This is the part of me you may not see here often, I AM A POET. Listening to Amanda Gorman’s poetry recital at the U.S. Presidential inauguration brought so much joy to my soul about what a black, bold, and beautiful girl can do when she finds IDENTITY. What I love most about poetry is the mental, soulish, and bodily reaction it drives. I love to see how words heal.
I love words.
The journey to this self-discovery began somewhere in my 2nd year of junior high school. I had been an essayist since basic school, winning writing competition awards for my school and so much more but I never knew poetry could call me. When I started writing it was like medicine to my soul. As a child I was afraid of talking (even though I did it so well, at debates, class presentations, etc). Yet melancholy hid the best part of me in the treasured place of artistic creation with the power of words. I had a lot of admirers and acquaintances (I think mostly due to academic excellence, affirmation from teachers and a noticeably quiet life) but my energy came more from within than without. When I realized my fears could escape and through my pen? It was amazing.
You know poetry is big gift. I found relief in this uncommon tool that has caused revolutions in the past, from the works of Maya Angelou, Robert Frost, Wole Soyinka, Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali, amongst so many others.
In 2017, as the only female winner and poet, I won the IBC YOUTH GOT TALENT contest. Till date, I still pursue poetry as a hobby, and I enjoy using my time to influence people’s mindset at conferences, seminars, book launches and workshops.
During moments of difficulties, the next best thing I do is to write. When I lost my mum in 2017, it took 2 years for me to write about her. I still remember the joy and peace that filled my soul when I wrote the poem “A LETTER FROM THE DEAD”. I became more fearless.
I thought my busy life will let me get over poetry, but it has not. This month, I will share 7 poems on LOVE, POWER and SOUND MIND. In 2 months, my first anthology ‘WOMAN IN ME’ will be launched as part of my ‘Bundle of Pages’ project.
In summary, all I have to say is this, find that thing that gives you solace when every other thing is breaking you apart. Whatever it is, you were made to serve the universe with it too.