie passion of diabolical
leaders meets a sonorous silence
of deprived masses, in a kokoma
peace of the grave-yard:
cloaking the poverty of leadership
the depravity of dishonour
and mesmerisation of short-termism
Oh, be not deceived!

No roads for tractors
autobahns for tanks
No cash for ploughers
foreign aid for choppers
No stores for harvests
vast dumps for bombs
Hard times for kids
swell life for thugs
As we turn our fields to graves
we search for help abroad
As we loot our land to death
we beg for stones abroad
When the giver sets snide terms
we turn whimsical in fits!
Pray shame

We foul our farm with glee
robing greed as glory
posting stench as status
Farm be great fantasy
in white and green, blue and red
black or yellow paper rituals
fouling senses, freaking sensibilities
Farms be seething staples
gasping for life in annual budgets
jinxed programmes, junk projects
As we go, when we go
others farm fruits of health
we farm foul health
we foul the air
and choke fair help away
For easy dough, we foul
For easy fame, we foul
For all our shame, we foul
the bond of change
and send the Sage to rage!
Pray pain

We have no centre
lest it holds
We shun them griots
none to heed
Poor moms, how cope ye now
Lost dads, where seek ye more
Our lands be slaughter fields
not farms or mines
Our forests be blighted fields
all gone to logs
Our waters quench thirst no more
just rivers of blood -
fouled by ruptured bowels
of pregnant beauties;
soaked in crying crimson
of craggy kids;
virussed with drawing matter
from riddled skulls!
It is a curse of mounting contempt
flowing from our mountains of hate
jumpy intolerance, and haunting distaste
It is a blessing seen and denied
It be hell undue, love untaken
It is how we look in base brashness
and react in feverish frenzy
The Sage be so in pain

Yes, it is the farm we foul
and the fouling we farm
It is how we mock
and now, we're mocked
Pray change

See extensive commentary at www.onoviranobzervatory.blogspot.com and join the crusade!

ANGELA and TIME

2006-12-01T01:07:00.000-08:00

(To Chancellor Angela Merkel at 1) [* use glossary below*]

Time flies
but you've used it well
Time tries
yet you be in shape
Let them flay
but I say, Bravo
No be joke o!

Time fries
but you've stayed afresh
Time ties
yet you be not-bound
Let them say
but we pray for you
Ko easy rara!

Twelve moons be long
be short
Twelve cuts be tip
be deep
But try two juggernauts
tied with weary nuts
for size
Hahaha!
Try cheery ride
for metro pride
Hohoho!
Here be the queue, the clue:
Measured - it be speed watch
Treasured - it be honk sense
Seizure - you mind the kids
Closure - you fix old angst
Pleasure - you note the cops
Metro Monster, City Limits!
Sweet may monster
stiff be limits...
No magic wand, Precious
It's the Prose of Life-
the Poetics of Politics!

Twelve moons have held
the truce
Twelve moons have shelled
the team
Times have changed
much will change
as time ranges...anew
This Angela can make a change
be the change...minding the queue
and blending the clue
All change!

For the time just gone
All Thanks - danke schon
For the trials so here
Pray Peace - shalom
For the swell World Cup
All Hail - bravo
For tasks all due, very due
Pray Strength and Health
To be Chancellor
and wise counsellor
All Hail - be one

Now Angela, be the trunk
not a branch, for peace
Dear Chancellor, be the farmer
not barn-keeper, at last
Clear the stables
set the tables
Boost the wealthy
fight poverty...
to death!

Let them say
but put Germany ahead
Let them flay
but hold Europe to health
For, when the monster meets
the metro, all heights
be tamed
The world be sure ya stage
and now ya page:
Play well, act right, script on
As we say in AJ City:
Carry Go, Sister...
Na ya time, biko
Wallahi!

**Glossary**
No be joke o ----------------It's no joke. It's tough. Tasking. No laughing matter.
Ko easy rara - --------------It's not easy. Not a piece of cake. No soft choices. [Yoruba]
AJ City ---------------------Ajegunle, a huge slum settlement in Lagos, Nigeria,
famous for producing great musical and football talents.
Carry Go, Sister ------------Ride on. Forge ahead. Keep on track. No back-sliding.
Na ya time, biko ------------It's your time, your turf. You're in demand. [Pidgin/Ibo]
Wallahi----------------------Truly. Honestly. Yes. Affirmation. [Hausa]

As first woman chancellor of Germany, the EU economic powerhouse and a major contributor to UN finances, Mrs Angela Merkel's first anniversary in office cannot, must not, go unheralded. So in Germany, so internationally.Ultimately, only the electorate will decide her government's fate, but we can and should express our views, and our take - in this global village of our commons. The verse speaks to them and us. It signposts our privilege and honour to share both heart-felt commendations and strategic recommendations around the globe.

And, hey, isn't it fun to learn a few slangs from AJ City? And hints of local tongues? You bet. AJ is already world-famous, so add it to your lexicon please. You know, despite all our travels and education, many Nigerians (and saavy foreigners) speak our cherished "pidgin english" or what you may call "broken english". Adverts, preachers and marketers, including official government programmes, feast on this unofficial lingua franca. Using it here is a treat and a real mark for Merkel.

Many happy returns, Chancellor, and kudos to the Grand Coalition!

Tracks from Before

2006-11-29T13:24:00.000-08:00

It was in the pen
long long before
From thence came
the ritual force
It was of the den
long long ago
In it craves
our large ego

Independence:
A lonely way
to lovely rays
Parting of ways
Making forays
In the pen thence
in the den hence
Be it of past, present
or future
the tense won't work
sans culture, sans nurture

Independence:
A tortuous way
to make hay...
Leaving the cookie jar
and rising to par
All in the den
still by the pen...
Now for our say
sure in our way

Independence:
The tour of vision
the tear of forces...
And the tracks of honour
leading from before
Ahoy!

The stern message to poor ex-colonies is to learn not to forever-moan. Several of today's great nations were also colonized before! And we speak directly to our leaders and the media in the African, Caribbean and Pacific, ACP, regions of the world. Wake up, folks....the sun is high!

We have legitimate claims to express apologies plus reparations, especially on the slavery mess, but we ain't gonna stay prostrate until and unless we got them...are we? The Jews didn't wait, did they? Now they're getting the best of all worlds!

If you do not say "I AM", no one will say "THOU ART"!

Now, ACP, arise-work-and-shine. Then, assert.

You Hold Me So

2006-11-29T11:24:00.000-08:00

Clever chord, save this note
and show no soul our coat
Count years and cheers
but save our love...
from cold, biting cold

When they ask, if they ask
I'll speak not a word
When we have a you
and one be this me
Ha, it blasts!
They should make the fold
to sense the hold
As for this you, Dearie
I be grant them no dice

Holiday blues. I am just swinging with the new season, along. Normal, isn't it? Keep them Nosey Parkers away...and out...of your business - ya love!

The Crowd Is Food

2006-11-29T00:38:00.000-08:00

Come to the commons
but which corner
you fit
Go to the corners
and grab what commons
design
Oh, it's election time
Sweet change can pay
Hear Hear

Ride on our banner
don't mind their stripes
Rise to the tenor
don't mime their songs
Yes, it's election dance
Smart steps can stray
Tear Tear

Buy for the commons
but spike up
the hype
Bite from their corners
and grab old foes
as new
Oh, it's election blues
High stakes be due
Fear Fear

As my dear Nigeria heads for her 2007 General Elections, a historic epoch of civilian-to-civilian transition through the ballot box, I am at once anxious and sober like many of my compatriots. Expected.

Then, I look back and around, home and abroad, and....a little ahead. Politics? Trepidation. Votes? Hope. I take the fear, the tear, and the hear hear! In that order.

When or how or what I feel, I commit to verse. Poor me!