LINES AND VERSES

Age is the number of years between birth and death. Experience is the sum of lessons – well or badly –learned. It is easiest to assume that experience is proportional to age, only it isn’t. One could be elderly and still plain. The War Against the Virus (The Ultimate Collection of Tips and Tricks to Help You Thrive During COVID-19 Pandemic) eBook + FREE Audiobook Buy Now  With a wider exposure, a younger man will have more tales than an elderly one who is confined to a certain space, a simple culture and a lot of mental limitation. And with more trials, failures and successes; the young would have more useful offers to make. One of the greatest mistakes of Africa is the false notion that people would have more to offer simply because they are old. Actually, one may have more to offer in any given area because they have dedication in such area and not necessarily a long time but quality time. A man can father a child and irredeemably fail at being Dad even though ...

Growing up in the eighties and nineties, teachers where generally addressed as ‘teacher’. And, yes, at some point it was ‘master’ or ‘Mr. A’ and miss or Mrs. B, as it may have applied, but somewhere along the line all that vanished. One cannot say for sure when, but this phenomenon fashioned and championed by, I think, the burgeoning private schools in Nigeria prevailed, and the dwindling public schools eagerly toed in line as the government establishment lost its value system. Animated Graphics Firesale Upsell Pack - PLR It is a subtle, seemingly well-intended gesture that is quickly translated to respect for elders, but one that realistically amounts to mis-education in all appropriate senses. How do you make a child call total strangers ‘uncle’ and ‘auntie’ in schools of all places –  the very  first place where they are expected to be properly educated? Also read: Need for vibrant opposition When you address any individual as such, they must be related to ...

One of the most difficult undertakings one can attempt in a relationship is to venture into changing the individuality of one’s partner; not only is this soul-sapping, it could be the very reason that relationship will meet an un-desirous end. Except one wants to live in perpetual frustration, they should not venture into that changing their partner – at least not directly. This is not to say that people do not change, they do. But people change out of conviction on things that are in line with their inner beliefs. People change because they do not want to relearn certain lessons of life. People change for greater purpose, when their soul is rightly touched. Some change could also be out of emulation. People are most likely to change because of how you live around them. And since people are most averse to coercive or manipulative antics, it is better to be gently persuasive, otherwise resentment would be stirred up, or outright pretense activated for those that may bene...

Dozie and I were still laughing over  Patricia’s remarks about four guys like us hanging out all by themselves every weekend’s nights, that there was something ‘not straight’ about it. Darlington was going to say we should leave without Goke and his languid ass. Then everyone suddenly went hush. She had what it took to stop any man in his tracks and she knew it. We must all have seen her at the same. “Hi.” She said to Darlington. Darlington had an enviable gift: they all talk to him first; even if there were a million of us. “Helloo beauty, what can we do you for?” His ladies’ man smile beamed, and his right hand instinctively reached for his collar, twitching the tie as he stood up. He possibly forgot he was only the visitor in our office. “Stephanie, this way,” Patricia called at the young lady. “Oh, hi Pat,” the beauty didn’t seem to have noticed Patricia’s presence earlier. She also seemed genuinely relieved and waved Darlington down, “I was going to ask of,” she ...

                           “Distance is not barrier to things of the spirit.” Love is spiritual. It is an experience that permeates the body (physical), and the soul (spiritual); therefore, distance should not be a barrier to love. When two people are genuinely in love, they operate on the same frequency. Their thoughts are often in synch. Sometimes they share a dream. There are times when one will pick up a phone to dial the other only for the other’s call to come in, perhaps because they’re on the same thread of thoughts or feelings. There are also times when one wants to say a thing and the other voices the exact words intended by the other or they may even utter the words in unison as if it were planned. Out of sight may mean an absence of the body physical body, but does that explain spiritual consequences, like soul tie?  As explained above, a soul can be tied to the other. Two indi...

One would be fair to conclude that the real reason for different political parties in a democracy is because there are diverse points of views, different perceptions to governance, and ultimately, there’s supposed be freedom of choice of association, therefore it it’s completely uncivil to demand that an individual or a group abandon their convictions for another’s, even if that one is their host. In a more saner clime, people convince – not just with facts – but palpable co urse of action. The peoples' follower-ship are won. In a democracy, an election is won or lost – the process does not end there! Democracy is a two-pronged approach to governance; the party in power is checked by the ones in opposition. So, losing an election does not necessarily mean you are out of the system. While you may lose the presidency, you may have a majority in the house. And even if that does not happen, constructive and issue-based criticism can win you the people – it is about the people, isn’...

It must be the lensed eyes, Or the lightened teeth – Oh it could be lashes you pick from your shirt; But she’s got the beauty of a doll. Ah – it’s not the silicon beneath It must be the warmth of the remnant, remember? So take a step forward, another back – swing with care. You’ve got the cutest in the hall. Do not wake with the dawn. Pick out the Peruvian strands from the pillow. Bask in the fragrance she'd left behind. Then go on to see her next post on Snapchat. © Jude Ifeme

It must be the lensed eyes, Or the lightened teeth – Oh it could be lashes you pick from your shirt; But she’s got the beauty of a doll. Ah – it’s not the silicon beneath It must be the warmth of the remnant, remember? So take a step forward, another back – swing with care. You’ve got the cutest in the hall. Do not wake with the dawn. Pick out the Peruvian strands from the pillow. Bask in the fragrance she'd left behind. Then go on to see her next post on Snapchat. © Jude Ifeme

One of our least discussed tragedies aside from the notorious decades of military misadventures and the ostensible degradation of our democracy is the ‘miseducation’ of our population by the educational system. Universally, for a person to reach their full potential in a chosen field of study, they need more than just the acquisition of ‘a degree’. They need to have studied in a field of interest. They need passion, passion that is born out of an inherent desire to aspire and achieve in that place of interest, and then, of course, thoroughly prepared teachings, because when the education is wrong, all else follow. All our system seems to offer, in most cases, are mere certification with minimal or no impact; certifications that sometimes translate into nothing beyond the paper they are printed upon. There are engineers who will never invent or simply lack the capacity to understand the rudiments of their profession. There are lawyers who will never be called t...

Life can be just a little less complex. One often wonders why most of the time people take life rather too seriously. It's a fact that things happen. Very bad things. In fact things that largely seem beyond our control. We lose the life we've worked for. We lose our loved ones. Basically, sometimes we go through all shades of dark days, that it would apparently seem as though one had been struck by a streak of bad luck that just wouldn't go away. But what if we unknowingly bring all that upon ourselves? What if all we needed to do all along was to stop, take a deep breath and change our thoughts? One only needs a trial to realise that heavy burdens can be made light by a simple task of deliberately tampering the way we think and do things;from our work place, to our home and in our relationships, everything will begging to bear different results. The distance between success, of any kind, and what we call failure lies in the navigation of our thoughts. I prefer see lif...

The sensual touches, the kisses, the deep electrifying thrusts, the bursts of raw desire that you'd never want to end, the explosive climax. Orgasm. SEX is deep. In fact it is the closest to anyone can get to another. However, this rousing sense of intimacy can also be false, momentary and can become alarmingly rueful. If not properly handled, sex can be blighting. One of the most popular approach to love in human evolution is to surrender to the allures of sex; try to understand the other individual through their crotch rather than the many signals they send, presenting their other more stable needs. This is not to say that sex is not a vital need in a relationship. When pursuing a long-term relationship immediate sexual satisfaction should not be the primary focus. When possible, it should be avoided in other to truly maintain the mental alertness to fully access the values and motives of each other. Some people come into a new relationship totally broken by the previous one,...

I filled my heart with fears Of right and wrong For things that are not yet done. I set my feet free from these shoes I have worn, To shell my soul from the paths I walk. I feel your pulse once again; The Phoenix given to death Shall once reign. Jude Ifeme

My strongest addiction as a single was reading. Being alone was bliss and gave me ample time to devour as much literature as one could come by. I had very little care for what happened in other social spaces.  When I got married some years ago I had fears my lifestyle might have some effect on my family bonding, so I chose family. I found a great partner in my wife and have bonded excellently with my kids. But my love for the books and writing have suffered tremendously. A few months ago, I decided to return to reading​. If you were a reader you would know that if you've ever read a book that it has a way of reaching back to you whenever you saw the title. Going through my shelve, I realized I could sense and recollect every book's content by a mere touch; these were old friends indeed. And it struck me I have not bought new ones in a while. I have returned to reading, having made friends with the kids. I know they must sometimes wonder why Daddy suddenly has to stare fo...

Our parents in their youthful moment plundered our future; they took it from thieving whitemen and shared it amongst bent 'yesmen'. They borrowed Her grammar; the world applauded their ego, while countrymen wasted fellows on the streets that needed uniting. We are raised to bury their sins. Are we the wedge before their baying demons? Never mind, tomorrow is still for the old. 1st Oct., 2002

Okon told them you died, Amasun also said you died; Tobe danced when he heard you died – Aba whispered to the ladies that you have died: It was only us that know people Who have known people, And have mastered the art of palm wine drinking, That could tell a sleep from a stupor. Jude Ifeme Subscribe to POETIC IDEAS Follow @mcjudeci

Men dying, Women dying; Children, women and men Blown into bits before they could ask why. Not the tears in our eyes, Not the prayers in our minds; Not the pleas of our entire Voices will dowse your thirst for even more blood. Now you know your guns can kill; Your wasteful weapons of ill. Now you know your sneeze can send shiver Down our spines: now crawl back to your hell. © Jude Ifeme Photo credit Subscribe to POETIC IDEAS Follow @mcjudeci

The success of every marriage is determined by the resolve of the individuals involved, what they know, and their willingness to implement. For the young man who intends to walk that path sooner or later, here are five proven ways not to attempt marriage. Make unrealistic impression: It is natural for a young man to want to impress his lady. You want to let her see how refined you are; give her some nice treat so she can see how ‘right’ you are for her. It has something to do with the ego – yes, we all have some. Beyond that, a good impression helps to plane the path to a woman’s heart. But remember , when you make an impression you must have to live up to it. Never exude what you are not made of. A lady will only come to resent you the moment they get to realize you’re a fraud. Yes – even after she’s become your wife! Go on a spending spree: Some men just cannot resist the urge to spend their way into a woman’s heart. Perhaps you think you are just not spending enoug...

One night seven years ago, I was filled with certain fatherly thoughts. I have always wanted to have a daughter but being single and still searching I decided to pen a letter to my unborn daughter - I mean -  that was the closest I could get to being a father. Six years on, after two wonderful boys, I got meet my cute little girl. And as she turns one, I remembered this post buried somewhere in my blog. She's such a blessing! Dear daughter,   As I look down on this blank, unlined paper waiting to get inscribed with ink, I could imagine an angelic face on the brink of making a transition into a world of many wonders. I want you to know that you have been loved already. I could only imagine what it’s like over there on the other side, so I think you should consider it a fatherly advice and hold on to as much memory as you could while crossing over to this journey full of treachery and pain, hopelessness, and yet permeated with a lot of joy, and I hope you will c...

Fake names, fake hair, Fake lashes and fake air; Fake nails – skin dubiously light, Fake tits and fake height:                     A fair hunk, a feigned smile; A lust tango – such mutual wile.         Love frowns, walks on by, Cupid waves a bye-bye ©Jude Ifeme The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts Subscribe to POETIC IDEAS Follow @mcjudeci

Africa will never grow if her nations continue to act the scripts written and directed by the industrialized economies of the West and the East and keep swallowing their economic prescriptions. It is common knowledge that every writer designs the fate of his characters. What is Africa’s fate? From the colonialists of the past, to the world’s new economic power houses, the story is the same. More machineries are digging in, more hoses are sucking up the very soul of Africa, what is left of its value is washed down the sea. The role of Africa has always been limited to the extractive level; the farmhouse of the industrialists. Yet these nations rarely own or control these productive forces on their land after they are signed off. Even with colonialism gone, African nations still do not control their destinies. Many are African nations that beat their chests over decades old independence, yet their leaders jostle to become blue-eyed boys of the West and East. The years are the onl...