The Paradox Of Achievements

By Mayowa Taofeeq

A book of poetry inspired by youthful sentiments for the first part and of a country, Nigeria and its rived people for the second part. Poems are presented either in free verses or with rhyme systems and adventurously, a muddle of both. The collection presents in honest and unambiguous titles; philosophy, psychology, love, mystery, fate, destiny, and hope. Collection in it's second part particularly exposes and criticizes the kind of relationship that exists between the ruling class in Nigeria and the common masses.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mayowa Taofeeq
• Release date: Aug 13, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370350926

Book preview

THE PARADOX OF ACHIEVEMENTS

POEMS

Mayowa taofeeq Oyelowo

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgement

THE PARADOX OF ACHIEVEMENTS

PART 1: Inspired By Youthful Sentiments

SNARL OF MY CONVALESCENCE

QUESTION OF FATE

LIFE BEING AND SOUL

OUR NEW WORLD

REFUGEE

SEA OF DROPS

PURPOSE OF LIFE

SALVATION

THE DUEL OF WHEELS

LILLY WHITE

MEN OF THE EARTH

PUNCH DRUNK

OJO IKUNLE ABIAMO (DAY OF CHILDBIRTH)

TWO SIDES OF A COIN

MIXING MY WORDS

CHILDHOOD DREAMS

MOMENTS OF YOUTH

LINES OF OUR PALMS

PRINCE CHARMING

DIAMOND

ABOUT TO PASS BY

PARADOX OF ACHIEVEMENTS

PRISONER OF LOVE

FOR YOU I WILL RETURN

KISSES OF LOVE

WHAT LOVE IS

MOMENTS BY MOMENTS

YOU ARE

WORDS OF MY LOVE

WEDDING NIGHT

A TRUE LOVE

SENTIMENTS INFATUATED BY ME

PART 2: Inspired By Nigeria And Its People

SOLACE

A RESCUE

NOMADS OF NIGHT

WORD FOR ALL

LIFE IS A TRENCHER

CHRONICLES OF BLACK STREET

LIVES IN CUSTODY

THIS IS MY FATHERLAND

IDEOLOGY

CAUTION

ON THE BRINK OF IMMORTALITY

HOPES AND DELUSIONS

WHEN KINGS LOST

HIGH OFF A NOSTALGIA

SINS OF WOMEN

PENALTY OF FREEDOM

RHAPSODY OF OUR RETRIBUTION

EACH TIME I LOST HOPE

THE LONG ROAD TO FREEDOM

DREAMY WORLD OF OURS

RAINS OF JOYFUL MOMENTS

OF A PEOPLE

LOVE IS KNOWLEDGE

WHAT EVER I WANTED TO SAY

A LULLABY

THE END

Bonus Pages

DEDICATION

To Mother

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka once said that the best way of learning an art is to look at what others in that field have done. I seem to have done just that. Growing up, I had always wanted to be a writer but there I was bereft of ideas and skills. Also, there was no one to teach me. Mum was hell bent on me being a science student but I always had this passion buried in me and was sure that one day, I will live my passion. That started to happen when I met my beloved Editor and elder brother Mr Yusuf Olayode, the Chief Editor of ‘The Tick Times Nigeria’. Then, he was still an undergraduate although in final year while I was just a freshman at Ladoke Akintola University Of Technology. Our meeting marked the beginning of my writing career. Another instrumental personality in the buildup to this book is Shefiu Adedayo Lateef a brother, friend, colleague and as I like to call him; ‘My Uncertified Psychologist’ and he actually encouraged me to write this collection of poetry. I also acknowledge my invisible teachers and inspirations both dead and alive. The teachers: Faiz Ahmed Faiz (From whose poem titled ‘Dedication’ came the inspiration for ‘My Word For All’), Gulzar (His writings taught me various poetic expressions), Tagore (His works helped me in expressing my feelings), Guru Kabir (The one who I call ‘Old sage’ in this book), Chinua Achebe (Learnt from his works what African art should look like). The inspirations: Professor Wole Soyinka, Mr Sam Omatseye, Mr Tade Ipadeola, Mr Elnathan John, Professor Sam Ukala and all the great Nigerian writers out there (They are all my invisible inspirations).

I also can’t forget to mention some names that were really instrumental to me through the time I was writing this book; Zainab Okunade, Sumyash Samuel Sunkur and the members of Pioneer Group Of Writers.

The Paradox Of ACHIEVEMENTS

PART 1

Inspired by

Youthful Sentiments

SNARL OF MY CONVALESCENCE

Snarl of my convalescence

Momentarily impetuous

Shall I meddle with the yearnings?

Or get a disguise so I will renege on the society’s principles

That too, without worries

Oblivious of my own aspiration

Shall I make do with or relinquish for all I care?

For how will I revel in restfulness and solemnity?

But rather, my breath babbles more

asking me to gain on the passion and just wrangle

Saying; just become more passionate

Weaving new dreams with each passing day

While echoing are the unheard vents of dreams forsaken

Still, I wringer

Wrench or relinquish?