What’s Your Blog Purpose?

Everyone have a happy & thankful 4th of July weekend!

“Thx a bunch. Ur blog helped me reach many poetry lovers and newbies! Couldn’t hv done that w/o ur site. Appreciate u”

This comment came from a well established artist and poet. It not only let me know that I’m providing an important service with Clara Writers Blog, it also made me appreciative of my followers and readers!

So, my question today is, What’s the purpose of your blog? If it’s solely to make money or to connect to “important” folks of influence? That’s perfectly fine, as long as you are transparent in your dealings with your readers/prospective clients.

By being transparent and authentic in your platform/brand approach and actually providing something of value to others, your blessings will flow from every cornerstone of living a life of integrity and authenticity.

And, get this, those influential people will seek you out:)

Here’s the writer’s quote for today:

“The most important trait of a writer is an authentic voice. Writers have to have faith in their own voice, and their own way of doing things. Originality is the gem that every writer possesses. Originality also brings on the most merciless attacks. The world resents originality in the beginning writer, and then rewards it abundantly once that writer has been successfully published. Cherish your own voice. Don’t try to sound like anybody else. Sound like yourself and take the slings and arrows and keep going.” — Anne Rice

A Poet Who is Learning To Fly

Happy Friday, readers, writers and authors! I receive  emails from  women at least once a week, who are indecisive about their career change, who are wondering if they can make it in the freelance writing arena and who question whether they should delay continuing their desired education major to follow their dreams.

Change is scary, but the fearless creative will learn to fully recognize, embrace and share their gifts, while remaining true to who they are.

Tory Burnett is a young mother and music production major who is exploring life’s priorities, passions and purpose. She is extremely interested in doing children’s stories and comics. Tory gave me permission to share some of her poems with my adoring and supportive readers/followers here at the blog… I’m talking about y’all:)

Join me in welcoming Tory to Clara54 writer’s blog. This young creative is spreading her wings and definitely learning to fly!

Love In Motion

It began as a thought;
I was attracted to your fluid motion.
Which urged me to walk
Upon you with such notion.
To my surprise,
Your voice was only the beginning.
Hardly did I visualize that you’d be the one to make love arise.
Better yet, keep my head spinning & face grinning.
Passion screams through your aura.
Wisdom whispers with your words.
Lying next to you feels like floating in water..
As your stories sing soft tunes of birds.
I lose sleep.
Yet, thrive from your energy.
Moments transform into minutes, hours, days, then weeks..
As we create synergy.
Our love metamorphosed into three.
The rapid motion of our souls’ interconnections formed the greatest blessing.
JAH proving existence to our disbelief;
No need in confessing..
But, This is fate.
Breeding life inside of me;
Generated from the man whose life I wish to partake.. In.
Life as we’ve known draws to an end.
Out, she emerged.
Marley Sky, our entire world;
Signifying how greatly love shall intensify.
She is every bit of you and I;
Sending us roller coasting through every emotion.
We are the roots from which she grows.
We are the oceans through which she flows.
We are Love in motion.
Color of My Skin

The color of my skin
Does not advertise sin.
Its history is rooted from deep within;
Resilient as a tree standing against wind.

The color of my skin
Does not equal less than.
I am no math equation,
Yet the use of persuasion to sell me to slave nations has added to the problems I’m facing.

The color of my skin
Comes with a warning.
Buyer BEWARE: this one is rare.
From the varying hues my naked body wears
To the exotic look of my wild hair.

The color of my skin
Speaks volumes from within–
Swaying souls through EVERY music genre WE began;
Feeding hungry hearts with our cooking pots and pans.

The color of my skin
Proves the love of an Almighty Source.
For my ancestors never let up on their course,
And our Divine Creator showed us it is we he adores.

The color of my skin
Should not intimidate men.
However, fear is the result of ignorance.
Hardly do they understand the skin in which I prance.

The color of my skin
Is where the human lifeline begins.

Rain(older writing)
Sitting on cloud nine, she goes by the name Nimbus. I can take you to the sky.. if you lend me a few minutes. Though time will be your least concern when I finish. I lay my head to rest to feel tears welling upon Nimbus’ chest; And her tears stain the Earth as rain. For a moment, I share her pain. But feelings quickly change as I listen to the subtle melody her tears sang. I look down upon earth, as I accept this feeling of rebirth. I observe its inhabitants dodge and duck for cover. Inside, I wonder why they hide from their own mother, Nature. I whisper sweet lullabies in hopes of soothing Nimbus. While drying tears from her eyes, I realize Earth must bear her burden another seven minutes. Yet, the Earth her burden replenish. Overwhelmed with a sense of unknown Joy, I feel light as a feather. I notice Nimbus and I floating pass a rainbow by the name of Roy. His grin was rather coy. He then tells me if it appears too often, his essence those on Earth would no longer enjoy.

Visions(old writing)

I envision a greater nation no longer seduced by Satan. A nation no longer reduced to hating. A nation focused on praying and hearing God’s answers, rather than false sayings from bystanders. A nation with children born of manners. So I’m planting my future through seeds that I sow…but you won’t find any in the plants I blow. The thought of reaping isn’t my only incentive for hope. I pay attention to all details through a microscope. I’m learning to appreciate the smaller figures in order to comprehend the bigger picture. And, that prayer and faith make one hell of a mixture.. There’s a paradox for the books. Ain’t it funny how God will put you through hell & have you shook just to fix ya? Taking his route(root) is like fleeing dementia. They got us hidden from the truth and our minds polluted with false proofs. While everyone is worried what’s cool, I’m focused on the deliverance of my succeeding gene pool. Oh Jehovah! You will rule. I pray everyday you use me as your tool. Humble these wise men into fools.

Keep shining, Tory Burnett!  To connect with Tory, visit her social media sites.

Links:

Twitter- twitter.com/TheoryGoddess

Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/pub/tory-🐝/7a/2ab/45

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/toryb3

 

 

In Honor of National Poetry Month:The Works of Poet & Artist, Henry L. Jones

Good Morning Friday! I’m blessed to be back on the blog this morning. Please send up an extra prayer for the victims of last night’s Tornado. Today, I have a special treat for all of my readers and new friends who happen to stop by:)

Mr. Henry  L. Jones, a former Chicagoan, is an artist and poet whose works over the years have garnered him much praise and accolades… Please enjoy his artistic offerings in celebration of National Poetry Month.

STRANGERS FOR PRETENDING
Strangers walked by
wearing masks
layered with makeup
no promises
make love to me
don’t look into my eyes
or try to touch me
make the skin warm
and move the heart
let me pretend
to be alive real
the fears
of my childhood
lost in stolen innocence
who understands the shame
of the hidden child who hides under the stairs
and looks at
who walks by
keeping quiet
as people pass
laughter fell
from their lips
dripping greed
to cannibalize
their flesh
mouths eat
and bite
till the pain
becomes pleasure
dry lips become wet with desire
but nothing seems
to fill their emptiness
souls so vacant
but many residents.

Henry L. Jones
(From Run into Blackness: Feeling My Poetic Gumbo, Pneuma Publishing International, Inc.)

                                                                        

                                                             

 

Henry L. Jones is an award-winning artist and writer who struggles. From those struggles, he discovered a healing power from his ability to create artwork. His art delves into the forces, which shape things whether social causes, spiritual transformation or community affairs. Jones uses the journey of art to find answers about the causes of social issues, such as poverty, violence, injustice, history and other plights. He wants to understand why events happened in the past and how they’ll impact our future.

In many of his artworks, he blends experiences and images with references to his Black heritage (both Diasporic and mainland African cultural links). Then, he’s able to tap into the forces using his art technique which he coined “gibbing” to visually portray interacting forces, provocative images and colorful patterns. Gibbing is a way of painting, which enables him to take in experiences and then unleash them as an artistic expression. It is his core creativity. This involves applying paint with his hands instead of brushes to translate the messages.

Jones is a contemporary Griot seeking ears and eyes to hear and see his stories of redemption, hope and healing in his artwork. He’s an award-winning artist who’s received awards, juried exhibit invitations and grants. His art has hung in museums, galleries, universities and cultural centers. Jones is a Fisk University alumnus and a native Detroit-er and transplant from Chicago.

 

A Conversation With Chicago Author Evelyn Cogdell

Happy Friday, all!  Please join me in welcoming Evelyn Cogdell to Clara54’s writers blog.

I’ve known you for a while now, Evelyn, but please  share a bit about yourself for our readers.

E:  I am Evelyn (aka Eve) Cogdell, a Freelance Writer/Poet, and the self-published Author of 5 books: a Poetry Chapbook (5th Story Reflections); a Short Story collection (Matters of the Heart); a Cookbook (Auntie Eve’s Favorite Dishes); and 2 Novels (Cashmere & Silk, A Love Story and Cashmere & Silk–Two, A Tapestry). Additionally, I have contributed to 2 Anthologies: This Mother’s Daughter and Wisdom of Our Mothers.”

My articles have covered such diverse topics as: religion; politics; health; science; sports; fashion; beauty; recipes; art; music; celebrities; and relationships. I have been featured in newspapers, magazines and e zines. Various venues where I have appeared include: The Black Expo; The Black Women’s Expo; African-American Images; Woodson Regional Library; Avalon Branch Library; Whitney M. Young, Jr. Library; Books Ink; Barnes & Noble and Trinity United Church of Christ.”

C: Interesting! You write in several genres: poetry, romance, food and interviews. Is there something I’m missing, and which genre is your favorite and why?

E: Good question! I don’t really have a favorite, but if I must pick one, I believe I would have to say ‘the interview’ gives me the most satisfaction. Finding out about other people and discovering what makes them tick is a real ‘turn-on’ for me. Basically, I like to write about whatever will uplift and entertain people, as well as enlighten them about the facts of life. In addition to the genres you mentioned, I also write short skits.

C: Do you have a specific writing routine?

E: Actually, I don’t, except for the fact that sometimes on a sleepless night, I might create a ‘new’ poem in my head and get up and write it down. When an idea strikes me I write about it. Also, for the past several years I have purposed to schedule a self-published book release every 5 years.”

C: What do you love about writing?

E: For me, writing is very therapeutic. It gives me the opportunity to express my innermost thoughts and feelings. Writing releases such pent-up emotions as passion, humor, anger and fear. Also, writing gives me the opportunity to communicate with other people by connecting with them on a much deeper level than just mere conversation. Finally, writing is a way of sharing myself with the world.”

C: Excellent, I like the way you think! So, what are you working on now?

E: Currently, I am in the process of publishing book number 6, titled, The Essence of Romance, a collection of articles centered around male/female relationships. Essence is a practical guide to love and romance for today’s couples and singles, and features my first collaboration with another Writer/Poet. The book’s contents are sure to delight and enlighten the average adult, both young and old, alike. Essence is scheduled for release in early 2015.

C: What direction do you see your writing going in the next 5 years?

E: Another good question! Well, as previously stated, I strive to write and self-publish a book every 5 years, so by that time I hope to schedule the release of a ‘new’ book. This book will probably be a book of religious or ‘thought-provoking’ poetry or perhaps another cookbook. As you mentioned, I like to write in different genres; I just love the element of surprise! In other words, I like to surprise people by not writing in the same ‘vein’ all the time; I like to ‘mix it up’, so to speak. We will see what God and Jesus have to say about my next book. It’s all in their hands!”

Bio:

Evelyn (aka Eve) Cogdell, a Freelance Writer/Poet, and the self-published Author of 5 books: a Poetry Chapbook; a Short Story collection; a Cookbook; and 2 Novels. Additionally, she contributed to 2 Anthologies: This Mother’s Daughter and Wisdom’s of Our Mothers.

Evelyn articles have covered such diverse topics as: religion; politics; health; science; sports; fashion; beauty; recipes; art; music; celebrities; and relationships. She’s been featured in newspapers, magazines and ezines. and various venues, such as The Black Expo; The Black Women’s Expo; African-American Images; Woodson Regional Library; Avalon Branch Library; Whitney M. Young, Jr. Library; Books Ink; Barnes & Noble and Trinity United Church of Christ.

Currently, Evelyn is in the process of publishing book number 6, titled, The Essence of Romance, a collection of articles centered around male/female relationships. “Essence” is a practical guide to love and romance for today’s couples and singles, and feature articles written by Writer/Poet, Clara Freeman.

The book’s contents are sure to delight and enlighten the average adult, both young and old, alike.  ESSENCE  is scheduled for release in early 2015.

 

I’m excited to work with Evelyn on her new book. It was such an honor. I will post updates to The Essence of Romance, pending dates of publication and purchase information.

Have a great weekend and as always “Treat yourself special”

A Poet on Publishing by Joy Dekok

Happy Friday to all readers,writers, authors and critics! I know you’re out there and gosh, where would creatives be if we didn’t have you to make us better, instead of bitter, when it comes to honing our craft?

Today, guest author and poet Joy Dekok, will share insights on the ins and outs of writing poetry, including how poets feel about sending their gems out into a critical/opinionated world. Plus, Joy shares a poem with us!

We write poetry and hide it – because it’s too personal or too political or too religious and we just don’t talk about those things. Which is peculiar since I was raised in the sixties and seventies and everyone, including the adults in my life, were talking about everything that was once taboo. And today, almost anything is acceptable.
Maybe with the exception of our poetry. The words that form in our souls.
Sometimes we hide the poetry so deep we forget it’s there – in our souls longing for release. Others of us might say we like to read poetry, or we might whisper to someone that we even write a little bit of it, but call ourselves poets? No way. And share it? Never. Publish it? Are you kidding me? We feel an anger driven fear when anyone mentions it certain they just do not get it.

But I do.
Sharing our poetry in pubic is like holding out our heart in one hand and our soul in the other. To the world. Where we might be rejected, ridiculed, or reviled.
I get that.
But still.

In the cacophony of this world, so full of war, hate, and chaos, what if your words have the power to help or heal even one heart? What if your words not only matter, what if they were given to you to make a difference?
Idealistic? Yes. Because sometimes people need us to reach beyond the practical to the passionate. That’s what poets do. It’s part of our calling.
Like many poets, I struggle with sharing my poetry. So much so, that I did what we do – I wrote a poem about it. As I wrote it I was sure I wouldn’t share it. Then I did. Because even though is long and different, it matters. So do yours.

I wish I could but I just can’t.
Or maybe it’s more like I just shant!

Publish my poetry – are you kidding me?
Putting it out there for others to read?

Give the world a glimpse into my heart?
Let them criticize my soul’s art?

Besides, nobody’s publishing poetry these days
It’s an endless, relentless rejection maze.

Why should I put myself out there?
Do you really think anyone else will care?

What would my words look like on the printed page,
My faith, my dreams and even my rage?

Although I live and walk in the Light,
My poems reveal my heart’s darkest nights.

Would anyone read something written by me?
I think that I’ll just let it be.

Unpublished is the way to go,
I’ll avoid this public talent show.

Tucked in a file drawer where no one can see
Is the best place my poem can be.

Help someone else I heard you say,
So why don’t you blaze the way?

You burned up your words a long time ago,
And left a pile of ashes and a bit of after-glow.

Oh – you’ve written more since then?
Have you shared them? Where and When?

This sounds so easy for you.
So what do you think I should do?

It’s not up to you to decide?
Then I think I prefer to stay and hide.

Do you believe my poems really matter?
Unkindness might cause my heart to shatter.

I’m not sure that I can take the chance,
My words might sing but can they dance?

I know I won’t know until I try,
But the effort might cause the words to die.

Again I hear you say the choice is mine,
And that either way I’ll be just fine.

You want me to listen to my inner voice –
I’m a poet Joy – I have no other choice.

That voice speaks to me day and night,
Delivering words I’m compelled to write.

But publish them might be too much,
I might not even have the real touch.

I’m not sure I can afford the cost –
I’m not ready to let my words get tossed,

You know the ways of publication,
I won’t be able to stand the humiliation,

I know rejection waits for me
I cannot do that – don’t you see?

These words are the breath of my soul,
Publishing has never been the goal.

And yet I have to agree with you –
I want to write and be read too.

How will I balance these opposing thoughts?
And what will be the final cost?

I feel a transition moving in,
And don’t know exactly how to begin.

Are you ever so scared your soul seems to shake?
This is a risk I’m not sure I can take. . .

The risk I mean is the one where
I hide my poems and refuse to share.

Where I keep the words in a hidden place
and refuse to give them a public space.

There’s one more thing I have to know
Before I release my words for show. . .

Will you share this poem with anyone?
Writing like you’re me must have been fun.

Sharing your poetry is setting beauty free to invade the hearts and minds of those who read it. What will you do with yours?

Bio:
Joy started writing as a little girl. She carries a large purse so she can take her journal and an assortment of pens with her in case a moment to jot comes along.
Joy and her husband live on thirty-five acres of woods and field in Minnesota between Rochester and Pine Island. She’s been married to Jon for thirty-plus years. They enjoy their many nieces and nephews. Their dogs, Sophie and Tucker, keep them company when they explore the land riding their John Deere Gator or while watching the many birds that visit their feeders. Joy enjoys time with her family, holding hands with her husband, lunch with friends, hot coffee, reading, bird watching, personal Bible study, and amateur photography.
She has nine books in print and including her first general audience (suspense) novel (the first in The Northern Lights Series) featuring main character, Olivia Morgan.
Faith is a vital part of Joy’s life. When she was sixteen, Joy asked God to find her and He did. Although most of her books fit the Christian market, Between the Lies is where Joy proves she is a Christian who writes rather than a Christian writer.

www.joydekok.com
http://facebook.com/joy.dekok
https://twitter.com/JoyEDeKok

http://www.amazon.com/Poetry-Touch-World-Your-Soul-ebook/dp/B005SVX710/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1409324348&sr=8-7&keywords=joy+dekok

What a treat:) Did you guys enjoy this post and extra something for poetry lovers? Please share your thoughts.

An Interview With Nigerian Author- Abiola Olatunde

Happy Friday to all of my readers, writers and followers! I have had the most awesome week, celebrating the high school graduation of my granddaughter with family and friends. A very happy week, indeed and today I’m happy to bring you a wonderful, insightful interview with the prolific author, poet and screenwriter, Abiola Olatunde.

Welcome Abiola. Before we talk about your great Novel, please share a little something about yourself.

Thank you Clara for giving me this opportunity. Well my name is Abiola Olatunde but I generally like to use the shorter form Biola Olatunde. I am from South Western part of Nigeria. I am a Yoruba woman. I have been writing for some 30 odd years. I am a trained broadcaster and scriptwriter. Have written quite a lot of plays for television, radio and have a few books of poetry. Have had my poems in some anthologies as well as being the Nigerian guest editor for a literary magazine in Romania as well for a small press publisher Lummox press.

Tell us about your novel, Numen Yeye. What inspired you to write it?

Numen Yeye for me is a very important story about concepts and myths from my tribe. In the old days,( even in some places now), there was a belief that certain children known as abiku could give their mothers a hard time through repeated child births and death. Such children were labeled and treated with dread, and resentment. Women dreaded having such children and they were all types of practices to deter such children from incarnation in a household. The woman was usually pitied and the child will be given odd names that would identify such a child with the intention to shame such a child. Over time, it was understood that high infant mortality could easily have been due to lack of proper medical care. However there was the deeper understanding of another type of incarnation in which the child did not have to be a consequent of repeated births. It was the dreaded and feared emere. This type of being is believed to be one who will incarnate with a set mission to exact maximum pain through the manner of departure from the physical world. They were assumed to carry the ability to be capricious and could wait until they attained a milestone of life achievement and then leave abruptly. If a child had ESP, she was simply called an emere, or if she grew up to be too pretty and was deemed to too lovely. It was also believed that such beings could make their family very wealthy or pauperized otherwise comfortable families. I was intrigued.

I come from a village that had a goddess who was said to come back to earth at certain times. My grandmother told me the story of this goddess as she was the chief priestess. That gave rise to the story, what if a goddess came back and was neither an abiku nor emere? She would need to learn all over again what being human meant and would carry all the hallmarks of an emere. The human being has never being without help from the celestial realm. That was what inspired the story.

I was struck by the poetry in the dedication and at the ending of your book…was this a conscious thought or did your natural ‘poetess’ ability take over?

I guess it is an instinctive thing with me. I tend to express deeper emotion through poetry. I can only say things better that way. I appreciated a young girl Erin. I sensed her depth and I felt I could say what I wanted to say only in that way as I appreciated the loving care her father gives her. Thank you was too small for a friend Skip so I simply expressed it that way.

Although, I understand this is a work of speculative fiction, I learned a lot about cultural traditions and customs from your book (Yoruba) My own God -centered faith-based beliefs and love for comfort foods are forever, mainly because of my Southern upbringing. What are some traditions you carry today to help keep your’Self’ centered?

Well Clara, it really wouldn’t be a hundred percent speculative fiction as some of the traditions, culture and concept is real for us in my corner of the world. We actually also live a One God centered life… Olodumare who very much has lesser gods you might see as saints or I would like to see them as elementals. The average westernized Yoruba person has his worlds. One world is the western education, pretensions and civilization and the other is his essential spirituality and conviction.

He is always at war within himself trying to make these worlds merge. How does he center his Self? He makes a compromise which you find in Imole Ife’s mother. I call it the compromise religion not fully Christian nor truly Yoruba. He still searches for himself. Some overdo it by attempting to be so westernized while there are those who simply wish to let things be. You know , man’s search for identity. I personally feel, every human being has a responsibility to have a luminous goal and try to reach it. It is not an issue of religion.

How did you manage to write over 200 stories for television & plays, in addition to anthologies and novels, without going mad? 🙂

Wow! Clara, I thought it would be the other way round. I write everyday, and in the days when I was much younger. I would write a 30 minute TV soap in a day. When I was employed as newscaster/producer, I had to produce a play for radio every week which I generally wrote myself. Then I had to write for the United Nations population fund a TV series for every week and that soap lasted two years that meant more than a hundred. I loved it because I was having so much fun. I had the gift of being able to write quickly and still write TV plays when I am commissioned. I simply love writing. I run blogs, write for my blogs regularly, write articles, and poems . I simply just write Clara. I most likely would go mad if I am not writing!:))

What are you working on next? and please tell readers how they can purchase a copy of Numen Yeye.

I am writing a romance with a traditional twist, exploring a probable sequel to Numen Yeye. And ah yes just finished a 13 week TV series.
Numen Yeye is published by IFWG publishing in Missouri and print copies can be purchased from them as well as on amazon.com here I think you can get the print edition at:

http://www.amazon.com/Numen-Yeye-Biola-Olatunde/dp/0646595881/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1370144229&sr=8-1

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Numen-Yeye-ebook/dp/B00A1O22EM/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1370144229&sr=8-1

Kobo Book: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Numen-Yeye/book-zJxsZAAlSk-ekz-Q3ypjAQ/page1.html?s=2BjFEAPT2kqoTBUWxwR5Ig&r=1

As a nook book on Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/numen-yeye-biola-olatunde/1113739302?ean=2940015934922

Thanks Abiola, it was a pleasure.

Thank you Clara, I am grateful.

I hope you guys enjoyed the interview with Abiola, as much as I did. Have you ever read a book that left you wanting to learn more about its author? Please share your experiences with us.

A Five Year Clara54 Surprise!

Thanks WORDPRESS! Time simply flies when you’re doing the thing you love to do:) Thanks to all of my faithful readers, writers, book authors and all around good folk for keeping me interested and interesting!!!

Enjoy your Summer Time Fun weekend and I’ll see you guys back here on Friday with an amazing interview with Nigerian Author, Poet and Screenwriter, Abiola Olatunde.

Clara Freeman

A Review of Numen Yeye by Abiola Olatunde

Where did May go? Happy Friday, everyone! It’s like the wheels of life is turning at warp speed:) Only a week ago, the excitement of my granddaughter’s Prom was the topic of conversation in my world and now, we’re gearing up for her HS graduation! Anyway, I’m still finding time to read and review great art from awesome authors for you guys and I might add, yours truly is being inspired and motivated to do more storytelling of her own! More about me in upcoming posts.

I’ve just had the pleasure of reading Numen Yeye, a speculative work of fiction by Nigerian Novelist, Abiola Olatunde. The story centers around Numen Yeye, a Princess in the Kingdom of Light who must come to the human world to serve as their guide against the evil darkness that threatens to consume their light. In order to help these unaware humans and dispense of several dark foes( including a grandmother) Princess Numen’s spirit will live through the earthly body of a young girl named Ife.

As an earth mother withdraws and questions who this all-knowing child is; a father accepts and says very little. Amid accusation, polygamy, rituals; husbands with many wives; wives and jealousy, anger, suspicion and dislike, lies the fabric of life meaning within the workings of this book.

The author paints a beautiful canvas of richness and wonderment for the reader as we are led to explore the traditions, cultures, customs and religions of a people.

While the story is fiction, Nigerian culture is the backdrop as civilization comes to the forefront and antiquated teachings of myths, misconceptions and witchcraft is pondered. I truly didn’t know what to expect from reading this book. But, in the end, I feel it’s a testament to ones’ own spiritual interpretations.The book is over 200 pages, but, I believe it’s a worthy read.

And just to show how much I appreciate my readers?

I will have this wonderful prolific poet, writer, screenwriter and Novelist as my guest next week!
Can you believe she’s written over 200 stories for television and radio plays, in addition to anthologies and her novels? I will definitely ask her about this awesome feat in our one on one!

If you’ve read Numen Yeye, please share your thoughts with us. To pick up a copy of Abiola’s book, go to http://www.amazon.com/numen-yeye-ebook/dp/BOOA1o22EM

A Review Of This Is My Beloved…

Image via Wikipedia

One thing I like to do when I’m hanging out with the girls, is go antique  shopping. One friend of mine goes in search of the understated crystal that’s hidden about in disguise except for her uncanny eye for detail…Me, I’m usually caught somewhere lost among the bookstalls, searching for that gem of a read that got away.  I’ve collected quite a few keepsakes along the way too, including  some authentic looking love letters of Emily Dickerson. (according to my untrained eye)

The gems I wanted to share with my readers  today are portions of poems (because I’ve been thinking about writing love poems) by Walter Benton, a Russian Poet who lived most of his life in the United States. In the book “This Is My Beloved” the poems are written as Entries with the month and date as opposed to todays titled poetry entries.  Here are some favorite passages that resonates with a recent re-connect & he’ll probably read this post and blush:)  which leaves the reader tangled in a web of rich imagery and emotions (good? bad? indifferent?preplexed?) oh shucks, enjoy!

Entry November 12

I waited years today…one year for every hour, all day-though I knew you could not come till night, I waited… and nothing else in God’s hell meant anything. 

Entry April 28

Because hate is legislated…written into the primer and testament, shot into blood and brain like vaccine or vitamins

Because  our day is of time, of hours-and the clock- hand turns, closes the circle upon us: and black timeless night-sucks us in like quicksand, receives us totally- without a raincheck, or a parachute, a key to heaven or the last long look

I need love more than ever before…I need your love, I need love more than hope or money, wisdom or a drink…

Entry November 25

There are no stars tonight to get my bearing by. What time is it? What season? What year? The sky sags…bellies. The city gargles dust in the streets…AND

“I am lost on an Island somewhere between two rivers.

Blind buldings are all around me-

and the earth is covered with flat stones. And over me, the low dark roof-the harbor’s lifted morass and the belchings of many chimneys…

Although the book was written in 1943, it has been reprinted 29 times. My copy was published in 1963.

What about you guys? Have any great finds you’d like to share with clara54’s readers? Give it a go! (psst and you?) don’t go getting ideas:)

Vote For Me!

Hello Poets & Creatives-friends of clara54:) Please visit my poetry competition efforts at the popular blog Dailywritingtips Poet Competition http://www.dailywritingtips.com/dwt-poetry-competition-second-round/ & cast your vote for “My Truth” my return debut to poetry! THNX…PS. Hope you like it!

clara54.