The language I writeis not my mother tongue, yetyou read my heart well. Author’s note: My mother tongue is Swahili. English is my second language and German is my third language; in the order of fluency. Sometimes, I hesitate to share my writing because the language I write most is not my mother tongue. Then,…
Made to shine on earthbrightening like the spring moondespite ill torments First published by ILLUMINATION Author’s note: This poem is a dedication to people with albinism. On this International Albinism Day, we celebrate persons with albinism worldwide under the theme “Made to Shine”. Recently, in some countries, they have been branded “Corona” or “COVID-19” in…
Our twenty-first-century world is overflowing with environmental issues and humanitarian crises. The air is gray with pollution. The oceans and rivers are inundated with garbage. Trees are bending in desperation. Bodies are stained with disasters. Minds are torn between right and wrong. Hearts are weeping from losses. Souls are haunted by injustices. As global citizens,…
He appeared on my Instagram feed as a snuff film. I watched him call for his momma. I heard him like a mother would hear her child calling for her. I am a coward. Normally, I avoid such news. My justification is that I don’t know the complete history enough to own it. I don’t…
You are here in the womb of Earth. Inside the woman’s water felt inadequate for you were crafted with beliefs of men. Whoever carried you for nine months, was a temple you can spurn as you wished. Here you were sent to resurrect. To redeem. Yet, you demanded to be a pretty flower. You! Once…
Traveling is one way of collecting ideas for creative writing. Travel destinations are butterflies without wings. A poet can create wings for these places to reach many. Consequently, readers can experience a destination through poetry without having traveled there. Poetry about places can also inspire others to travel to unseen places. The joy of exploration…
Our neighbour who is near and afar. Hell is not a place with me in your near. Your cry has come I lend you my hum on this crisis until it’s gone. Let me hear you not dread of kindness chaffed to pass for this is our life set in truss regardless of our heart’s…
In Germany, we were in the lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic since March 13. April was the peak month for me; that is almost a month since being mostly inside and with no clue as to when life will return to normality again. During the month, I learned about a few things which, without the…
Today’s prompt is to write about something that returns. This poem is about returning of the rose as a flower, metaphor, victuals, and wisdom. Today marks the end of Na/GloPoWrimo. Thank you, Maureen, and all the poets, for inspiring the infinite weaving of the poetry rope. 8th year done despite challenges of finding time to…
I joined Letters Live in their #ReadALetter campaign by writing and reading a letter to anyone in isolation, to add a bit of sunshine in their life. The letter focus is on the dandelion flower because it reminds us that even though considered a weed plant, the dandelion is considered by some a symbol of…