Ifedolapo Ogunniyi

Beneath the surface and beyond the wall I constructed,
Through the matrix of numbers and underneath false perceptions.

Misunderstood representation, misleading calculated frustrations,
Love portrayed as a fixture, an amazing creation’s mixture.

Faultless attractions intertwined with flawless interactions,
Heart-beating contractions from personal experiences’ fractions.

Odd-numbered figures, outnumbered guidelines,
Almost impossible to simplify, symbols identified but expressions unverified.

Love, a world with too many rules to abide by,
Coded messages and assuming opossums, abundant punch lines in a temporary low high.

From love emerges abandoned self-pride,
An easier chance to be blindsided.

My false actuation is that love is not the base,
Tempered with a formula, love is the square root of misjudgment.

The reason for any sign of weakness,
Love becomes my pretense, my pretense in silence.

Unravel this, I dare you!

© Ifedolapo Ogunniyi
2023

In the land of Oyo, where whispers intertwine,
Lies a tale of Iya Asake, a neighbor so divine.
She, the silent spectator of love’s secret song,
Eavesdropping on couples, where hearts belong.

Iya Asake, the rumour carrier with a keen ear,
In the quiet of night, she draws near.
Her good side shines like the river Osun,
Yet her bad side, a storm before the sun.

In the shadows of Oluyole, she weaves her deceit,
False gossip, accusations, tales so indiscreet.
A catalyst of chaos in the neighborhood,
Homes shattered, bonds misunderstood.

Oh, Iya Asake, with your tongue like a blade,
Cutting through trust, in your gossip parade.
But within you lies the potential to change,
To redeem your soul, a destiny rearrange.

Let your whispers be gentle as the breeze,
May peace and love replace the rumors that freeze.
In the heart of Ibadan, let harmony thrive,
Iya Asake, may you choose to revive.

© Ifedolapo Ogunniyi
2023

In the glass, a reflection stares,
Beyond the mirror, a soul repairs.
Self-love blooms in gentle light,
A journey inward, pure and bright.

Integrity, a steadfast guide,
Through valleys deep and mountains wide.
Each step, a choice to be sincere,
The mirror reflects what we hold dear.

Whispers of growth, a silent song,
In the heart, where strength belongs.
Self-development, a constant dance,
Unfolding life’s intricate romance.

Embrace the flaws, the quirks, the grace,
In the mirror, find a sacred space.
A picture painted with self-respect,
A masterpiece, no need to perfect.

Through trials faced and lessons learned,
In the mirror’s gaze, confidence earned.
For in self-love, the spirit soars,
Beyond the mirror, the heart explores.

© Ifedolapo Ogunniyi
2023

In the heart of Africa, ‘neath Yoruba skies,
Children gather ’round, where wisdom lies.
A coach with tales, of Orunmila’s insight,
Guiding young minds, in the soft moonlight.

Osun’s river whispers, folktales untold,
Of gods and goddesses, their stories unfold.
In Ife’s embrace, where Oduduwa begun,
A journey through time, as the setting sun.

“Listen, young ones,” the coach imparts,
“Esu’s mischief, in life’s intricate arts.
Oya’s winds, Sango’s thunderous might,
In every tale, in every sacred site.”

Under Ogun’s gaze, stars shimmer bright,
They learn of their roots, in the gentle night.
In the rhythm of talking drums, beat of the heart,
A beauty of culture, a work of art.

“Like leaves that dance in Osun’s breeze,
Each child holds gifts, unique expertise.
Air, water, fire, and earth unfold,
Teach them well, let Yoruba stories be told.”

With fireside tales and moonlit skies,
Children learn to see with ancestral eyes.
Nature’s wonders, a guide to their fate,
As Ela watches, at the cosmic gate.

In the dance of life, traditions endure,
For the roots run deep, of this they are sure.
Through coaching, they activate the lore,
A legacy passed down, forevermore.

© Ifedolapo Ogunniyi
2023

In your gaze, a universe unfolds,
A timeless tale, a love story untold.
Eyes like galaxies, sparkling with grace,
I find eternity in that warm embrace.

Each glance a chapter, a moment divine,
Reflecting a love that continues to shine.
In the depth of your eyes, secrets reside,
An eternity of emotions, nowhere to hide.

I see forever in your eyes, a boundless sea,
Whispers of a future where we are meant to be.
Stars align, painting dreams in the night,
Guided by the constellations of pure delight.

Through laughter and tears, a journey we chart,
In the language of love, eternally smart.
With every look, a promise takes flight,
I see forever in your eyes, my heart’s guiding light.

© Ifedolapo Ogunniyi