he was like a sexless mummy
resurrected from the grave
a castrated Lazarus
Street’s Song | a CỌ́N-SCÌÒ poem by Osho Tunde Matthew
A poet sitting by his shadow, his empty
cylinder, nothing to fire his hope tonight.
Dear Editor, | a CỌ́N-SCÌÒ poem by Sa’ada Isa Yahaya
What do you do to a god who saves not, but kills its own?
Should it be starved of a kolanut & palm oil? Perhaps, songs?
Màámi | a CỌ́N-SCÌÒ poem by Adeniran Abdbasit Adeyemi
Never shall I forget I forget you
‘SURUGEDE: A DANCE OF THE SPIRITS’ / ‘ANCESTRAL STORYLINE’ / ‘AGENT UBUNTU’ | three poems by Joshua Omeke
The poems celebrate African heritage, highlighting traditional dances, ancestral stories, and significant figures like Desmond Tutu. It emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural traditions and the wisdom passed down through generations.
THREE POEMS ABOUT CHILDHOOD | by Ivan de Monbrison
The talented poet offers three evocative poems about childhood. The first reflects on a past marked by fragmented reality and emotional turmoil. The second explores the hollow nature of existence with a sense of drowning in meaninglessness. The third depicts an escape from confinement, only to confront an erasure of identity.
‘The Cradle in Mama’s Old Room | a poem by Saadatu Uzairu
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.