GRANDMA ADUKE By Omotosho Oluwadamilola

Grandma Àdùké has always been my role model. She wielded such a strong and strange might that no one in the family could dispossess her of. She commanded respect from anyone who met her. The male folk especially, were always in awe of her and her doggedness. Coupled with her doggedness, she was educated but believed that the western education should be complimentary. She was also the Ìyálòjà of the town.
 

Ìyá àgbà, like she is fondly called by small children in the vicinity was a woman that took special interest in me. She would always buy me àkàrà whenever I returned from ilé kéwú. Whenever, my mother or father wanted to scold me, I would quickly take shelter under her roof as I know that such punishment would be mitigated once it came to the knowledge of Ìyá àgbà. 

On one occasion, father was angry with me over spilling the gourd of palm wine that he brought from the farm. Out of anger, he called me a bastard. Just then Ìyá àgbà was passing through the front of our house. She overheard what father said and what she said remained with me till now. “Àlàmú”, she said, “you must be very stupid for talking to her that way. Even if she annoyed you, there are ways of rebuking her without necessarily saying hurtful words. B'abá f’owó òsì bá’mo wí, a maa fí t’òsì faa móra.”

 

She would always tell me that men should be respected but not equated with the gods because they are just mere mortals. She inspired me with her words and attitude. Once, Ìyá àgbà heard me insulting some children across the street with English words which were just learnt from an American movie. She allowed me please myself and to insult the children to my satisfaction. When I was done, I met her gaze and stood transfixed. 

She beckoned on me to cross the road and come to her. I soberly obeyed, not wanting to incur her wrath. She made me sit down and offered me an orange which I dared not refuse. She kept quiet and stared into space. I was shifting on my seat, hoping she would make my misery come to an end quickly. She was not going to oblige my wish as she kept quiet for a long time.

When she finally spoke, she said, “Tólá, mu osàn náà!” I quietly obeyed and started eating the oranges. When she had finished chewing the bitter kola in her hands to her satisfaction, she adjusted her wrapper in a manner characteristic of her whenever she wants to start a serious discussion. I became uneasy.

She began the discussion with my oríkì. This was characteristic of her whenever she wanted to discuss with my father but not with me. I became more scared. She started by telling me her experience when she was a student in Ìbàdàn. She told me how she worked very hard to acquire the western education. She did not forget to mention that she and Bàbá Sóyinká were classmates and how the struggle of the then nationalists began. I was thrilled when she started talking about the aluta days and days of demonstration against the then government. She called it the good old days of Nigeria.

No matter how far Ìyá àgbà deviates from a topic or question, she finds a way of tying the knot somewhere and somehow. She later came round to tell me how the development and growth of the country was hampered because we like to do like the Òyìnbó. We enjoyed mimicking the way they talk and how they dressed. Their mannerisms became our way of life even when we knew too well that some of the things that they did were not in accordance with the values that the African society had relied and thrived on for years.

She scolded me for how I insulted the children using words that they could not comprehend. She said it was not in the habit of omolúàbí. She made me recite the entire poem she taught me on omolúàbí. She made me promise that I would go and apologise to them. I knelt to thank her. 

As I was leaving Ìyá àgbà, I realised that many of things she said was right. Not only has our indigenous languages been referred to as vernacular in our school, they have also been reduced to the level where if you speak it, you will be punished severely. Whoever was seen speaking the Yòrùbá language was considered ‘bush’ and uncivilised.

Àsà wa, Èdè wa, ko s’oun tó da tó. These were the words that rang in my head continuously. On my way back from the children’s house I met Ìyá àgbà settling a rift between two market women and I smiled at Ìyá àgbà, knowing fully well that they would be schooled on the appropriate way of omolúàbí.

© Omotosho Oluwadamilola 2017

Glossary

 Ìyálòjà – Female market leader

 Ìyá àgbà – Grandmother

Àkàrà – Bean cakes

 ilé kéwú – Quranic school

B'abá f’owó òsì bá’mo wí, a maa fí t’òsì faa móra. – When you discipline a child, make them feel loved

 Tólá, mu osàn náà – Tola, eat the orange

Oríkì - Appelation

Òyìnbó – White man

 Omolúàbí – A person of integrity

Àsà wa, Èdè wa, ko s’oun tó da tó – There’s nothing as good as our culture and language

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Omotosho Oluwadamilola is a 400 level student of the Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan, who hails from Oyo State but grew up in Lagos State, Nigeria. A budding writer and a passionate believer in social change and development, she loves to put her thoughts to paper.

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TALES FROM EVA By Omotosho Oluwadamilola

Mama had always been there for us since the time Papa left us and went away. Whenever Celestine and I asked her about Papa’s whereabouts, Mama would always explain that Papa was far away in Enugu working to provide for us all. Unfortunately, Papa never came back to us. He remained where he was without visiting us or sending messages unlike Joy’s father who is with the military who sends gifts and comes home once in a while. Nneka told me at the market square one evening that Papa left mama because Mama is an "Osu".

It was another Christmas without a father in the house. Uncle Joe, our father’s brother had been the one coming around to check on us. He brings us little presents whenever he comes but fights with mama whenever he leaves. I had tried to know why Uncle Joe and mama would raise their voices at each other even though they were smiling at each other form the onset. Was papa sending Uncle Joe with some unpleasant news to mama? Why was Uncle Joe making mama unnecessarily unhappy and angry?

Before Uncle Joe left, he gave mama money to get us our Christmas clothes. Mama made me go on our knees to appreciate his kind gesture. Mama was fond of making me appreciate kind gestures done to Celestine and I. her reason was that as a woman in a home, the wife would always have the responsibility of making up for the excesses of her husband. I never for once agreed with this point of view. But I could not bring myself to disagree with mama or disobey her.

I never ceased to wonder and ponder on the following questions: why should a type of shirt be for me and not for my brother? Why should he get a toy car for Christmas while I get a lame doll? Why should I get the joy of making my hair and flaunting it while he cropped his? Why should he get to play some games and I cannot? Why am I a girl? Why should my mother emphasise that I need to be a virgin till I get married and nothing of such is said to him? What makes me a girl and my brother, a boy?

For some reasons best known to mama, Uncle Joe stopped coming to our house to visit us and we never got to see him since then. When we asked Mama, her reason was that it was best that Uncle Joe stays away from us. Celestine and I never got to understand until we became teenagers and got to know that Uncle Joe was making advances at mama.

When it was time for Celestine and I to acquire tertiary education, Mama called us to discuss some things with us. I cried endlessly at the end of the discussion as there was nothing I could do to change the situation of things. Mama told us that due to our financial level and the fact that the education of a female was not recognized and tantamount to a waste of money, only Celestine would go to the university. I love Mama, but she was just been unfair. Mama promised to ensure that I got enrolled with Sister Peace, the Tailor.

I helped Celestine prepare for his examinations which he performed well in. By then, I was becoming proficient in the art of sewing clothes. We were both doing well, even though deep down inside of me, I yearned to be an engineer but for the society.

After Celestine got admission to a university, we ran short of funds. Mama decided that it would not be a bad idea to marry me off to one of the young men who came to the village during the Christmas period. As usual, I had no say on what happens to my future. After all, Nneka who is younger than I am has been married with kids. I was eighteen years old.

Celestine decided to study nursing. Mama frowned at this and plainly told him this. She refused to give him the proceeds from my erstwhile marriage. She insisted that only females are nurses and would be degrading for our only degraded family for him to study nursing. Celestine was forced by mama to study medicine and surgery. This became the beginning of the end.

Celestine struggled to complete his third year of medicine and surgery. He confided in me that he hates what he was studying and would love to do otherwise. I could only offer words of encouragement to him as I owned nothing and had nothing apart from what my husband gives me. Celestine became a shadow of himself gradually and this made me worried. When I called mama's attention to it, she brushed the matter aside with a wave of the hand. She insisted that he was not being man enough.

By the second half of the fourth year of school, I received a call from Celestine's school. By then, I had become heavy with child. I was led to where I am standing with Mama crying down the hall. I flipped the white sheets off the body. Celestine had committed suicide out of depression. He left a note that he could not continue with the fear that he may not be the doctor that mama and the society expect him to be. He could not hold on any much longer and had sought solace in the hereafter.

I laughed hysterically at his corpse. I was too angry to cry. Celestine committed suicide merely because of the pressure. He would have long committed suicide if he lived the kind of life that was carved out for me by the set unwritten rules of the society. He was only required to be a man. I was required to give up my dreams and aspirations to be a good daughter, wife and mother.

The society's unfairness in the treatment of the female folk produced an Eva who is locked up in a dungeon unable to break through walls and boundaries. An Eva left with nothing but a will to live is all that's left.

Mama remained heartbroken for a very long time. She refused to be consoled. She often spoke of Celestine to whoever cared to listen, as her deceased female son who stripped her bare in the market of mothers. Life continued for me without much drama as I raise my kids just as my husband wants.

© Omotosho Oluwadamilola 2017

  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Omotosho Oluwadamilola is a 400 level student of the Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan, who hails from Oyo State but grew up in Lagos State, Nigeria. A budding writer and a passionate believer in social change and development, she loves to put her thoughts to paper.

                                                                                               

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Delilah By Chuks Obi

She was here again
In the cool of the evening
Away from prying eyes
To the arms of her beloved
Her tender skin in flames
Sparked up his desires
As she took off her clothes
His heart raced like a hare

How could he tell her
She was about to burn his garden
When his manhood had arisen
To the delightful sensation
How could he call her Delilah
Knowing she was the choir mistress
Under whose ministration
Many fell for the anointing

And now, he was falling
For her lusciously shaped legs
Sinking like a needle
In the succulence of her lips
Melting like a candle
Loosing wax with every thrust
Dying in the cradle
From the dagger of lust
(c) Chuks Obi 2017

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I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT MONSTER IS MY FRIEND'S HUSBAND (Part 2) By B.B Treasure

"I will slap her back"

I kept rising like a grinding machine

My eyes turned red like that of an intoxicated drunkard

With my mouth full of razor

I blew turmoil into Salewa's wedding

Raging like a horror

Intending to suck the blood of a prey

As I was about raising a hand against her

Tola screamed again

"Will you stop this rubbish, Ewatomi?”

Her scream ran into my ears

Instantly, I was deported

From my world of exploration

I opened my eyes to behold the slim figure

Who stood staring at me like a kidnapper

"What is all these Ewa?

Don't you know it's Salewa's day?

Why are you still undressed?” Tola said

Gush!

"Is that why you didn't allow me treat her fuck up"?

"Whose fuck up"? She chuckled

"You better reduce your sleeping habit these days"

"That is for you"

She said, throwing at me a pink gown

"It's for tomorrow's wedding", she continued

"Get dressed for the engagement and let's go"

Wow! What a beautiful long gown!

Can't imagine how these would look on me

Wondered why Tola had to go these far

Trying to honour a Monster's wedding

Her parents are stinkingly rich

That is why I remained her friend

I dressed up

Tied my 'gele' in an awesome style

I will be the A.O.C today

Area of concentration I mean

I will make sure I avoid Tola

She might stop me from slapping that idiot in reality

Round in front of the mirror

What I saw dazzled me

Beautiful Tomi

Too charming to be trashed down by men

No wonder the world revolves round me

I remembered John

Who spoilt me with money and gifts

I just had to let go of that unromantic guy

Hmm! Cute Jide

Too spiritual for my liking

As if he murdered Jesus

Now seeking for resolution

Lazy Kayode, the church rat

No money, no car, no house

Nothing good comes from his Galilee

Charles isn't bad

If not for the horrible bitch he calls wife

Embarrassing and stripping me naked

I wouldn't mind being a second wife

In a home of silver and gold

How many can I name?

Oh! Did I forget Biodun?

The monster getting married to my friend

Only God knows how they met

I will watch their doom today

Of all men, Biodun!

Insanity of the highest order

Fully dressed and made up

I walked out to meet Tola and Sade

They stood beside a muzzle Camry

"Belonging to God knows who"

"Meet Kolade", said Sade

Pointing to a gentleman standing by the car

"Nice meeting you Kolade"

I said in an unusual tiny voice

Stretching forth my hand towards him

I felt a magnetic move in my veins

As his hands touched mine

What a soothing touch!

Kolade is exceptionally handsome

Tall, huge and gorgeously dressed

I can't wait to see muscles and six packs

Firmly fixed under the fitted suit

Perfectly structured for the night's cuddle

He gave a heart raising smile

Revealing some shiny white teeth

Unlike Biodun's rotten maize

I'm Ewatomi, I managed to say

"Nice meeting you, Ewa"

'You can get inside the car and let's go"

Is that all he would say?

Not even a compliment?

I entered into the fully air conditioned car

Sat at the middle of the back seat

I flickered my eyes towards him

He looked through the driver's mirror and signed

He got the message at once

I said it

No guy can resist my sexy looks

Even the Holy ghost filled must not pray eyes closed

Jesus would have been married if I had existed in his days

We finally alighted from the car

Awww! It was an infinite journey

I and Kolade had enough time for eye communication

We got to the venue

Very far from our village

I can't express what I saw

Millions of words will fail me to explain

The venue was well decorated

Colourful cars packed everywhere

With different celebrities and public figures

Even the Governor of the state?

"A helicopter brought the bride"

I heard some passersby discussing

My heart somersaulted as I beheld the groom

Lo and behold! It was not Biodun

“Salewa deceived us”,

I whispered to Sade

"No she did not, we knew

You are the one who wasn't aware

Awesome world!”

Helicopter! Omo iya oni fufu

I heard the groom's name

Aremo Adebowale

He prostrated like one begging for forgiveness

"On top wetin?”

That same Salewa his money can buy

The bride price was too enormous

Hmm! No wedding in the world have I witnessed thus

I wondered how Salewa came across Adebowale

I didn't see Kolade throughout the party

However, he sent to me

One of the soldiers guarding the venue

We were to meet at night

I went down to see him

He sat under a tree in front of the hotel where we lodged

We walked around and spoke for hours

Mehn! The guy is damn rich

He owns an oil company at Port Harcourt

Will a pauper had been the Prince's friend?

I will finally compete with Salewa

She's not the only one deserving of gold

I will die here like a Mario

I later followed Kola to his room

Sat down and took some drinks

We got fond of each other as if we'd met for years

"You are an epitome of beauty, Ewa

 Your name says it all”

I wish you can be mine forever"

Kolade's words sank down my emotions

He held me closer and we started smooching

The kiss was so deep that we lost control

And.... and.......and...

Before we knew it

We'd had couples of rounds

Wow! Kolade was good in bed

It didn't end there

He brought out a ring and proposed at once

Would I say no to that?

Ewatomi is not a dull lady

I guessed Salewa got her’s too this way

What a catch!

It was finally morning

Glowing in my pink gown

With my heels scaring the devil underneath

I walked majestically with Tola and Sade

Along with other ladies in different colourful attires

There were some special seats reserved for the bride's friends

And some for the groom's men

Salewa looked dazzling like the sea goddess

In her white apparel

With twinkling silver jewelries to match

Kolade stood near the prince

I will also get married to the Prince's friend soon

I smiled at him

He turned away his face to ignore me

He is quite busy, I consoled myself

The prince whispered into his ears

He left and returned

Debowale did the same again

He left and whispered something back to him

He might be talking about me

Enthusiasm basked in my heart

The groom kissed his bride like a hungry dog

Aww! Is he having his first kiss?

With different love songs illuminating the atmosphere

We danced and danced with the couple

Till the party ended and everyone moved to their homes

How are you Kolade?

"I'm fine" he replied as he turned to leave

I drew him back and held his hand

"Why were you not among the groom's men"? I asked

"That is meant for the groom's friends" He replied

Then who are you? His brother?

Oh no! He is my boss

Boss? You work in his company?

"You talk too much, Ewatomi"

His voice rising unlike the guy I had fun with last night

‘Kolade!’,  I heard Salewa call him

"Yes madam", He responded

Madam?

What is going on? I soliloquized

"My madam wants to see you" Kolade returned

Salewa signalled to me

I went to met her

"My husband wants to say hello", she said

Debo came down from his car

"How are you, Ewatomi?”

He stretched his hand towards me

“I'm fine but how do you know my name?”

"Forgotten me so soon?”

Salewa also looked surprised

“But I can't remember ever meeting you”, I said again

"I am Prince Ademola Adebowale Abiodun"

“Biodun? Noooooo

This can't be” I stammered

"Don't be confused, Ewa

I'm the same Abiodun you chased like a goat

I was kidnapped some times back

My captors demanded for ransom

Which my father, the king, paid

Yet they released me not

I was tortured and molested

Beaten and hungered

Till I almost gave up the ghost

Finally, one of them rescued me

Led me out of their den

I ran like one chased by evil spirits

Lived in the bush for long

Feeding on raw vegetables and leafs

Drank water from an irritating source

I was helpless, homeless and hopeless

The sun and rain laid heavy rods on me

Never knew where I was or how to leave

Until you came to washed some cloths

I followed behind you as you left for home

I knew you observed some footsteps, so I hid

As you were about to enter your house

I greeted with enthusiasm

Happy I met a human after so long

I needed food and water so badly

I requested for water

You chased me like an animal

Calling me names which made me feel less a human

You never saw a soul departing from its body

Neither did you see one in tears quivering for shelter

I couldn't believe a woman could be that cruel and contemptuous

I fainted and laid unconscious on the sand

Till a tender hearted lady passed by

Her heart is so precious and priceless

Worth more than rubies and gold

I can trade my life to win that heart

Salewa saw one who needed embrace

You saw a Monster trying to propose

I wouldn't think of such at that minute

All I needed was something to tangle body and soul

Salewa who had nothing but little

Help a dying me and made me see life again

 No woman can ever take her place in my heart

She has an inward beauty

And that is the glory of a real woman

I'm in love with this angel

She has shown integrity in many ways

I longed for the day my lips will touch hers

And now the deal is done

She is mine forever”

I almost fainted as I heard those words from Biodun

So ashamed of myself

I fell down before his knees

With hot tears dripping down my face

Humble for the very first time

"Forgive me Biodun

Salewa, I'm sorry"

Biodun pulled me up and cleaned my face with his handkerchief

Salewa hugged me

"We've forgiven you, Salewa", she said

I couldn't bear it any longer

So I turned and ran

Got a vehicle back to my village

If I rained down the clouds of tears gathering in my eyes

I believe everyone would have had to swim home

Four months later

I became very ill and weak

Couldn't eat nor drink anything

As I vomited all around

The Doctor confirmed me pregnant

Oh! Kolade

How do I contact him?

I don't even know where Salewa and Biodun live

They checked on me thrice

Each time, I sent someone who informs them I'm not home

However, they came again

I heard a knock on my door

It was Salewa and her husband

I had no choice but to let them in

I needed their help more than anything else

They came telling me about Jesus

As Salewa had always done during the days I mocked her

“Jesus can never love me

He wouldn't accept someone like me

I can't count the number of men I slept with

My life is useless”

"Don't say that", Salewa said

"Jesus loves everyone

He died for you to be saved"

She opened several portion of the bible

Telling me about Mary Magdalene

Apostle Paul

And many others

Her words sank into my heart

I accepted Jesus Christ

Since then, an unusual transformation took place

The rude, abusive and proud Ewatomi has changed

I'm no more the same Ewa you knew

I can recommend Jesus to anyone

However, Kolade's seed still grows in my womb

I told Salewa everything

They revealed to me who Kolade is

Just an ordinary servant

The prince took an unusual interest in

He however goes around telling people who he is not

He was reported to have impregnated five ladies

And now he is no where to be found

I regret every of my actions and deeds

That I would love you to learn from it

Are you beautiful and stunning?

It's an opportunity to serve God

And not to make yourself

A dump bin for every Dick and Harry

Not everything that glitters is gold

Everyone deserves love and special treatment

"Anyone you are in the position of helping

That very one is your neighbour"

Never hesitate to help the needy

If anyone comes across Kolade

Please inform him

That his seed grows in my womb

He should pity the innocent baby

Who knows nothing about my ignorance

I believe he will come back one day

Hmmmm! When I flash back

And remember the whole scene

I can't but smile to myself

Cause even till now

I can't still believe

That same one I called MONSTER

Is now my friend's very own husband

Such is life!!!

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APPLICATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA FOR POETS By Animashaun Daniel

Introduction: The app store has some amazing apps that can inspire novice and seasoned poets alike. These apps can either be used for;
a. Reading Poetry
b. Writing Poetry
c. Keeping track of your random notes/ideas, etc.

COMMON APPS FOR POETS
NOTEBOOK, NOTEPAD or WORD APPLICATIONS (e.g. MS-Word): This app is for saving and scribbling your ideas. Whether it’s the one you’ve written on paper, or the spontaneous one you thought about in the bus.

TEXTGRAM: This app makes poetry more presentable and alluring, with the varieties of fonts, beautiful backgrounds and templates. It also gives your poem a larger audience, as it gives you the opportunity to post your poems on Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest etc

A DICTIONARY AND THESAURUS: A good poet must be able to appropriately use words. He/she must also be ready to learn new words, or something new about a familiar word. What If I told you, ‘bogus’ didn’t mean ‘big’, and ‘opportune’ meant appropriate? A tour of your dictionary would tell you so.

A GLOSSARY OF POETRY TERMINOLOGIES: A good app for people studying poetry and poets. You can discover unique techniques of writing poems, and types of poems.

There are free apps, and also priced apps for poetry.
Let’s treat the free apps first;
POETRY DAILY, by poetry daily: Poetry daily focuses on contemporary poetry, and delivers a new poem to your phone daily. You can start each day by reading a new poem. This app is actually optimized for the iPhone.

POETRY, from the Poetry Foundation: This app allows you access to a large number of classic and contemporary poems. And, to spice things up, you can listen to poetry. Note that; this app has flaws, in that it does not have many 21st century poems and also contemporary poems.

POET ASSISTANT by Carmen Alvarez: This app has a 4.6 out of 5 stars rating on the Play store (the last time I checked). This tells a story. It’s a wonderful companion for a poet or writer. It comes with a rhyming dictionary, thesaurus, and a sample editor with playback.

QUOTES CREATOR: This helps you express your thoughts and words with pictures. It also has more backgrounds and templates than textgram. Note that there are different types of quotes creator on the play store, ranging from Kwote to Quotes Creator by Piyush Patel.

JOURNEY by Two App Studio Pte Ltd.: This provides the ultimate diary and journaling experience. It comes with special features like Lock(for privacy), reminder, and a Backup, in case you lose your device.

QUOTES, by Skol Games LLC: This app can help with inspiration. It has 20 categories, one of which can inspire you. It also triggers creativity.

POETRY CREATOR/VERSES- Poetry, Poems and Poets by Tiny Mobile Inc: This is a FREE alternative to Instant Poetry HD (this will be treated under priced apps). This app helps you break from the norm. The simple style of writing also helps newbies.

Other apps that could be of interest include; Shakespeare Sonnets Free, Shakespeare, Verses.

Now, let’s treat the priced apps. Before I go through a list of the priced apps for poetry I’ve come across, I have to say, I have not tried any of them. This is due to the fact that many of them have suitable substitutes or alternatives that are free.

AMERICAN POETRY- 5000 Poems and verses, by Aliaksei Balurski. A suitable replacement is either Poetry Daily or Poetry by the Poetry Foundation.

VERSES NOTEBOOK+rhyming dictionary/rhymebook by Derek Kepner. A wholesome replacement is the Poet Assistant along with the Journey app.

POET’S PAD by Paragoni, LLC (can record an audio version of your poem). An alternative app is the notebook app or textgram, coupled with your phone’s sound recorder.

WRITING PROMPTS by 21x20 Media, Inc. This app suggests things to write about. The QUOTES app by Skol Games LLC is a good alternative.

PORTA POET by Artisan Engineering LLC. Very similar to Poet’s pad. You can write poetry on this app. An alternative is textgram and notebook.

INSTANT POETRY HD by Razeware LLC. Similar to POETRY CREATOR/VERSES- Poetry, Poems and Poets.

Feel free to add the poetry apps that you’ve come in contact with, and can be of value to poets.

         SOCIAL NETWORKS FOR POETS
       You might feel your poems don't have enough audience. You might feel you need to share it with like minds. You might feel the reactions from your instagram followers or your facebook friends, are not as euphoric as you expected. You might feel 140 words limit your creativity and expression on twitter. If you've had any of these feelings, then this is for you. You can share your poems, literary works, articles on social networks that have a large number of creatively minded people. Even if you've had enough influence or followership, you can extend it through these social networks. Having your work published is not necessarily a pinnacle. It might be a high point, but these virtual communities enable you to even develop and improve your content. However, there are not so many social networks for poets. Also, some of the ones that are available, are still budding, and are still going through a developmental stage. Some of these social networks will be highlighted in this article.

Writers' network: This app is one of the foremost social networks for poets and writers alike, and also a premier poetry site. It's a free creative writing community, created as far back as 2004. It's major purpose is to provide a platform in which writers can share their writing, get constructive feedback, and interact with people who have a similar passion. You also get to see the works of diverse writers. This social network also runs a reward system, as you can earn points just by reviewing write ups. Joining is easy, straightforward and free. You can also participate in contests, discussions, polls and live chats. Note that there's an emphasis on poetry, but writers of all genres are welcome and active on this site.

Mirakee: Mirakee is a community for writers, poets and readers. It's a platform to showcase your poems, quotes, stories, micro-tales, prompts, thoughts, ideas, emotions,etc. It's user friendly, and is similar to Instagram. Hence the nickname, Instagram for poets. You join by choosing a username. For example, I used shawndanny as my username when I wanted to join. Subsequently, you can share your poems and meet new poets.

Allpoetry.com: A social network, dedicated to poets. You have access to a the works of different poets, famous or not famous, established or amateur, classical or contemporary, modern day or old timers, etc.
Other social networks that facilitate dissemination of your poetry, but are not committed to poetry, include;
Tumblr
Instagram
Pinterest
Facebook
Feel free to add your suggestions.

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LOVE IN ITS DREADFUL FORM by Funmilayo Ojeniyi.

The atmosphere was filled with a sweet scent,
Tall and thin, black and attractive ,
Beads swirled around her waist ,
She wiggled past me with an aura of confidence,
My heart did a complete somersault,
A feeling of restlessness dawned on me,
I felt an unusual yearning to love,
I sneaked behind her but my shoes won't stop making the kon kon ka music,
I moistened my lips, I really want to talk to her



"Eerrm!
Asabi, Adunni,
Arike mi, Anike,
 Asake, Apeke, Ajoke, Abefe
Awelewa, omo dudu bi koro esin"
I cajoled in a clever tone,
Without looking back,
"I'm not those",
she answered in a quavering voice,
But it was beautiful and soothing, I loved her more ,
Please, I really want to know, I persuaded
She took a few steps and stood still,



Then she turned around...
I staggered..





Alas!  She's without a face.

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I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT MONSTER IS MY FRIEND'S HUSBAND By B.B Treasure (PART 1)

It was a wonderful morning

The stars smiled at me

While the sun beamed it's light towards my path

I quickly held my water pot

And spoke to my feet

Got to the river to do some laundry

Mother would be expectant

So I rushed towards home

Little did I know He was after me

I heard some footsteps

But saw no one

Almost entering the house

I heard this angelic voice

"How are you doing babe?”

My heart skipped a beat

I knew it would be from a handsome face

I stopped without turning back

"You are so beautiful''

The handsome said again

“Thank you so much"

I replied and turned

To my surprise

I didn't see the person whose voice I heard 
There was no correlation between the person whose voice I heard

And the giraffe I saw

Was a beggar

Dressed in "sack like" garment

He looked horrible like a monster

His face spoke of torment

His eye balls rolled out of a million year’s fast

His beard tangled like wasted thread

Broom sticks are fatter than his thin neck and legs

I guessed he was a visitor from hell

No where in the world would a man have suffered that much

He smiled at me

His mouth opening to reveal some set of rotten maize

Even his shoes must have suffered so much in the hands of cobblers

Oh! He must have bore the sins of the whole world

He gave another irritating smile

"Can I have a glass of water please?"

Where in the world would I get a hypo

Capable of washing your contaminated spit off my cup? "

I yelled at him

I quickly got my goat's cane

Since they were not in any way different

I flogged him off my door step

He ran like the pigs

Possessed by the legion

Having fought a monster this early

I wondered how the rest of the day will be

Salewa listened sympathetically

As I narrated the scene with the Monster

I wonder what got her in such mood

Should the Monster have been her relative?

I mocked inside of me

Anyway, Salewa is nothing better

She is the ugliest among us

Tola and Sade cannot be compared with her

Even though I'm the most beautiful of them

We can't say Salewa does not have in her

An atom of beauty

After all, "Good is everything created by God"

Even her name suggests the ugliness

Salewa!

She sought well for a house that can accommodate ugliness

That must have been the cause of her sympathy

Some months later

I couldn't believe my ears

When ugly Salewa got engaged

She told Sade and I

With her face glistening with a smile

It's not a joke

I saw the proposal ring

Hanging round her middle finger

Who could have proposed to ugly Salewa?

Leaving me the "miss world" aside

"So who is this lucky man?”

I managed to ask

“Biodun”, Salewa replied with a broad smile

Which Biodun? I remembered the Monster murmured something like:

I'm B-i-o-du-n

“Do you mean Monster? Monster? No ooo

It's the same Biodun you know

But he's not a Monster”

I wondered in my heart how foolish a lady could be

Even if you are not beautiful

Does that mean you should become a "MONSTRESS?"

Salewa wouldn't listen

She kept singing

"The wonderful story of love"

Hmm! Love indeed!

In the mist of other friends

This Salewa kept talking about her wedding plans

I blinked and flickered my eyes

Till it almost blotted out

Trying to stop Salewa from disgracing herself

Yet, she will not listen

Her flatters were heart raising

That none of them will believe

Our friend is getting married to a Monster

I couldn't imagine

How gloomy the day will be

Poor Salewa!

She will take "garri" throughout her life

They will live in a bamboo house

Where rats and cockroaches will be her neighbors

Thus looking uglier

I the "miss cute"

Will never marry a man like Biodun

I wouldn't waste my striking beauty

And good shape as this

On a man like him

Finally the day is here

Salewa's wonderful day

Wonderful indeed!

I dressed in one of my "aso oke"

Rubbed on minor makeup

With my "Ileke" to match

Tola and Sade also managed to wear something

We couldn't dress more

Since the bride couldn't afford much

Sade dressed the bride

While Tola made up her face

We can't leave her

To look like a "montress"

On a special day as these

Though she will look like one thereafter

We got to the venue

And everything was....

Awww! What a dull and boring atmosphere!

This is an opportunity to make her feel stupid

I'm not the type that cares about people's feelings

I walked towards the bride in front of everyone

I sympathized  mockingly

"Oh dear!

Sorry that you've got no money

Else you would have financed your wedding better"

"Your Monster must be poor indeed"

At the word "Monster"

Montress Salewa boiled hot

Responding with a slap at 100 degree Celsius

Quickly, I untied my "iro"

Ready to fight her in underwear

That's how disastrous I could be

Tola started drawing me

Everyone ran towards the scene

Everywhere became noisy like the war field

"No!  I will give my own back"

She can't slap and go

"Stop these Ewatomi"

(Guessed you've now known my name)

Tola kept screaming

This Tola wouldn't just stop holding me

I can't just let go

I will have to revenge..........

What happened next? 

Find out in "I Can't Believe That Monster Is My Friend's Husband" part 2.

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