Earthly Tenancy...we're all indebted!

We dropped like the snows

fashioned from the billows

gently unto the hollows

where we began our roles

Washed away by the erosion

divided into different direction

separated by personal ambition

but one common destination

Then appeared cynicism

with support from chauvinism

dethroning the power of patriotism

by installing the spirit of racism

Nations are now divided

not willing to be united

pushing for different alliances

as proofs for their grimaces

As the last hour looms

hopes burning out like fumes

the very land we all cherish

will soon or someday perish

Alas, the timing is perfect

prophecies are set to take effect

sooner than we all expect

according to God's prospect

We are all tenants here

should we all prepare

for the owner's trumpet

as foretold by His prophet

...The April Baby!

Everyone has a story

You don't need to worry

Mine was not the first

It does sound as the best

In the line of my kind

Who came before their time

Whose gown i'm now glorified

Bypassing the set date of life

April wasn't the expected moment

I could have waited for my month

Step-out timely as it should be

Perhaps, heaven was watching

Destiny came calling and screaming

I thought it was my mom crying

So I came out to console her

As she wasn't ready for my arrival

I can imagine now what mom went through

Even when my arrival was so true

Midwives, nurses and doctors stood still

And April was bent on fulfilling its will

Destiny was happy I heeded to its voice

April celebrated the moment I appeared

There was a joyful noise in the air

About the arrival of a "funny creature"

A creature nobody thought would survive

My dad glanced at me with passion and love

Lifted his eyes to the hills and above

And besought God for His will

Twenty Seven Years On and still counting

That little funny creature April introduced

Is now a full grown pretty damsel

With a legal wig of wisdom on her head

I could thank April for its hold on me

I could applaud Destiny for calling on me

I could bless mom for carrying me

I could love dad for praying for me

I don't want to blame April for intrusion

I don't want to accuse Destiny for not waiting

I don't want to scold mom for pushing

And I'm not asking dad now...but why???

This is no poem to feel sorry for me

I am proud of who I am today

A brilliant charming legal eagle

Sixty Nine days were cut off from me

God has restored them and added more!

***Dedicated to...Barrister Victoria Otuonye, who was born on April 22^nd 1986 instead of June 22^nd 1986*** 

Marriage Illusion...(what would you do)?

what a remarkable meeting

with all the guests clapping

as the bride shows-up smiling

reminds me of all the dealings

I struck with the African Queen

whose heart I must win

so as to secure the empire

that I am about to acquire

but there is a little problem

she wants me to wear her emblem

to prove that I belong to her

and if I give her an heir

she will give me the throne

to rule and keep as my own.

Eduvie Thinks...(never quit on your dreams)!

I have always wanted to study LAW, fight corruption, maintain equity in the society, put an end to the line of those I call Judas in the Judiciary and help the common man who has nothing to offer to get an unbiased good lawyer. But then, my dreams to be a legal eagle were not hatched on this planet, I was born with it – it’s an inborn thing that even when I try to deny it; it keeps reminding me of justice for all. In fact, my mother has it that no matter how long a day may seem to men, the evening and night of that day will certainly come.

So I took off as an aspiring law student, I read legal books, got admission into the University, attended countless court hearings and I even had a law-godmother then who told me one heart-aching truth about the profession, she said “that the profession isn’t an avenue to acquire wealth or get rich through cases won but it’s a sacrificial sacrifice from every true lawyer to do the right thing and pursue truth at all times as "a conscientious gift to mankind”.

However, I didn’t feel any shred at the sound of that rather I was moved to be what I have always dreamed to become (a true lawyer); then my gut told me that "dreams are like far countries we’ve never been to until we get there to behold their true beauty." If you are dreaming to be what you know you want to be in life – don’t stop dreaming; keep dreaming but make sure you wake up from the dream-destination in your dream-career.

To be continued...

Marital Prayers...(read and digest it wisely)

It's been written centuries beyond count by a notable writer that "it is a nobler fate to be envied than to be pitied" but what does this proverbial statement got to do with a piece of work titled "marital prayer?" Relax, get a glass of water, read further and digest it wisely. Honestly, this story of marital prayers is centered on the lifestyles and gossips of five female friends who were not just ordinary and every Sunday members but they were also devoted, known and respected workers in the Church.

Just as it is today in our churches, so it was in their time when series of testimonies about white weddings, marriage introductions and engagement parties were testified in different Sunday services but it was not so with these five female friends. Sophia as she was popularly known was always "the chair" of her group, but one day their gossips attracted the attention of an unknown old man who used their gossips, corrected them and termed their gossips as "incomplete request".

On that fateful day, Sophia and her league of friends were having their usual talks "after church service" and suddenly segued into matrimonial issues. Sophia quietly, painfully and sorrowfully asked her friends...as a matter of fact, it seems God doesn't answer prayers anymore and if He still does - how come we are still singles under our parents' roofs at our age without husbands we can proudly call ours??? Swiftly, the other girls responded with the same pain and applauded Sophia for her thoughts about their marital statuses.

The other girls said...we completely buy your opinion about that wise thought "if God still responds to prayers especially our marital petitions to him all these years. Why hasn't He approved our marital prayers to Him? Citing examples..., look at Sandra, Lynda and Franca - they are happily married with lovely kids. What is it that we have not done as Christians...is it fasting and prayer or evangelism or church outreaches or donations to the church? Honestly, I am totally confused about everything; I don't think we should offer more prayers to God since He has grown deaf to all our past prayers.

Surprisingly, the unknown old man who had been listening to them cut-in from behind (them) and said...you are woefully wrong my daughters! God still answers prayers...He enjoys it and He loves listening and responding to prayers - it gladdens His heart when His children pray to Him with faith. The only thing that can restrict Him is sin (your sins so to say). And if i may ask, from all I heard in your gossips - it seems you girls have men lovers and boyfriends - am i correct??? Yes, you are very correct sir!

The old man continued...and you expect God to endorse your marital requests??? Listen up and listen good my daughters...you are the cause of your problem and delay. Curiously, Sophia and her friends exclaimed...but how sir??? Out of pity, the old man asked them...what did Prophet Elijah tell the poor widow to do??? Well, he asked her to get and borrow more "empty kegs"...Sophia and her friends answered. The old man asked them another stunning question, and what did Jesus tell His disciples to do at the wedding feast??? He told them to fill all the "empty kegs" with water...Sophia and friends answered.

It stands to reason the old man said...that means those "empty kegs" were vacant and available at the point of needs and requests??? Yes, Sophia and friends agreed. Listen my dears, until God sees you as a vacant woman, He will not send a man-marital applicant for you as your groom to be. The old man asked them again, why are you asking Him (God) to give you a husband when you are still occupied with a lover who is not yet your husband??? Though, your deeds and current statuses are remissible if you are willing to do the right thing.

Remorsefully, Sophia and her friends asked the old man what they must do for God to endorse their marital prayers. The old man cautioned them that the task will not sound sweet or good to them because not everyone would take such bold step. How...???!!! Sophia and her friends asked. Change your statuses or disengage yourselves from every sinful act with your lovers or stand vacant just like those "empty kegs" cited in the bible and then shall God reward your efforts and sincerity with divine men-marriage applicants begging for your approval. Remember, let he who has ears hear what the spirit is saying to the church - God bless you all!!!

...Love Triumph

i thought i could make you mine

i thought we could walk the aisle

for the sake of your smile

but you cut off the line

i thought i could hold the skies

when your love struck my eyes

my heart felt the lightening

and got healed without bleeding

i thought it was a missile

launched by a nubile

programmed to explode

for everyone to behold

i sent your photo to mama

as she awaits your arrival

with promises of your approval

to ensure my love survival

i thought you were a goddess

dressed like a spirited mistress

pushed me away with your stress

just to make me homeless

i got saved by another fortress

as your viles were countless

my fear for you is less

now that i'm out of the mess

The Nigerian Family

I gave birth to God's Own State (Abia) in order to make the Land of Beauty (Adamawa) and the Land of Promise (Akwa Ibom) as the Light of the Nation (Anambra). Besides, I have named the Pearl of Tourism (Bauchi) as the Pride of the Nation (Bayelsa) and Food Basket to the Nation (Benue).

Though, my primary agenda is to turn the Niger Delta region into a Home of Peace (Borno) and as well as the People's Paradise (Cross River) so that with the Big Heart (Delta) I've got; I could provide the Salt of the Nation (Ebonyi) as the Heart Beat of the Nation (Edo) turn herself into a Fountain of Knowledge (Ekiti).

And as a Coal City State (Enugu) in Nigeria, I have instructed my Jewel in the Savannah (Gombe) to visit the Eastern Heartland (Imo) that leads to The New World (Jigawa) so as to make the Center for Education (Kaduna) a Centre of Commerce (Kano) and also a Home of Hospitality (Kastina) for all Nigerians.

However, my Land of Equity (Kebbi) has released her development plans in order to transform the Confluence State (Kogi) into a State of Harmony (Kwara) as the Centre of Excellence (Lagos) inform the Home of Solid Minerals (Nassarawa) that the Power State (Niger) has the capability to power the entire Nigeria without power surge.

As it should be, all the political challenges and problems in Nigeria have been forwarded to The Gate Way State (Ogun) whose request of a brighter Nigeria through The Sunshine State (Ondo) has given the Land of Virtue (Osun) the mandate as Nigeria's Pace Setter (Oyo).

Suffice it to say that the actualization of the Home of Peace & Tourism (Plateau) is no news since the Treasure Base of the Nation (Rivers) would be the next chairman of the Seat of Caliphate (Sokoto) to decide whether the Nature's Gift to the Nation (Taraba) from the south-south would sustain Nigeria as the Pride of the Sahel (Yobe) state has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Government for abandoning "agriculture" when Farming is Our Pride (Zamfara) state is still very much active and alive at the Centre of Unity (Abuja).

Do We Care?

It’s a shameful thing today that if most of us are asked this underlying question, only 2.5 of 100 per cent of us can boldly say “YES”. But before I go further to bare my mind on the question asked above, I welcome you all to your abandoned RESPONSIBILITY.

You may call this “piece of writing” names such as cynicism, religious slaps, personal feelings or grievous attack but we all should have it in mind that it’s our RESPONSIBILITY to PURSUE AND PRACTICE the word “CARE” to the LETTERS. In my thoughtful research, I would say – it’s 40: 20: 40 equation when it comes to the issue of CARE. HOW…? FIND OUT! 40 per cent of us will promptly admit and say “YES” whereas in actual fact – we do not know the true and real meaning of the word CARE. From the foregoing, many in this category are mere attachments to the responsibilities enshrined in the halls of CARE.

Notably, 20 per cent of us most times do not want to be asked this mind and soul blowing question. Why? These are the TRUE DISCIPLES of CARE but they do not want to be PUBLIC FIGURES (just like the PHARISEES) as regard to their WONDROUS DEEDS. Most of them do not want to be reminded about CARE simply because the majority of them may not have received the DIVIDENDS of their good works – so they shy away such questions.

However, the last 40 per cent people of this WONDERFUL EQUATION are nothing but EMPTY PUPPETS to the doctrine of CARE. First, these people know what it takes to CARE but they don’t CARE to CARE for anybody. They are busy BODIES who advise you to CARE, they are PEDDLERS of your deeds, they scold you the day you fail to CARE but they are not ready or willing to CARE. (Beware of Dogs says the Bible – so beware of such people).

Though, it’s alarming that GREED, SELFISHNESS, HATRED, CHAUVINISM et cetera have taken the CARING SEATS of our modern society; but as YOUTHS – ANOINTED CHAMPIONS, we can turn things around and make a very big-clear difference. This is a reminder of an African proverb which says “The Goat will only follow the person carrying its food”. Have you as a CHRISTIAN fulfilled all righteousness and yet, to CARE for someone is a little or a big problem for you?

What if God included “Thou Shall Care” in His ten commandments? Well, you don’t expect me to tell you that it’s your duty, and even if God added it to the Ten Commandments – many of us will still give excuses and avoid it with same old story. Finally, beloved, if you CARE or want to CARE for someone after reading this article; you must not rob God (pay your Tithe), you must not launch bitter diatribes against your colleagues and you must not cheat your neighbors. Remember C + A + R + E means Christ Approved Responsibility (for) Everyone; so care for someone today because it’s your RESPONSIBILITY and the time STARTS NOW!

Indecency In Our Society (Girls' Version)

Sagging, uneven, rough, ill-suited, indecency et cetera… what societal devils! Hmmm..., it’s no longer the traditional ways our lovely society was known for rather fashion which sagging girls and ladies in the name of fashion modernization are abusing the accepted ways of public appearance. In the course of this research, I thought about so many things and I discovered that the last four letters in appearance mean the “acceptable, normal clothing every” human should uphold at all times; instead our modern-sagging girls and ladies have turned it into “abnormal city evils making their appearances societal sicknesses.

In addition to the foregoing, let me highlight some of these evils that have become pandemic and disturbing in our present day society. One of the sicknesses is popularly known and called low-waist – does it ring a bell? Well, this very sickness exposes the supposed covered pants which if T is replaced with U; it falls in for men to see their anus. Oh, no…!!! What for goodness sake are you advertising? You do not need to showcase your body to the whole world to see – do you know why? Your body is not a showroom but God’s temple. However, an advertisement has been said to be the science of arresting the human intelligence long enough in order to get money from it, but whose intelligence are you arresting by indecent dressing and sagging?

Away from that, what about miniskirt? This is another deadly sickness that has eaten up the pride of being a woman which sagging girls and ladies brought into the women’s world. How would you sit in public centers with such deadly and killing skirts and think men will not see inside thoughtfully? Sometimes, they (sagging girls and ladies) cross their legs or uses handkerchiefs to cover up… tommy-rot! The big question is, are you an ideal woman? If yes, let me remind you in case you have forgotten that the ideal woman hates indecency, dresses elegantly, appropriately and lovely at all times. The truth here is that sagging girls and ladies are telling the whole world that the exposed parts of their body are mere samples and specimens… what a shame!

Let me tell you this that indecent men are good at touching samples and making references to experimented specimens, and such sagging girls and ladies are attracted only to indecent men and no right thinking decent man will be attracted to such manners. So why are you making yourself samples and specimens for some unworthy men to make nonsense of? The other killing sickness is indecent exposure which in most cases had led to indecent assault. In this very act, sagging girls and ladies wear short-tops so that men would see their tummy button and they also unbutton their shirts for men to see through.

As a matter of fact, in my thoughtful observation – indecent exposure, sagging, mini skirts et cetera are real products of the untalented; sold by the unprincipled to worthless buyers. I would like to borrow the words of Harry Truman (US President – 1974 during the slave trade era), according to him; he said “we cannot wait another decade or another generation to remedy these evils; we must work as never before to cure them”. If you want to talk to someone if you’re still a sagging girl, call on Jesus and sag no more… please preach this to other friends who have no idea or little understanding about this (indecent dressing and sagging)...Remember this that a word they say is enough for the wise and a thief should not stand before the same judge for the second time for the same crime. Thanks a million for your time and may God bless you!!!

...A Lesson From The Parables!

The MINAS ^{(Luke 19 vs. 11-17)} which was given to the PHARISEE AND THE TAX COLLECTOR ^{(Luke 18 vs. 9-14)} was legally meant for the PERSISTENT WIDOW ^{(Luke 18 vs. 1-8)} who sent the UNPROFITABLE SERVANT ^{(Luke 17 vs. 7-10)} to inform the RICHMAN AND LAZARUS ^{(Luke 16 vs. 19-31)} to confirm from the UNJUST SERVANT ^{(Luke 16 vs. 1-13)} if the PRODIGAL SON ^{(Luke 15 vs. 11-32)} has truly returned the LOST COIN ^{(Luke 15 vs. 8-10).}

Just as it's written and told, the TWO SONS ^{(Matthew 21 vs. 28-32)} of the WICKED VINEDRESSERS ^{(Matthew 21 vs. 33-45)} hid themselves under the FIG TREE ^{(Matthew 24 vs. 32-44)} where the LOST SHEEP ^{(Matthew 18 vs. 12-14)} was eating the TARES ^{(Matthew 13 vs. 24-30)} which the SOWER ^{(Matthew 13 vs. 3-23)} had sown before the GROWING SEED ^{(Mark 4 vs. 26-29)} grew into a MUSTARD SEED ^{(Matthew 13 vs. 31-32)} as a PEARL OF GREAT PRICE ^{(Matthew 13 vs. 45-46)} to the LABOURERS IN THE VINEYARD ^{(Matthew 20 vs. 1-16).}

And two weeks later, the FAITHFUL AND WISE STEWARD ^{(Luke 12 vs. 42-48)} cut-down the BARREN FIG TREE ^{(Luke 13 vs. 6-9)} because of the unexpected-ceremonial visitation of the GOOD SAMARITAN ^{(Luke 10 vs. 30-37)} who was also the lord at the WEDDING FEAST ^{(Matthew 22 vs. 2-14)} of the WISE AND FOOLISH VIRGINS ^{(Matthew 25 vs. 1-13).} Shortly after the wedding, the RICH FOOL ^{(Luke 12 vs. 16-21)} summoned the CREDITOR AND THE DEBTORS ^{(Luke 7 vs. 41-43)} to give an estimate of BUILDING A TOWER AND A KINGMAKING WAR ^{(Luke 14 vs. 25-35).}

However, the FAITHFUL AND THE EVIL SERVANT ^{(Luke 12 vs. 35-40)} were rewarded accordingly of how they spent the TALENTS ^{(Matthew 25 vs. 14-30)} and the HIDDEN TREASURE ^{(Matthew 13 vs. 44)} which were given to them by the UNFORGIVING SERVANT ^{(Matthew 18 vs. 23-35)} whose personality the ABSENT HOUSEHOLDER ^{(Mark 13 vs. 47-50)} described as a NEW WINE IN OLD WINESKINS ^{(Luke 5 vs. 37-38).}

Finally, the biography of the man who baked the LEAVENED ^{(Luke 13 vs. 20-21)} bread and the fisherman who had a DRAGNET ^{(Matthew 13 vs. 47-50)} were likened to a story of a man who put his only LAMP UNDER A BASKET ^{(Matthew 5 vs. 14-16)} and with a rocky-noisy sound of warning to all humans "Christians especially..." that A WISE MAN BUILDS ON THE ROCK ^{(Matthew 7 vs. 24-27)} and A FOOLISH MAN BUILDS ON SAND ^{(Luke 6 vs. 47-49)} because the foundation of both houses shall be tested by the wind and storm in the course of their journey on earth and on the last day.

The Realm Of Love (...A Home For All)

In the realm of love

there exist imagination

borne out of desire

with exception of satisfaction

during its mutual conception

In the realm of love

perfection is at its peak

with no thoughts of trials

as the mind jiggles with joy

making a spontaneous experience

In the realm of love

enemies become admirers

wishing to be same

like those they envy

with no hateful intentions

In the realm of love

the sun shines in harmony

with moons' light at night

beckoning signs of fulfillment

as happiness fills the atmosphere

In the realm of love

everything is timeless

inhabitants are immortal

angels dwell amongst men

as the heavens welcome all

The Heart Of A Friend (...It Beats With Rhythm)

The first day I saw you

I thought you're from the moon

Glowing like the stars above

And adorable like an angel

The second time I met you

you captured my entire being

with the fragrance of your hair

making your height my attention

The third time I saw you

I knew you're just a decent girl

As your face radiates true beauty

In your smiles and dimples

Since the day I knew you

your beauty remains graceful

dispensing attributes of reverence

As a token to your friends

The last time I saw you

you're as good as a queen

with royal virtues to hold

which makes you inestimable

Internal Urge (...The Gateway To Rash Decisions)

Once upon a time, there lived a man called Uncle Sam; he had two wives and five children. One day he ran out of food like every other man with wives and children in the village. Troubles and demands from his wives and children made him restless but there was an internal urge that he could not suppress rather made him a piece of trash. It happened in one hot afternoon that he could not bear his own burden; so he told his wives and children to be calm. Eventually, he took a cutlass, a big sack and left. Unknown to his wives and children, he went to a nearby village in search of food. So as his internal urge wax strong, he went into another man’s farm; he stole a handful of yam and ran home.

On his way home he thought of so many things and said “yes, this hunger wants to kill me & before it does - I’ll kill it first with all these yams. When he got home, he called his two wives and the children “come, I’ve brought some yams – please, I want you to peel and cook everything for I’m gravely hungry”. So, his wives and children who were also dying-but-waiting to eat something in order to be normal hurriedly fell to command with force and verve as they were instructed. Impatiently, he keeps on wailing and complaining... Please kindle the fire for I’m very very hungry, I can’t wait a minute more before this hunger kills me”.

As it happened, his wives announced in a loud voice… we’re done; the yam is hot and ready for consumption!!! And he ordered his wives to get a big bowl and fetch him half of the pot because it’s his turn to pay back the hunger that’s been tormenting him. Sadly, after eating three pieces - he could not eat more of what he’s been wailing & crying to eat. Doubtfully, he stood up, touched his tummy, belched, stretched his legs, turned his neck either way, shook his head and sat down to continue his hunger adventure. He managed to eat the forth piece - then screamed...Nooooooo!!! It can’t be, not after four pieces of yam - I want to eat more – it is payback time, and I can’t be satisfied at four pieces of yam. Surprisingly, his long & loud roar attracted nearby neighbors as they showed curiosity.

He turned left, right and told them his story of how he had been tormented by hunger which he could not control. After his long hunger-sermon, he took his knife and stabbed himself right there in front of his sympathizers and died. But before he died, he said something to his impatient stomach “just look at the mess you’ve gotten me into, I thought you would accept all the yams I stole because of you”. What a sad moment!

Dear readers, how do you feel when you’re hungry? It could be financial, marital, academics, food, and others. Do you feel restless, weak-minded or just like Uncle Sam who messed up his life and died miserably? Always remember that “ a man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Almighty God” – be wise and find cure to every hunger in your life.