#african poets

[aslisjournal]

Before I start I’ll say I have a lot of flaws A couple of fears, And some deep rooted issues But there’s this dream that I have One that I fall asleep to every night One that’s so deeply woven in my heart I don’t care if I’m inadequate 

I don’t care if I’m not enough A life with out my art I lived it, I can’t fathom it It’s like I’m walking around with two weights on top of my heart And that’s not exaggerate I have to reach the life of my dreams By any means Even if I have to fight the earth Cause I’m only here this one time And I probably lived more than half of it So even if the earth decides I’m not enough And raises the standard above the clouds Above my reach Then I’ll go the longest route I’ll build day by day I’ll scavenge for pieces Finding new ways And if along the way I spill it all Fall on my face Even If the earth decides to laugh I’ll start again from scratch The reality is I’m not gonna stop So if we got to go back and forth then so be it It’ll be that way with me until the curtains close And when I die And the earth swallows me whole It will say this one...this one put up a fight I will leave on it a scar or two And when it is asked about it It will tell the story of a girl With too much heart Too much grit Too much love I promise you It will tell the stars and echo into the universe The story of our fight

[chrisevansmentee]

JUDITH

Today I met a man.

He had the most beautiful brown eyes.

A bright smile and my sense of humor.

I made him laugh.

It felt good.

What didn't feel good was the fact that he liked me.

He said I was jovial.

He wanted my number.

I freaked out

I didn't want to meet new people.

He asked for my name.

I told him the name I'd been recycling in my head, the one I saw on my friend's door.

I said "Judith"

He smiled at me, I saw the way he looked at me, he'd found love.

I'd found another burden.

I met a man, I made him blush.

I wanted to run away from the consequences of this blessed curse.

This curse of being jovial at all moments even when it's not needed, sure I've put a smile on a face but that's it.

That's all I am...the blue pill.

Right now I'm at this point where I don't want to meet new people.

I'm sorting through the old ones like the clutter in my room, I'll put away the ones I don't need...

I am fond of picking things that don't benefit me.

Beads, needles, rubber bands, pen covers, bottle caps, broken hearts, emergency calls, sadness, hard and tough emotions, strong ropes, other people's business, manipulative people.

So when I sort through all those people and I'm done, I'll move with the people that remain.... That is if they do.

Everyone thinks I'm happy.

I don't know what to say to them.

All I know is I'm learning...

I'm learning to love myself, to know that not everyone is as bad as my mind paints them.

I can't tell them how bad I want to scream at night, I can't, they won't understand.

They don't know how I lick my wounds clean every night.

How I pray to God that someone calls to ask how I am.

How I hold back tears even when I spread joy and laughter.

But that's not the point of all these words I'd written above.

It's just that I met a man today and it scared me.

[venniekocsis]

A Conversation With a Poet: Yewande Akinse

Welcome to “An Interview With a Poet,” an exclusive series where we delve into the minds and musings of contemporary poets. Each session is a journey into the personal and creative realms of a poet, exploring their inspirations, processes, and the profound impact poetry has on their lives. Through these interviews, I aim to uncover the unique voices that share across stanzas and stir the soul,…

[heartsoundslikelove]

ANNOUNCEMENT! Book Launch Featuring Elizabeth O Ogunmodede with her latest Poetry Book "The Beauty of Words"

REGISTER for the VIRTUAL Book Launch featuring Elizabeth O Ogunmodede with her latest Poetry Book “The Beauty of Words” or send an email to admin@prolificpulse.com to register. Learn more about Elizabeth and pick up a copy of her book: Prolific Pulse Press Dive into the enchanting world of poetic expression with “The Beauty of Words: A Poetry Collection” by Elizabeth O. Ogunmodede. This…

[iambrillyant]

“walking down your authentic path can be one of the loneliest roads to travel on because the longer you’re on it, the more you realize that only a select few will be compatible with who you are with no mask on.”

— billy chapata

[authenticity2025]

When death finds you, may it find you alive -African Proverb

[yourdailyqueer]

Alice Dunbar Nelson (deceased)

Gender: Female

Sexuality: Bisexual

DOB: 19 July 1875

RIP: 18 September 1935

Ethnicity: African American

Occupation: Poet, journalist, activist

[blackstarlineage]

Claude McKay (1889–1948) was a Jamaican-born writer, poet, and activist who played a pivotal role in the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural and intellectual movement that celebrated Black identity and artistic expression in the early 20th century. His works explored themes of racial pride, resistance to oppression, and the struggles of the African diaspora, making him one of the most influential voices in Black literature.

Born Festus Claudius McKay in Sunny Ville, Jamaica, McKay grew up in a British colonial society where he witnessed firsthand the injustices of racism and class oppression. His love for literature and poetry developed early, influenced by Jamaican folk culture and the works of British poets. At the age of 17, he moved to Kingston, where he experienced the harsh realities of urban racism, a theme that would later dominate much of his work. In 1912, he moved to the United States to study agriculture at Tuskegee Institute and later at Kansas State College. However, he soon abandoned his studies to focus on writing, driven by the racial discrimination he encountered in the U.S.

McKay became a leading figure in the Harlem Renaissance, using his poetry and novels to critique racism and injustice while celebrating Black resilience. His most famous poem, “If We Must Die” (1919), is considered a defining work of the movement. Written in response to the Red Summer of 1919, a period of violent race riots against Black communities in the U.S., the poem urges Black people to resist oppression with dignity and courage.

His literary career spanned poetry, novels, and essays that examined race, class, and colonialism. His novel Home to Harlem (1928) became the first book by a Black writer to become a bestseller in the U.S., capturing the vibrancy and struggles of Black life in Harlem. Other notable works include Banjo (1929), which explored Black identity and diaspora connections, and A Long Way from Home (1937), a memoir detailing his experiences as a writer and activist. His later years saw a shift in his political and ideological outlook, as he moved away from communism and toward Catholicism, yet he remained committed to addressing racial and social issues.

McKay’s legacy endures as one of the earliest and most powerful literary voices advocating for Black empowerment and resistance. His works continue to be studied for their bold critique of racial injustice and their celebration of the strength and resilience of the African diaspora.🇯🇲

[inmyperfectworld]

A painful past, a history we will never forget. This haiku from the 'Soulful Heritage' section of Soul Sessions reflects the resilience and struggles of our ancestors and family members—those who toiled in the fields, with their hands raw. We honor their strength, their endurance, and their legacy. May we never forget where we come from as we continue to move forward. ✊🏾

[adannamdi]

INCORPORATING IGBO CULTURE INTO MY NOVEL

Bringing Authenticity to My Story Through Language, Traditions, and Daily Life

As I continue researching and expanding my knowledge on this topic, I’ve realized that incorporating culture into a story isn’t just about adding traditions—it’s about immersing readers in a living, breathing world. Whether you’re writing a novel, a graphic novel, or any other form of storytelling, cultural elements can add depth and authenticity.

Modes of Communication and Transportation

The primary mode of transportation in traditional Igbo society was walking, while communication relied heavily on word of mouth. In my video, I gave an example from my story where an individual is tasked with spreading announcements within the community.

You might wonder if horses or donkeys were used, but in reality, they weren’t common in Igbo land. Even today, horses are a rare sight in Eastern Nigeria. Instead, the animals most commonly seen are goats, cattle, and poultry.

Traditional Housing and Cutlery

Traditional Igbo houses were built using mud, with bamboo structures as support. However, market spaces and shops were less developed, often featuring bamboo frames and mats used to divide sections.

Another key cultural element I incorporated into my novel is Nsibidi symbols. These symbols were historically used in communication and could often be found on walls, gates, or even attire like the Ukara cloth.

When it comes to traditional Igbo cooking, firewood was the main fuel source, and clay pots were used for cooking, storing food, and fetching water.

Calabash vs. Clay Bowls

At first, I found it difficult to differentiate between calabashes and clay bowls. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Clay bowls: Used for cooking, storing food, and ritual practices.

Calabashes: Made from dried gourds, used as dishes, bottles, cups, and cooking spoons—but not for direct cooking over fire.

Using Igbo Language in My Novel

One of my favorite aspects of world-building has been incorporating Igbo language into my story. Here are some of the names and words I’ve included:

Character Names:

Ijeoma Maduka – The main character

Obinna Chetachukwu

Amobi Nwakaego

Nduka Jidenna

Dike Azubuike

Deberechi Obiora

Igbo Words & Their Meanings:

Anwụansi ojii – Black magic

Eze Ọjọọ – Dark Lord

Ebe izu ike – Resting place / grave

Nkwu elu – Palm wine

Enyi m – My friend

Ike mana – Strength

Dibia – Physician / doctor

I have also divided the use of Igbo language in my novel:

The gods, goddesses, and priests/priestesses speak Igbo fluently.

Common people speak it incompletely but use key phrases for rituals, greetings, and traditional contexts.

This distinction adds a mystical quality to the language and makes it feel like a sacred part of the culture.

What’s Next?

In my next video, I’ll discuss more aspects of traditional Igbo life, including food, daily rituals, and beliefs.

Have you ever incorporated elements of your culture into a story? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

[garadinervi]

Marilyn K. Yee (photograph), Ntozake Shange, ca. 1977 [Nuyorican Poets Café, New York, NY. «Harlem World» Magazine. Northwest African American Museum, Seattle, WA. © Marilyn K. Yee / The New York Times]

[justinsaadiq]

nikki

[chrisevansmentee]

I love you, I don't know.

I love you...

You love me...

We are one big family

With a great big hug

And a weight in my chest

And a tear in my eye

I love you

You love me

Then wait for me

With a great big hug

Let me be...

And a kiss from me to you

Tell me the truth

Won't you say, you love me too

This is only the beginning

Let me be...

Let love lead

I give you love, you give me love.

How do I live if you go?

I love you, I mean it...

How do I know if you mean yours?

I love you... I don't want you.

How do you expect me to move on when you die?

I've always loved you, always will, but my heart doesn't.

It won't be able to understand the fact that you don't exist anymore and with time it would stop pumping... There's no reason to pump anyway.

I... Love you?

I get to have you all to myself?

I get to have you... All to myself.

Yes!

But the world moves on.

They don't understand our lives, they don't understand what you did to me, they don't know you like I do.

I love you, I'll always love you.

Won't you say you love me too?

Won't you show me you do?

Won't you give me a sign?

I love you, I don't know.

[african-international-magazine]

The Psychology of Gossip: Why We Do It and Why It's Harmful

We all claim to hate gossip. We despise it—or so we say. But the truth is, we all indulge in it. Why is gossip so tempting? And if it's so universally disliked, why do we often deny engaging in it?

The fact that we claim to hate gossip suggests that it doesn't sit well with our conscience. If it did, we wouldn't be so quick to deny our participation, would we?

Thanks to social media, we're now more comfortable than ever discussing the lives of others publicly. Gossip has become almost normalized.

Gossip as a Reflection of Entitlement

We tend to believe any gossip, no matter how outrageous, because it taps into something deeper within us. Our inclination to gossip reveals more about the state of our own hearts and minds than it does about the subjects of our conversations.

But first, what exactly is gossip? If you think you've never gossiped or that you don't enjoy it, think again. Gossip is sharing information about someone when they're not present. And let's be honest, we've all done that. However, not all gossip is negative or malicious.

It's important to understand that while not all gossip is bad, all slander is gossip. Slander involves spreading unconfirmed or negative information about someone without any proof. In essence, it’s equivalent to lying. Even when you're sharing true information about someone, if you know they wouldn't be comfortable with it being public, you're still engaging in harmful gossip.

Why Do We Gossip?

So, why do we gossip? It’s often said that two people become best friends when they share a common enemy. Many friendships begin with a mutual dislike for something or someone. When there's nothing else to discuss, we bring in juicy details about someone else's life, and nearly everyone at the table finds it hard to resist the temptation.

Gossip is a fundamental human behavior. Sharing updates about friends and family, discussing daily life, and confiding in friends about your problems is not gossip. It only crosses the line when you start obsessing over others’ lives to the point where it becomes your primary source of conversation or happiness. That’s when it becomes a problem.

Gossip and Low Self-Esteem

Research shows that people who spend a large portion of their conversations discussing others' personal lives—especially the negative aspects—often suffer from low self-esteem. They derive validation from others' misfortunes. When they share information about someone else’s struggles, they’re subtly affirming that their own life is better.

One study involving over 100 couples found that if partners frequently discuss other couples and how they do things, it may be a way of avoiding real conversations and failing to address their own issues.

Yes, we should count our blessings and sometimes compare our situation to others to appreciate what we have. But if our happiness depends on others’ less-than-perfect lives, it indicates a poor self-image. Research tells us that gossip releases serotonin and dopamine—the hormones responsible for happiness in our brains. But just like drugs, addiction to these hormones can be dangerous.

How to Resist the Urge to Gossip

So, how do we resist the urge to gossip? When you feel tempted to share intimate or personal details about someone, ask yourself some tough questions:

1. What’s the purpose? How does sharing this information help you or the other person? Why do you feel compelled to share it? If there's no valid reason, don’t share it.

2. Check your motives. Are you sharing this information out of malice or envy? Or simply to validate your own life? If so, stop right there.

3. Consider the impact. Are you sharing the information out of enmity? If yes, you know exactly what you're doing, and it’s damaging for both your enemy and yourself. It harms your heart and soul.

Passing on personal details about someone else’s life without good intentions may seem harmless, but in the long run, it affects your credibility and damages your sense of well-being. You start to rely on gossip and slander for happiness and validation, which is neither healthy nor beneficial for personal growth.

A Better Way Forward

Instead of gossiping, try opening up to others about your ideas, dreams, hobbies, or ambitions. Sharing concerns about friends or family in a constructive way is normal, and I encourage it. But as much as possible, steer clear of slander or spreading negative information about others.

Is It Really Necessary?

I follow a personal rule before sharing information about someone’s life: Is it necessary? How would I feel if someone shared such information about me? Do I have something better to do or something more positive or valuable to share?

If I’m sharing information to warn someone or out of genuine concern, I usually proceed. But if I’m sharing just to unburden myself, I refrain.

The art of not gossiping lies in knowing what to share, with whom, and why. But more importantly, it’s about recognizing when to keep a piece of information to yourself.

I sincerely hope that after reading this, you'll reconsider before sharing someone’s personal details publicly. This reflection gave me a chance to evaluate myself, and I hope it does the same for you.

[heartsoundslikelove]

ANNOUNCEMENT! The Fragments of my mind - the delicate lines to this place and time, is now available

For those seeking poetry that resonates with thoughtful individuals, poetry enthusiasts, children, educational institutions, and humanity at large, “The Fragments of My Mind: The Delicate Lines to This Place and Time” by Steve Anc is an excellent starting point. This anthology encompasses themes of hope, despair, love, self-care, power, fame, war, peace, and death. It showcases the allure of…

[iambrillyant]

“your gut instinct is not a liar, those initial feelings exist for a reason, sit on them if you need to, process whether your feelings are valid or just projections, but never dismiss your intuition when the signs are staring you in the face and your nervous system is agreeing.”

— iambrillyant