Another random post

I'm a bit on the odd side. Some say finicky, others say interesting, while a third group says ‘special’ (thunder fire you!). I tried defining myself as eccentric once, but my boss carefully pointed out that I’d first have to be rich. Oh well. Can I then say I’m artistic? Unique? One-in-a-million? Whatever man, I’m just me, and that’s all there is to that.

So I’m a bit finicky. In a weird sort of way. A week after coming back from a trip, I’m still living out of my travel bag or box, but heavens will fall if my toiletries are not arranged in a straight line, from the biggest (or tallest) to the smallest (or shortest). I find this somewhat dist interesting. I'll leave the sitting room in a state, but almost throw a fit if a grain of rice falls to the floor. And here’s the best part: despite the fact that I always see things from a different angle, I can’t stand frames hung asymmetrically. I don’t know. I guess I lead an interesting life.

But I have an idea! Each time I leave the room in a mess and my wife wants to throw a fit (she eventually does, anyway) I’ll remind her as calmly and offhandedly as I can, that I’m trying to prepare her for the mess a baby will definitely make sometime in our journey together. Ain’t I the most forward-thinking guy ever? If this doesn’t work (I already doubt it will), I'll feign ignorance of the mess, deny ever making it, or just shut the hell up and clean it up.

If at some point you felt this post was nothing but a rant, you’re absolutely right. I have no great wisdom to pass on right now, so I’m doing the next best thing: writing down the words as they come to me. After all, isn’t that how we’ve managed to survive as a nation these past 52 years?

This is coming late, but at least it’s not not coming: Happy New Year peoples. God bless y’all!

Oh, and here’s another poem. Come on, you knew I was going to do that!

Song of the slave.
Since the day I sucked the air
Before I sucked my mother’s breast
I knew what it was to be free
My spirit knew; my body bare
Was free from all entanglement.
I was born free, and so I am.

Though these chains limit my steps
Though this burden break my back
Yes, though your whip must leave a mark
Do not think I’m broken yet
Do not think you’ve caged me in
I was born free, and so I am.

I do not fear an uprising
I sleep in peace, under the open skies
My spirit soars beyond the stars;
My body, a story of many scars
Is left behind, I journey far
You are the slave now, I am free.
22\10\2005.

Coming up for air.

Hey y'all! I know, I know. It's been quite a while since I wrote something (4 months actually), and I don't have any excuse, smart or otherwise for my absence. Oh, wait...work! Not good enough? I know.

Today, I'm putting up a poem I wrote some time ago - a little over one year, actually. It's a poem that with the challenges I've had to face over time. It is a poem that makes a statement of defiance, as well as a poem of encouragement. I hope you like it. I hope it speaks to you. Above all, I hope it makes you see a glimmer of hope in a darkened sky.

Enjoy.


Untitled.
Just before the dawn of night,
Show me again that ray of light;
The wishing star, the wondrous sight
Of silver lining in the night.

Of hope, near broke, but standing still;
Of will more firm than bars of steel,
Of a life though gone will never kneel
To death, but soars in liberty.

Sing once more of a heart made sure
By faith, though sense may ask for more
Sing again of faith and how she bore
The saviour we all adore

Sing of life, sing more of death
To flesh and all that is this earth
Sing of God and how His breath
Is more than gold, is true life’s wealth!

22/10/2010

WAKApedia

So, on one of those days when my mind went a-straying - as it normally does - it stumbled upon the idea that perhaps, providing en-route entertainment for commuters on the BRT system wouldn't be so bad after all. This got me thinking about the many possibilities this opportunity could spawn. How do you do something that is at once engaging and relevant, 'revolutionalising' the way people travel? How do you get people to buy in? How do you start? How do you sustain such an idea, especially with very limited resources?

A couple of months later, and after many discussions and informal brain-storming sessions, I am proud and pleased to announce that WAKApedia, a collection of blogs from Bloggers like you and I is now available on select BRT routes in Lagos.


A lot of work, thoughts and eotions have gone into this work, and I want to say a special thanks - this is by no means an exhaustive list - to those who have made this possible: Nonye for being there through the ups and the downs, Mage for being one heck of an editor, Mazi for being the best go-to-guy and Business Director ever, Ahmed for his hustle, Fred for his belief in us, Myne Whitman for her Naija Stories contribution (waiting on you for more), Incoherent for her contagious enthusiasm, Freaksho for always being there for a chat and a post and a host of others too numerous to mention.

Now please go to www.wakapedianaija.com where you can read some of the articles from the three editions out so far. Also leave a comment or two if you may. There's also the Facebook page for you to like and leave comments on as well. You can also follow us on Twitter . Most of all, however, you can send us an article or ten for the Blogpaper. You never can tell who might be reading!

Okay, so that's me and what we've been up to this past couple of months. Like I've been praying this year, may God bless our hustle, each and every one!

Muse.