Be Inspired - I've Learned By Omer B. Washington

I’ve learned-
that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.

I’ve learned-
that no matter how much I care, some people just don’t care back.

I’ve learned-
that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.

The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer - Beyonce Shares Deep Poetry

Beyonce shared the poem below on her social media pages as handwritten notes and the lines have got me thinking. The poem is an introspective by Oriah Mountain Dreamer and titled, The Invitation. What do you think of the poem?

A Love-Song For Couples by Kego Onyido

May you each dig deep and find self-love so that you can truly love the other person

For it is only in first loving yourself that you can you truly love another

You can only share who you are. You can only give what you have

One day, I'm going to write a Love Poem by Atilola

Blogger, Atilola is making waves as a celebrity spoken word artiste and poet and it's for a very good reason. I regrettably had to miss this poetry show held back in February, and the videos, especially this one by Atilola, which has just been released show that I missed a lot. Enjoy her piece titled, One day, I'm going to write a Love Poem.

L is for Love

Of course, LOL...

Wait a minute though, what is love? How will you describe love?

Is it a feeling or an action?
Is it to love or to be in love?
Can one do without love?
A cool love or a fast love?
Which is the better love?
Why do we even love?
When does love start?
Where does love end?
Have you ever loved?


Over to you...

Loneliness (Poem)

SO I am plotting my next next book and I can already see the heroine, which is a good thing. But I don't know whether I'm ready to write her. This is the poem she inspired in me, not as upbeat as my usual. Probably she's also older and has seen the world. Hmmm...maybe that would not be so bad, someone with a varied experience should make an interesting character. Anyway, enjoy...

LONELINESS


I am so very lonely
The cold gets to my bones
I am solitary and alone
There are no real friends
I don’t need a crowd
Just someone to fulfill me
I feel so deep and empty
The hollowness is killing me

Thus I sit and wait
But time waits for no one
As the clock ticks the hours
And days and weeks go by
The crescent moon waxes and wanes
And the years roll away
Like palm fronds waving at the sky
My arms are wide open

The Great Con

Nominated Best Writing Blog 2010 The Nigerian Blog Awards. Need a sample?

This is a bit out of character for me, mush romantic me. But yeah, shit happens too.

I got to know a stranger
When he beeped my pager
We later had a merger
And he took over the ledger
Didn’t know he was a forger
A talented artful dodger

Couldn’t believe what he’d done
Until after he had gone
I was the victim of a con
And it was time to mourn
He might now be on the run
But I swear he has not won

Then I got a tip-off call
He was seen with a new doll
I had taken a bad fall
And he was having a ball
I visited him with a carry-all
Shot him in the front hall.

__________________________________________

Do you like what you just read?

Now go and vote. The Nigerian Blog Awards.

All I'm thinking of. (Poem)

You are all I’m thinking of
Those times I find it hard to sleep
The times I am rushed with work
When I walk down the road
When I sit with my friends
You are all I’m thinking of

You are all I’m thinking of
When the clouds turn dark
And rain drives down from the heavens
Now the days are so quickly gone
And the skies become dark
You are all I’m thinking of

You are all I’m thinking of
To make you a part of my life
To be able to say I love you
To give you the best of me
To tell you from the heart
You are all I’m thinking of...


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So who are you thinking of? Your family in a different state or country from where you are? Your boyfriend, girlfriend, fiancé? Have you told them? Now is the time o cos this life is so short, no one knows tomorrow. Do not put off for tomorrow what you can do today, live your dream now!

Have a lovely weekend all and see you in New York soon.

Mr Handsome Guy (Poem) + Update

(Comment Verification has been removed)

Hey, Mr. handsome guy
You can’t really be shy
For you seemed so fly
Whenever you come by

With the magic you wove
In our own secret cove
I readily swore by Jove
Nowhere else to rove

If it were not for the fame
Or to keep a good name
I’ll never play any game
But wholly be your dame

If my burdens you’ll bear
Then all your calls I’ll hear
We’ll have nothing to fear
Love will last many a year.


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Hi peeps, how's your week going so far? I hope you like the poem, it was written tongue in cheek and I hope you can see the lighter side of it as well as the more serious bit towards the end. That is what love is for me...fun and depth. What about you?

In other news...I've been a bit busy with Naija Stories but I have to say I'm proud of how it's turning out. GO OVER and check it out. Anyway, before I digressed I wanted to say that my WIP manuscript has been suffering from neglect. I intend to focus again as of today, so expect an installment in my next post. I might actually show off from the second draft, we'll see.

Enjoy the rest of your week and I'll see you over at yours soon.

ps, Have you been waiting for an autographed copy of A Heart to Mend? Do you want to see Myne Whitman? Do you live in the MD/DC/NY area? Stay tuned...

My angel (Poem)

I dream the ringing up
From the depths of my wishes
Yet when I listen closely
The phone is really beeping
Are you really calling?
Or am I night dreaming again?
It is definitely not a figment
Of my fertile imagination
I’m filled with joy unspeakable
As I hear you through the earpiece
The happiness is unstoppable
And I break into a smile
A flush spreads over my skin
Your cool voice upon my senses
Brings relief to my scattered thoughts
There is no more need to worry
As above all these things is Love
There’s naught else to do
But to put a halo on you
You’re my angel...

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I can't wait for TGIF and the weekend, what about you? Enjoy a poem for today and check out some blogs from the right while at it. See you soon with something from the WIP.

This I promise (Poem)

I want to be good to you
A promise I’ll keep to
Even when things are tight
Our life will turn out right
My heart will bear the seed
To fulfill your every need

You’re always there for me
And so I’ll make you see
That I’ll continue to be here
To show you that I care

I’ll do anything you desire
Light up your fire
I’ll treat you just right
So happiness fills our sight

Our love was meant to be
You are the world to me
This I want you to know
That as we continue to grow
I’ll heartily cherish you
I will to you be true

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In my nine months of blogging, Blogville, especially the Naija community has been there for me and I appreciate it. I often like to say I am a lover, not a fighter. I try to stay out of controversy cos it really makes me uncomfortable but I hope no one thinks that makes me weak. I was really upset yesterday but writing the rebuttal took a lot of it off my chest. I won't lie and say I'll simply forget this incident or that there are no thoughts that have come out of this. One thing I'll say though, please if you do not want me on your blog, if my comments on your posts rub you the wrong way, please do let me know and I'll stop. I'm not blogging to steal anyone's thunder or dim their light.

This I promise is a poem I wrote for the one I love but it can be read to you guys. YOU who follow this blog, who leave comments, both personal and critique. You who send emails, subscribe to my posts and most importantly, believe in my work and support me in any way you can. I do not take lightly the trust you have resided in me, by making this blog and Naija Stories what they are. I am sure it is not just me and I couldn't have done it without you. I care about you all and I care about our community here online. If anyone has issues, comments, questions, etc, my email is myne@mynewhitman.com. Please feel free to contact me. I would love to hear from you.

On this note, I ask that we please move on. I have disabled comments on the previous post. Thanks to all those who commented, one thing shines through. The sky is wide enough for us all and there can never be too many opportunities.

This I promise you. I will keep blogging with an open mind.

I wish to be (Poem)

Remember to catch up on the latest episode on Cupid's Risk Here. The match-making mother is back!

This one is for the fans of my poems. Hope you like, enjoy!

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I wish to be
The music of your soul
Like the chorus of birds
Serenading you at dawn

I wish to be
The smile on your face
Caused by the sweet nothings
Whispered into your ears

I wish to be
The beating of your heart
The gentle rhythm-like throbbing
Deep inside your breast

I wish to be
The sunlight in your life
Like the mild morning rays
When you open the window blinds

I wish to be
All that you’ve dreamt of
All that you’ve hoped for
A gift of love forever

For you I will (Poem)

This is dedicated to Joicee who specifically asked for a poem. Enjoy!

I will go the extra mile
Just to see you smile
I’ll run the longest race
Just to win your grace

I’ll eat the bitterest tart
And that’s just for a start
I’ll ford the widest stream
Just to get your dream

I’ll ascend Everest’s cliff
Just to get you a gift
I’ll endure the thinnest air
Just be my lady fair

I’ll be the strongest lad
Just to make you my lassie
I’ll have a love so true
And it will be just for you

You're my Poem (Poem)

It's been a while I shared one of my romantic poems so enjoy...

Your face brings forth the lyrics
Written on the pages of my heart
It is the only one I see
When I search on the inside of me
The brightness of your eyes
Is like the sky after the rain
Their color is the limpid golden brown
Of a newly minted penny
In pride of place is that noble nose
Not retrousse like mine
But rivalling those of a Nubian prince
Your smile is like an invitation
Stretched across the clouds
And like the multi-hued rainbow
I know there's gold at the end of that road
Maybe not as prominent as Barack's
But your ears do the job and more
You hear my every word and make them count
Your laughter is a promise, oh yes!
Of never-ending benevolence
The softness of your kisses
Reminds of lips made of spun silk
Your skin also is a lure and temptation
The incomparable sheen makes my touch
Want to come back now and again
Your bold shape renders me speechless
And just as Eve couldn’t resist in Eden
Truly neither can I
So it’s the truth when I say
You are my poem

Thinking of you. (Poem)

What its it about you
That keeps me thinking about you
Whether I like it or not
You are always in my thoughts
Why do I stick around
When I should stay away
Why do I always come to you
When I could be some place else
Why can’t I just forget you
Even when I really want to

What is it about you
That makes me wonder
What you look like
First thing in the morning
And what you will look like
Last thing before you sleep
Why do I think of you
The very instant I wake up
And on you I also ponder
When I can’t sleep at night.

I close my eyes
Your face is what I see
In the quiet of solitude
I hear your voice
And when I try to sleep
I only dream of you
In the multitude of friends
I am lost in thoughts of you
Will it ever cease?
This thinking of you

But I hope it never does
Cos when I think of you
A dull day becomes bright
And the fears of the night
Are immediately forgotten
I become a beautiful bird
Blessed with strong wings
I can fly any distance
Even to the ends of the world
Just thinking of you

Vision of Love (Poem)

It seems like a dream
But I remain awake and sane
I tremble at the sight before me
What could this possibly be?
I am as a parched land
Soaking up the drenching rain
I am like a dew-fresh flower
Smiling at the rising sun

It is your wonderful face
So far and yet also near
I stand joyfully before you
My vision of true love
Love so completely amazing
It defies verbal description
Love so all-embracing
It is totally beyond mention

When will another come?

WHEN WILL ANOTHER COME?

She lies atop her downy pillows
Her eyes upon the high ceiling
But she does not see the cracks
Crossing the face of the plaster
Like those on the tortoiseshell

For her gaze is upon the unseen
And her thoughts lost in the mists
As she tries to bring up another
She fixes in chiseled features
In the bold outline of a face

Her creation then takes on the form
Of one of the legends of old
Amadioha, Apollo, Arthur… or is it Sango?
This evokes the sound of thunder
That bestirs her from her daze

She glances around the empty room
But her dreams are not for real
And so she starts to weep
Like the first drops of rain
Tears fall and blur her vision

When will another come?

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Like I mentioned on Vera's radio on Saturday, (You can listen to it right here on the side bar) loneliness can come in different forms and from various memories. People may have just lost friends, children may have lost their parents or parents may have lost children. This may either be to death or to distance - physical and emotional. Valentine can therefore be a month of loneliness for a lot of people but most especially for reasons of romance.

So right up there during this season of love is hurt from a lonely heart. Broken relationships, broken promises, no new partner in sight, no partner - ever. All these are the reasons I believe Valentine should not be all about couples. Take time this week, this weekend and on valentine day to do stuff with friends, family and the less privileged in life. Call parents, send notes to friends, spend time with other people and finally show yourself some self-love. For those waiting for another, ask Vera. They may just be on the way and arrive on val's day.

Read more from this online magazine HERE

Sweet things you do to me

A reminder about the I-LOVE-YOU Valentine show on Feb 6 which I'm co hosting with Vera in preparation for V-day. Remember to tune in by 10am EST and 4pm Nigerian time on Saturday morning. Meanwhile, enjoy the poem...

Sweet things you do to me
You make me feel so fine
In the press of a mobbing crowd
The way you look into my face
And hold on to my hand

Sweet things you do to me
You treat me like I’m a queen
The most important thing to you
You do all in your power
To see that I’m always happy

Sweet things you do to me
You point out those things
That you know I love to see
You cause me to smile at you
And make me laugh out loud

Sweet things you do to me
You show a real sense of depth
In times of pain and sorrow
Which I cherish as much as
Your arms of comfort around me

Sweet things you do to me
You can spin the silliest jokes
Just to tease and thrill me
Your warm and tender smile
Is a lighthouse in the storm

Oh! Sweet things you do to me
For in this ever–changing world
Long as you're always near
Most sweet is your love for me
It always sees me through

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This old poem is dedicated to Andrea. She really loved this when I posted it the first time and remembered it. Congrats dear on your marriage and the little blessing on the way. May you and your hubby enjoy this valentine to the fullest. And I mean to the fullest, you get my meaning :):).

The love of a friend.

You were there in my time of need
Not knowing the meaning of greed

If I need it, you’ll give your last dime
Rich or poor, you gave me a good time

You did everything a friend should
And treated me the best you could

You comforted me when I was sad
And laughed with me when I was glad

I recall the times we used to share
And I want you to know I still care

I will always try to be there
Whenever, wherever you need my cheer

When you need me, I’ll be there in a hurry
When you are down, you don’t have to worry

Though some things you do may be wrong
Our friendship will ever remain strong

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Please feel free to share your stories of friendship. What was the best thing you did for a friend or a friend did for you? Who is your best friend? It's that time of the year. So send them a note, leave it here to show they're appreciated.

To my SO whose birthday it was today, happy birthday honey. You're my best friend.

Eros...

I have shared this poem before but in honor of the season and my newer readers, enjoy...

Is this love?
When the heart beats faster
And the eyes are bright
When the laughter rings out
And the smile shines forth
When the cheeks are rosy red
And the skin all flushed
When the arms feel restless
And the limbs tremble and quiver

To feel weak and yet so strong
To know nothing and yet know all
To feel doomed and yet so blessed
To feel small and yet so big
To feel hungry and yet so full
To feel sad and yet so glad
To feel poor and yet so rich
To give and yet receive
Is this love?

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ps, the title of the series shall be Cupid's Risk as suggested by Beautiful. That shall be used going forward. Thank you all for voting.