The poem reflects on the memories and emotions associated with a cradle that symbolizes motherhood and lost hopes. It captures the silent grief and enduring pain of a mother who keeps the cradle as a blessing despite the sorrows.
‘TO HEAL A BUTTERFLY’ / ‘LIBERATION’ | two poems by Mayowa Oladeji
“To Heal a Butterfly” is a poignant portrayal of a girl’s traumatic and abusive childhood, searching for safety and solace. “Liberation” captures personal and societal struggles, touching on grief, love, and the quest for freedom amidst adversity. Written by Mayowa Oladeji, a Nigerian poet and playwright, it highlights themes of pain, resilience, and hope.
‘THIS POEM IS NOT AN ELEGY’ / ‘THE NEWS’ / ‘MY PEOPLE’ / ‘PERFECTIONIST’ | four poems by Emmanuel Karibi Obuala
“This Poem is Not an Elegy” expresses unrest for justice against wrongdoing and the struggle against a desensitized society. “The News” portrays the constant barrage of violent news, breeding fear and paranoia. “My People” discusses societal pressures to conform, while “Perfectionist” reflects the challenges of artistic creation. Emmanuel Karibi Obuala is a Nigerian poet and literary enthusiast.
‘EMOTION TACTILE’ / ‘FROM YOUR BELOVED DEAD’ / ‘WEEPING FALLS’ | three poems by Andre Bshara
The poem “Emotion Tactile” explores the various types of touch and their emotional impacts. “From Your Beloved Dead” reflects on the lingering presence of a lost love through sensory memories. “Weeping Falls” portrays nature’s sorrow in response to environmental degradation. Andre Bshara is a resident physician specializing in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, with interests in global healthcare and personal hobbies like reading and gaming.
‘THE POET ‘ / ‘THE REIGN ‘ / ‘GROWING PAINS ‘ / ‘JANICE’ | four poems by Ant Mac
Voices speak in the background to form and shape subliminal messages
using a language that circulates and resonates while increasing in volume
until it can no longer be ignored or contained.
Migrant | a CỌ́N-SCÌÒ poem by Oladosu Michael Emerald
the waves
that brought
you here
say the shore
is not your home
The Need To Be Warm | a CỌ́N-SCÌÒ poem by Sadiq Abdulsalam Adeiza
we who tiptoe around the light
taking shadows for duvet
artful dodgers
wary of being razed
A Night Full of Imaginations | a CỌ́N-SCÌÒ poem by Sa’ada Isa Yahaya
I want to tell him that I have no prayers left to render,
that my fingers are strangers to the Tasbeeh.
But I roll my tongue towards forgiveness before I sin again.
Vagabond | a CỌ́N-SCÌÒ poem by Adesiyan Oluwapelumi
The road ahead is a forbidden way
leading to a discotheque for lost boys.
You are trying to say home, but I mistake
it for run, & so I leave.
In This Poem, I Am Biafra | a CỌ́N-SCÌÒ poem by Fortune Simeon
This body is Biafra. I want to be Ojukwu. I want to secede this flesh. Let me break out.