THE GREAT PLACE
http://www.amazon.com/Great-Place-Soulful-Celebration-Beautiful/dp/14137... + http://uwachuku.googlepages.com/ugonnarevealed
Prologue
"Even though we face the
difficulties of today and
tomorrow, I still have a
dream. I have a dream that
my four little children will
one day live in a nation where
they will not be judged by the
color of their skin but by the
content of their character."
~Martin Luther King, jr.
In 1964, Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life in
prison. Seven years later, I was born. As soon as
I was old enough to understand, my mum and dad,
both historians, had taken me through pages in
history:
Outside the bloody, sad tale of the fight of my Igbo
people for survival and fulfilment within Nigeria,
that of the Jews, African Americans, native American
Indians, Koori (Australian Aborigines), Tibetans;
Palestinians; including Mexican Indians, and others
across the world of then and today, the story of
the blatant oppression of native, aboriginal South
African black people by a white minority struck me in a
moving manner.
By reading and observation, I followed the struggle
against apartheid. In humane spirit, I was drawn to
the humble, but unequivocal yearning of this South
African leader who had been condemned to spend
the rest of his powerfully advocative life in prison.
Mandela became an enigma to me. Far from me and even
farther from the world around him, Mandela, symbolic
of the courageous spirit of the South African people,
became a spirit of the deep ancestral Africa which I
resolved to uphold, embrace and celebrate after the
dawn of freedom I longed for.
Above all, I came to realize that I had fallen in
love with a people and their struggle for a peaceful
recognition of the worth and dignity inherent in their
human essence. This love stems from my family's
unwavering involvement in the South African struggle -
a high level involvement that date back to the time
my uncle, Jaja Anucha Wachuku, was Nigeria's Foreign
Affairs Minister:
Notably, a 1964 telegram from the United States Embassy
in South Africa to the Department of State read thus:
"Cape Town, April 22, 1964, 11 a.m
/1/Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL
29 S AFR. Confidential; priority.
Repeated to London, USUN, Pretoria, and Lagos.
...
...
/3/In the "Rivonia" trial, nine African Nationalist
leaders, including Nelson Mandela, were charged with
planning and carrying out sabotage. The Rivonia trial
was so called because of the arrest of a number of the
defendants on a farm in Rivonia, Transvaal.
I read the following statement to FonSec Jooste"
of South Africa "yesterday afternoon:
`Nigerian Foreign Minister Wachuku has expressed to
our Ambassador' - USA - `in Lagos his view that if
death penalty should be imposed and carried out on
Mandela and other defendants in Rivonia sabotage
trial it would place moderate African leaders like
himself and Government of Nigeria, who are attempting
to follow a reasonable course on the South African
problem, in an impossible situation...' Jooste took careful
notes. His reaction to Wachuku's statement was calm...
Satterthwaite"
Later, in the early 80s, as Senate Foreign Affairs
Committee Chairman, my uncle, Jaja Wachuku, against the
Nigerian government policy of isolating the South African
government because of apartheid, in a very dangerous
mission, secretly went to South Africa to put pressure on
president Pieter Willem Botha, then prime minister, for
the unconditional release of Nelson Mandela and others;
including the willing abrogation and total dismantling
of the obnoxious apartheid system in every humane sense
and truthful reality. Jaja Wachuku's meeting with president
Botha was a rewarding but acrimonious one. My uncle took
this great risk for the love of his fellow brothers and
sisters in South Africa. Unflinchingly, he truely loved
all humanity; and cared so much for people's well-being,
fulfilment and peaceful joy:
For example, after the sorrowful Nigerian - Biafran war,
there were so many orphans amongst our Igbo people
in Nigeria. Jaja took some of these orphans into the
Wachuku family and wholly trained and cared for them till
adulthood. Today, these orphans of yesterday are happy and
responsilbly fulfilled members of our big, interesting
Wachuku family and the Nigerian society at large. Today,
they are my cousins, brothers and sisters in that uniquely
African manner of caring, and overwhelmingly inspiring
family tradition. Throughout his distinguished 78 years,
(1918-1996), on this earth, Jaja Wachuku deeply believed
that a wrong-doer cannot be corrected by isolation; but by
compassionate and lovingly understanding dialogue coupled
with constant interaction in order to bring that person
to the same level of love and compassionate understanding
of the fact that we all are worthy and dignified human
beings created in the image of God Almighty:
Also, during 1979 to 1983, my uncle's days of service
to our people and nation in the Nigerian Senate, a
political correspondent of one of the Nigerian newspapers
reported one amongst Jaja Wachuku's numerous visionary and
proactive advocacy and practical solution to the South
African apartheid problem, in the following words:
"The redoutable Jaja held his colleagues
spell-bound on the floor of the Senate
as he weighed heavily on them with his
awesome oratorial machinery, defending
his vision that the defeat of apartheid
and freedom for South African blacks",
and other groups, "shall flow from the
barrels of dialogue and contact, not
from the barrels of isolation and
guns..."
So, With unwavering vision, for Jaja Wachuku, his unpopular
interaction and dialogue with the apartheid regime had to be
kept going; not just to free the blatantly oppressed and
brutalized blacks and other groups, but also to free
our beloved brothers and sisters - whites - from their
heavily overbearing circle of hatred and destructive
feelings entwined with fatal actions of hopeful
superiority upheld by glaringly unjust laws and
government policies which had no human face.
To understand more about my uncle's view as stated in
the preceding paragraph and earlier in this prologue,
please, kindly hear Frederik Willem de Klerk in his touching
autobiography titled: "The Last Trek - A New Beginning:
"It was a day of liberation - not only
for black South Africans, but also for
us white South Africans. Suddenly, the
burden of three hundred and fifty years
had been lifted from our shoulders. For
the first time, we could greet all our
countrymen without guilt or fear as
equals and as fellow South Africans.
When I woke up that morning" (10 May 1994)
"I was still the president of South Africa.
When I went to bed, the mantle had passed
from me to Nelson Mandela...
It is not only black, coloured
and Indian South Africans who have
been liberated. After generations,
whites have been freed from the
defensive Laager (the circled ox-
wagons which served as a kind of
fortress within which they could
protect their women and children
and cattle) in which they had for
centuries been confined...
It was the" Laager "ideal to which
I myself had clung until I finally
concluded, after a long process of
deep introspection, that, if pursued,
it would bring disaster to all the
peoples of our country - including
my own..."
Humbly, my family's unwavering involvement in the
South African struggle has many untold stories which
I would rather rest for now as I take you on this
soulfully moving journey through Spirit of the Deep.
However, I must let you know that everyone of us who
belongs to the Wachuku family is humbly proud to be
part of the bunch. Ours is an inspiringly outstanding
family which dates back, in known history, four hundred
and eighty years. This means that presently, the Wachuku
family of the area that is today known as Nigeria, is
in its twelfth generation because biblically, a generation
is forty years.
Indeed, over the years, my love for the South African
people and all of humanity has continued to grow
in unfathomable dimensions:
Then, when on 11 February, 1990, six years before
my distinguished uncle, Jaja Anucha Wachuku, went
the way of all mankind, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
walked out of Victor Vester prison, a free and
healthy man, unconditionally, I held my breath
with tears and hopeful unbelief. In the deepest
corners of my soul and being, I knew that Albert
John Lutuli's visionary South Africa was here:
Accepting the 1960 Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway
on 11 December, 1961, Lutuli said:
"Our vision has always
been that of a non-racial,
democratic South Africa
which upholds the rights
of all who live in our
country to remain there
as full citizens with
equal rights and
responsibilities with
others. For the consumation
of this ideal, we have
laboured unflinchingly;
we shall continue to
labour unflinchingly."
Today, as I write Spirit of the Deep - in celebration
of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and all the beautiful and
humanely brave people of South Africa - these "rainbow
people of God", I feel so fulfilled; knowing that an
enigmatic reality inside of me has finally found creative
expression and explanation within the inspirational depths
of my being and unfolding earthly journey.
Accordingly, afterwards, concerning the South African
experience, I was calmly moved by the following words
from John Pilger in his paradoxical British Broadcasting
Corporation (BBC) aired documentary film entitled:
"Apartheid did not die:"
"Coming back to South Africa,
I have been suprised to discover
a generosity of spirit that
survived the atrocities of
apartheid. It is a humanism
expressed in the distinctly
African notion that people are
people through other people.
This sense of community and
sharing is not without the
usual frailties. But the
evidence of its resilence
is everywhere in this country.
And this film has been a tribute
to that vibrant quality.
But tributes are not enough!
...:
It was the ordinary people
of South Africa who set the
pace of change. It was their
humanity and their courage
that triumphed here;
proving that fundamental
change is possible. It
will be a tragedy for all
of us if their continuing
struggle goes unrewarded;
for its inspiration and
lessons are universal."
From the enchanting, peaceful gardens and green country-
sides of poetic Geneva through the humbling confluence of
inspiring rivers Niger and Benue to the welcoming and
bravely kind Kraals of South Africa through to the ends
of our breath-takingly beautiful blue earth unbound, let
us acknowledge and uphold our love and cherishment for
one another. We must move with God's loving spirit in us.
Humanity must be willing enough to learn from the healing
South African experience or else, we are lost forever!
Indeed, may God Almighty gracefully grant us the mustard
seed faith to find our spirit of the healing deep in South
Africa's inspiring and powerful yearning for peace, harmony
and fulfilment founded on love, oneness and respect for the
divine worth and dignity of all humankind. These are the
subtle, soul stirring words I leave with you this day and
always.
Ugonna Wachuku
Geneva, Switzerland
Sunday 3 March 2002
Spirit of the Deep or The Great Place
~ Critiques/Comments ~
Marcia Ellen "Happy" Beevre
I don't know much about God, Ugonna. But surely if there is such a being, it's spirit has touched your heart, mind, body, and soul, and the hearts of your people!
Marcia
http://www.postpoems.com/members/happyb8888
Amy Riberdy
I WISH TO SAY MUCH, BECAUSE THERE IS SO MUCH HERE, BUT, MY COMMENTS WILL BE SHORT. THE PLEA, THE HOPE, THE LOVE, THE POSITIVE DESIRE & THE UPLIFTING CRIES FOR FREEDOM, THE SYMBOLIC REFERRAL TO THE RAINBOW PEOPLE, ALL MAKE THIS PIECE STAND FOR THE PLIGHT OF SOUTH AFRICA. I HAVE LEARNED MORE FROM THIS, THAN I HAVE EVER LEARNED. NOT ABOUT APARTHEID OR ATTROCITIES, BUT, OF THE SPIRIT, THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE THAT SOMETIMES ARE FORGOTTEN. WELL DONE!!!!!
AMY
http://www.postpoems.com/members/gentle
Teresa Jacobs
I often wonder why the world is so full of hate. We treat those who look different from ourselves with aversion. I believe that ultimately we are all brothers and sisters. My wish for the world is peace. Maybe someday we will find a cure for all of the injustices that have been placed upon those who look different and the ignorance that once was prevalent will cease to exist and all of god's children will live in peace. Your words have touched me deeply. Thank you so much for sharing them with me. You are truly a good person and someday the good will triumph over the evil.
Peace and Love
Teresa
http://www.postpoems.com/members/gentle
Serene Moment
AWESOME! I was mesmerized right from the start! As it slowly unfolds, I feel that I was right there at the scene. This piece speaks volumes of the messages of love, hope, courage, longing and aspiration for freedom. You have spoken the voice of your people. I was truly spellbound!
http://www.postpoems.com/members/serene
Angela Albee
I scanned what you wrote...not enough time right now to full read it, but what i did read was very interesting. I like the quotes incorporated into the text. I will look foward to reading it in it's entirety. thanks.
http://www.postpoems.com/members/darkangela
Joleen Skerkowski
Ugonna~ I too was trying to do a quick scan through...but I was indeed caught in your spirit in this writing..I had to continue.....there is hope in this world...spirit of community...and peace......your display is an ultimate work of the Spirit........through and through..I feel as though I am there....Thank you for sharing this ....and many blessings to you......joleen
http://www.postpoems.com/members/photojoski
Mona Omar
dear ugonna i hope the coming new year bring all your wishes true of peace and love for all humanity :) god bless you
http://www.postpoems.com/members/mona
Milton Manyaas
Ugonna, This speaks volumes of the spirit of humanity: the mesages of love, peace, justice for all and universal brotherhood.It is our sincere hope that the mankind would recognize these ideals in its endevour to improve our global village.
Milton
http://www.postpoems.com/members/meso
Mary Charest
Hi Ugonna, Once again I am thrilled to hear from you and to be counted among your many friends. This piece is very moving, yet bittersweet. Bittersweet because it reminds me of the one-dimensional thinking that causes all the pain that these beautiful people must recover from. If everyone could see the world from your viewpoint, it would be an ideal world. "Let your tears from yesterday find love and peace..." As always, from you, perfection.
Love and peace,
Mary
http://www.postpoems.com/members/maryfran444
Linda M. Medeiros
Ugonna, Bless you for sharing these thoughts of South Africa and the hardships that have occurred throughout her history. Your kind, caring, loving words have been well recieved and so shall they be to all who read. Our precious gift of life should not be entwined with hatred and war, but with love. Our human lifespan is much too short to continue living in the past. Time to drop all negative ideologies and pray to our Lord for guidance through the right path. I see He has started with you and amongst others, now we must spread this love so it does not vanquish into total darkness. Thank you for sharing.
Love and peace. Linda
http://www.postpoems.com/members/pudnsis1
Misty Lackey
Thanks for sharing the beauty.
http://www.postpoems.com/members/mistylls
Donna Allard
Well Ugonna,
What can I say ...we are all eagles soring above our countries..with hope and a tear that all will regain a peacefull inheritence. Many share your view(s) but few decide to write. Cheers to you for sharing your voice. I'm expecting a 'signed' copy my friend This May our university (U of Moncton) is giving a Literary Conference of which my part is to be responsible for bringing in poets and authors who are associated with the Atlantic. Ie: Atlantic Canada, Iceland, France, Greenland, Norway etc.. maybe one day I can bring you to Canada. Can you send me a jpg photo and a short bio & biblo so I can add you to my Bookstore, and other sites. Thank you in advance. Cheers! Keep Safe! Keep Peace! Keep Informed!
Donna Allard Allard Creative Communications
Canadian Poetry Association Membership Coordinator
http://www.postpoems.com/members/saphire
Helen Schmidt
Ugonna, It was with humility and respect that I read your marvelous work, "Spirit of The Deep." My wish is that you and your fellow country men and women accomplish that which you have begun . . . bringing freedom, equality, and tolerance to all people of Africa. What a wonderful man your uncle was! How proud of him you must be. Thank you so much for inviting me to read this wonderful book. Best regards, Helen
http://www.postpoems.com/members/helen
Myra Lochner
Dear Ugonna,
On reading SPIRIT OF THE DEEP, it became clear to me that no other person could have written such an eminent tribute. As a Christian, a son of Africa, and traveller of our times, you understand the heartbeat of the South African nation as a whole, yearning for peace and righteousness. I am a white South African and I can honestly say that I was brought up by a Christian mother, who demonstrated love for all peoples of South Africa. The law of love is written on the heart... I should like to know about the symbolic background of the eleven eagles. Is that a reference to the South African languages? Are you the 12th eagle, representative of the rest of the world? Also, what is the meaning of the spear tilling the farmlands? Ugonna, may the peace and truth of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you where-ever you go.
Sincere regards,
Myra Lochner
http://www.postpoems.com/members/myrataal
Michelle Obakeng
Hi Ugonna,
I read through your book: "The Great Place." Thanks for posting the Prologue here. Though Frederik de Klerk may be a controversial figure, it is wisdom to have maintained his position in power with Mandela. Perhaps, that was the only way for the people of South Africa to have avoided social unrest. A bit like Abe Lincoln who unwillingly freed the slaves. God used De Klerk for good purposes.
In fact, your book is a tribute to peace and peacemakers of which Nelson Mandela is a leading figure, and your Uncle: Jaja Anucha Wachuku whose name is not included in the history books. Yes, the people of South Africa deserve to be called "Sons of God", a title that would fit every nation that has been oppressed under heaven. Your work is proof that one can still fight under God's banner for justice -- What God demands: "Let justice roll in the land". And as you said it: "We must move with God's loving spirit in us..." Will this publication contain illustrations? Thanks for including me in your panel. May your work continue to touch hearts.
Michelle
UK
Mark Le Roux
Real musical quality. Can well imagine it with drums and dancers. Would work well in a theatrical context and on the silver screen. Passionate. Has well researched South African setting. Imaginative! Original!
Mark
http://www.adventist.truepath.com
Farah Didi
Ugonna,
You have really excelled yourself here,
in "SPIRIT OF THE DEEP." The spirituality,
the oneness of humankind, the shared
human values you bring out in the book
through the story of South Africa has no
bounds.
It is true that "Nkosi Sikelele Africa" is
more than just the National Anthem of a country.
It embodies the suffering of the natives of South
Africa in the apartheid era. And your story and
poem brings out the heart of their suffering.
Interestingly, I was blessed in meeting Nelson
Mandela when he came to visit Wales a few years
ago! I shall never forget that day!
Thank you, Ugonna, for this wonderful visit to
South Africa!
Farah
MALDIVES
http://www.postpoems.com/members/destiny
2002-03-04 09:55:55
Adele Smith
I never thought of South Africa
in the contents you wrote this
interesting book.
Although I live in South Africa,
I have never felt like a South African.
I feel like an outsider in an ever
changing world.
Keep up with your writings!
Adele
http://www.postpoems.com/members/alienadele
2002-03-21 05:09:59
Douglas Lazard
"Jesus loves the little children...(ALL)... the children in the world!" The day is coming soon my friend, when we shall walk in that blessed light as the children of God! The Pain and shame that we fill now for the way the human race has treated it's brothers, will be washed away forever and replaced by everlasting love,joy and beauty! Rejoice my brother!!! For the signs are all around us and that day draws nigh!
Peace and love ~~~~ Dougie ~~~
http://PostPoems.com/members/dougie
2002-04-26 08:51:56
Ugonna Wachuku
Act One
Enter the World Wide
Web Cryer with a
pleading, soulful voice.
Foreword:
"In the beginning was the word,
and the word was with God,
and the word was God."
~John 1:1-2
Part I
Disarmament! Disarmament!
HIV-AIDS Healthcare for all
afflicted! Healthcare for all!
Humankind, humble yourself:
Let us, as one people, build a
world free of destructive arms
and weapons of fear, violence
and terror!
This new day:
I am the voice of a soul crying
in the World Wide Web.
Make peaceful our conflict and
war torn world. Healthcare
for all.
Create love in hearts and souls
filled with racism. Build new homes
of humanhood and oneness
in every human soul.
Stand. Be bold and uphold the
light of love. Let your love
uplift and care for our fleeing
refugees and asylum seekers.
Let our humaneness bloom for
our beautiful earth's refugees
and devastated asylum seekers!
This world is theirs too.
This new day, please, build
homes of love, humanhood
and soulful care.
Light living lamps of love
on dying landscapes and villages
of yesterday and today.
Gather the children and tell
them stories of our humaneness
and dependence on one another.
Let them see the beauty of life
and hope in earth's enchanting
embrace of love with refreshing
dews from heaven.
Let the "poor" of the earth teach
us the humility in loving,
upholding and appreciating one
another the way we are.
Let these "poor" of the earth lead
us to earth's hidden treasures and
life sustaining waterfalls where we
will deeply learn the urgent need
of preserving our tearfully dying
environment globally.
Now, so many are dying in pain and
anguish from HIV-AIDS; from the stigma
of human neglect and selfishness:
Please do not cast them away. Let
us love. Let us fight; and together
as one people, conquer this rampaging
destroyer of the humankind that we are.
Grow not weary. Let us conquer for
humankind; for our progenies because
we can. Let us cherish our Creator's
living words with hope and faith.
HIV-AIDS Healthcare for all
humankind afflicted.
Enfold every earth inhabitant and this
God given beautiful blue planet with
refreshing fountains and streams of
human rights unchained. Clothe this
human rights upliftment with striking
sky white clouds of peace and love
unbound in our humanity.
Part II
Slay this spirit of hypocrisy and
injustice on the awaiting altar of
love, peace and beautiful oneness
right across our pleading
precious planet panting.
Smell the sweet scent of earth's
dewy morning and welcoming evening
on golden green grass, shores and
landscapes of home and peace.
Plant the humane spirit of His truthful
"Sermon on the Mount" in every heart
across the world. Let each new day
bring us into this life-giving well
of Matthew 5-7!
Make us whole! Make us loving!
Gracefully make us peaceful!
Create us anew, each new day in
your unfailing love so truly
overwhelming!
This new day, come: Let us plant
our dying earth anew. This welcoming,
new morning, come, humanity, come:
Take a walk with me on this fertile
road to love and peace soulfully
clothed in skins of human rights
upliftment and awareness.
This refreshing, new morning, I
stand at your door, knocking, waiting,
waiting! Won't you, please, come with
me for this humble embrace of love,
peace and respect for the worth and
dignity of each humankind, our fellow
earthly animals, plants and diverse
environment?:
I humbly stand at the door of your
being, pleading; waiting, waiting!
Please, kindly answer yes to my
soulful plea!
Remember, I am the voice of a soul
crying out there in the World Wide
Web. Please, humankind, light living
lamps of love on dying homesteads of
yesterday and today!
Part III
This new day, come: Let us plant
our dying earth anew. This hopeful
new morning, come, humanity, come:
Take a walk with me on this fertile
road to love and peace soulfully
clothed in skins of human rights
upliftment and cherishment!
This new day, I am still the caring
voice of a soul crying out there in
the whole World Wide Web:
Disarmament! Disarmament!
HIV-AIDS Healthcare for all
humankind afflicted.
Make loving and peaceful our conflict
torn beautiful blue planet of ennobling
enchanting emerald, so richly bestowed
with our awe striking Creator's
unfailing unfathomable love!
Act two
Exit the World Wide Web
Cryer, still, with his
pleading, soulful voice
echoing to the hearing
of all humankind and our
beautiful blue planet.
This is the soaring and
refreshingly visionary
way of the eagle that is
this pleading and soulful
World Wide Web Cryer.
Listen to him, beloved
humankind and earth!
Epilogue:
"But they that wait upon
the Lord shall renew their
strength; they shall mount up
with wings as eagles; they shall
run and not be weary; and they
shall walk, and not faint."
~Isaiah 40:31
"Let us not be weary in doing good:
for in due season we shall reap if
we faint not."
~Galatians 6:9
Humankind, my soulful,
loving plea persists:
Remember, I am still that
soulful voice crying in
the World Wide Web...
Soulful Plea:
~ Critiques/Comments ~
Teresa Jacobs
truffels_37211@yahoo.com
Your thoughts are so well represented in this peace of writing. The
passion and sorrow of the earth is felt whole heartedly as it's
destruction becomes evident in the depletion of the ozone layer and
the fires that ravage the landscape and the savage cries of the
earthquake that destroys all that lies within it's reach. The earth
cries out to mankind to cease it's destruction of the environment and
learn to live in harmony with it as God intended for us to do. You
convey your message with much conviction and concern for mankind. I
respect this and throughly enjoyed readig your words. I only hope that
more people will respond positvely to the needs of the earth and the
people that inhabit this planet. Thanks for sharing these inspiring
words.
http://www.pstpoems.com/members/content
Corrina Sthreshley
corrinacs@yahoo.com
I loved this poem. The style in which you did it was so unique, and
it got the point across in a very elaborate way. i have never seen
someone write a poem in such a way, but it is certainly praiseworthy.
Thanks for putting such a poem online. the whole world should read
it.
http://PostPoems.com/members/corrinacs
2004-05-21 21:18:12
Ugonna Wachuku
On sustainability, water, agriculture, climate action,
healthy food systems, renewal of earth's environment,
corporate social responsibility, renewables, energy efficiency,
responsible global trade and abiding nature conservation
for beloved humankind's survival:
Life will continue her journey
on the dream's path. She will
take along every purity from
the earth. Every root shall be
moved for life through nature.
The dream has come to the land.
You shall ever know the love
from my soul to help humankind
take sustainable action on this
threatening climate change,
globally.
From bountiful banks of the
Amazon, I shall rise for the
voyage. I shall take with me
fresh fishes for new
beginnings. Trees of the
jungle will bow in
admiration and care
for earth's soil and
blood humankind.
The dream shall kiss this
river in a subtle show of
universal love. On the face
of the Parana, the dream shall
glitter to let everyone know
the love that we share.
This spirit of the Amazon shall
take me to the breath-taking
height of precious Pico da
Bandeira. Then, let me know
what you think of the dream's
soul for earth's renewal, forever.
Cherish a whole life of oneness
across the land. Let love light
the dream's torch in the morning
of darkness and uncertainty from
this climate change on humankind's
enchanting earth home.
Let every eye see its the dream's
flame in the heart of Brasillia and
across the world. From the land's
depth, let Rio de Janeiro beat
drums for a Samba of peace and
love to let humankind conquer
this climate change, threatening.
Let time and seas of life kiss
the love of my being on the coast
of Sao Paulo. Let your soul
experience the dream's lovely joy
on the yearning lands of Salvador.
Let love and hope
dine with us in
Thecife for
humankind's
earth
r
e
n
e
w
a
l
!
Let the banks of
the Amazon and
Niger bloom and
glow for life
for climate
renewal
on
our
dying
earth
this
day
and
ever!
Ugonna Wachuku
Another new dawn.
Hope unbound.
Early morning dews
and wet leaves
embrace me on my
glad way to the farm
on ancestral lands of
home and upliftment.
This new day, life
is born anew in my
being. Whistling
pines and singing
birds herald my
journey to the
farm.
Through the calm,
village bush path, I
make my way carrying
my hoe, mattock and
machete for a hopeful
day at the farm.
I view welcoming palm
trees and luring palm
fruits and cocoanuts
on this refreshing new
morning. I take the next
step:
Gboooommmnnnn!!!!
I am thrown into the
bush - way out of the
hopeful village path
Streams of blood and
pain cloud my vision.
My legs have been blown
off by a landmine on our
village bush path to the
farm:
Pain and sorrow will be
my watchword through life.
Scars unhidden will serve
as tearful reminders of
my bloody day with that
heartless landmine. Yet,
so many are dead. And
like me cannot tell
their story. But this
new day and forever,
I'll be their voice:
The world wide web
cryer unwavering!
Yet humanity moves
ahead with this
deadly weapon on
the village bush
path. Sorrow and
pain respects no
one in the fatal
bossom of these
landmines strewn
across the earth.
Let us, now, rise
with peaceful oneness
and make this mine on
my village bush path
the last landmine.
Let us rise, this new
morning, and bid goodbye
to minefields across our
beautiful blue earth.
Please, come with me,
join all women and
men of goodwill. This
new morning, let us rise
and rid our green pastures
and meadow sea shores of
landmine evil. Stand with
me - this new dawn of hope,
love and caring oneness
amongst humankind.
This new dawn, let this
be the last minefield
on our green pastures
and meadow sea shores.
This new dawn, humanity,
please, listen to my
heart-broken voice
crying through the
world wide web -
chanting: Let this
be the last
minefield
on
beaming
blue
planet
earth!
See my
teardrops
of sorrow
and pain
for the
survival
of
h
u
m
a
n
k
i
n
d
!
!
!
.
.
.
Ugonna Wachuku
The end of the day is drawing near.
The end of dreams and hope is winding
its weary way down green mountain slopes
and lush country-sides.
There is a windy wave painting patterns
and rainbows on the cute canvas of my
soul. There are birds singing a dirge
for new hope in life.
With the fresh fragrance of that dewy
despair in your simple soul, you flower
fleeing gardens in the deeper me.
There are bleak roads and bountiful
pathways.
There are dreams, realities and riddles
and hope. There are longings and
age-long yearnings.
Your heart is beating fast.
Mine is beating fast too
on this trying journey called
life.
Mountains and hills stand tall;
rising so high to kiss the sky's
blue-grey lips. Windows and shadows
open before this road that I have to
take. There are dreams, riddles and
brilliant blossoming hope.
I ponder at that tasty aroma from the
sweet despair in your simple soul:
Sometimes, it seems all dark.
Somedays, it feels all lost.
Somehow, it echoes hopelessness.
Somewhere, it shows a world in
hatred; a planet in conflict with
the inspirational breath of her own
beauty.
Now, it really feels all dark.
Yet, there is a smiling sea of
love in every human heart:
I am the light of the world
on so hopeful hills and
towering mountain tops.
There is a life-giving well in
the sea of empty hearts.
There is love and emerald in
your weary eyes.
Even when they wish you dead,
there are doors to life on
the welcoming threshold of
heaven's lush country-side.
I know: because, I've been there.
There are new roads of opportunity
and dreams to follow.
There are welcoming nightingales
and caring angels on this avenue
to life and hope, inspiring.
There are waterfalls and rivers of
love wherever you lead. Wherever
you lead, there are guiding stars
and soothing sea waves on
the blessed beach.
There is peace. There is
joy. There is truth.
There is life - wherever
you lead.
Wherever you lead:
My heaven's love.
My life.
My saving lamb,
wherever you lead,
I will follow.
Take my little,
feeble hand.
Take my hungry
footsteps.
Lead me to your
well of life and
hope because there
are smiling handsome
hawks swooping in on
the landscape of my
pleading soul.
Let me not see these
tall mountains and
howling hills. Be in
my small head.
Let me cast my cares
and burdens on you.
Take my little hand.
Wherever you lead:
I will follow.
Take my worries.
Take my little,
feeble hand.
I am nothing.
I am empty.
Take my
little
hand.
where
ever
you
lead
( )
.
.
.
!
Wherever You Lead
~ Critiques/Comments ~
Cathy Choffin
Wow! What a wonderfully written testimony. Your every word mirrors my own life, and relationship. From the very first stanza to the last word, I felt your want to follow. To break free of the hold life so tightly grips on us. Great poem. Truely blessed am I to have read it.
Cathy
http://www.postpoems.com/members/cathy
Dewey Davis
sleepingsaint@hotmail.com
...a smiling sea of love/in every human heart.. That line, in the heart of this poem, is one of the lines of poetry that one tends to remember forever. This poem put me in a lovely, peaceful place. I can imagine myself inside the beautiful landscape you describe. Definitely, a tremendous sense of inner peace can be found in this poem. Thank you for sharing this.
http://www.postpoems.com/members/sleepingsaint
Teresa Jacobs
My friend you make me feel good. You paint such beautiful pictures with your words. I am awe struck at the brilliance of this poem. It's meaning is universal. Oh so beautiful is this poem. I must read this poem many times and soak-up the beauty of it's message. Thank you. You are wonderful.
http://www.postpoems.com/members/sleepingsaint
Robin Schmidt
Well done Ugonna, this is my favorite, of all of your works, and I do like them all. This one simply captured me, it's amazing! Great job! I love it!! It paints a beautiful picture in my mind, that this poem deserves a second and a third read if not more. I have to refer my friend to this poem and to the rest of your brilliant pieces, for I know she too will be swept away by this wonderful masterpiece. Thank you!! Peace and much love to you!
Yours truly,
Robin aka Starlite_angel
http://PostPoems.com/members/starlite_angel
2002-02-26 15:39:22
Lesa Gay
Dear Ugona,
Whenever I get the chance to come and visit you, I leave in awe at the mastery of your words. Such beautiful images you paint and what great truths you leave us with to ponder.
Beautiful!
Love,
Lesa
http://PostPoems.com/members/lesajg
2003-02-04 03:28:41
Ugonna Wachuku
My heart is so silent.
Today is another new
day.
Shadows of the early
morning sun draw patterns
on my weary window. I must
rise to face this new dawn
with hope and courage.
I must be the me I am for
the journey through this
beckoning day.
Swaying trees and whistling
wind glide across my view;
splashing nature's radiant
beauty across my face.
In your eyes; in your glad,
inspiring breath, I see
treasurable paths to follow.
In your open arms of love,
I see heaven's caring call.
I breath of strengthening
freshness from natur's
healing heart.
And in the hollow of your
enfolding hands, I whisper,
take me home for a peaceful
rest. It's so troubling here.
Take me home for a peaceful
rest. I have come this far.
I have gone the distance.
Please, take me home for a
peaceful rest.
Take Me Home:
~ Critiques/Comments ~
Misty Lackey
countrygal_cc@yahoo.com
home is the best place to rest, your words in this poem is a come on
lets get forward to movement toward home because I am tired and need
to rest now:-)
http://www.postpoems.com/members/mistylls
Serene Moment
belleloved@excite.com
I love the serene feel of your calling home. I see two meanings
here of home. The home of rest or our physical dwelling place and the
home we have that's prepared for us in heaven. Heaven is the best
home there is... the best place of rest from our earthly toils. I
love the meaning of this piece. Regards. ^_^
http://www.postpoems.com/members/serene
Bernard Shaw
bernard.shaw@chello.at
As usual a wonderful piece of poetry. Written with the delicate touch
of a master. I feel the awakening of a new day with the promise of
natures most bountious of gifts also a touch of sadness in the wanting
to go home to the promised land of our Father. I too sometimes feel
this great need but I have learned in my seventy two years of age to
be patient. My time is coming and we will meet up in the promised
land. Two souls united in our love for poetry and the beautiful things
of this life. May the blessings be with you always from bern
http://PostPoems.com/members/bern
2002-05-20 15:14:26
Ugonna Wachuku
When simple souls dance
with gods on mountain
tops, only eagles will
watch this spectacle!
When lovers walk through
moonlit gardens of
yesterday and today,
some of us will watch
in the valley and from
flower beds; and trees.
The air is thick with
sweet scent from country
earth and roasting corn.
Maidens and birds are
waiting for our last
dance:
Remember, when you hear
drum beats from the land;
when echoing rhythms meet
you in the village, at the
crossroad - where seven
mud huts meet, you must
come to me because in
your enfolding arms,
we shall do the last
dance.
We shall plant new seeds
of love on green country
sides and welcoming gardens
of home where beautifully
ripe orange trees rise to
kiss luring avacado pears.
We shall do this last
dance for humanity's
renewal:
This last dance in your
loving arms shall tell
a simple story of love,
hope and riddles -
a moving story for you
and for me - a stirring
ballad for women and men
who will dare to love.
So, remember, when echoing
drumbeats meet you in the
village, at the crossroad
where seven mud huts meet,
you must come to me for
our last dance:
Yearningly,
I will
humbly
be
w
a
i
t
i
n
g!
Ugonna Wachuku
You are the road.
I am the seeker.
Then, show me
the way.
You are the river.
I am the boat.
Then, float me to
head-waters.
You are the wind.
I am the eagle.
Then, glide me to
towering clouds and
unseen mountain tops.
You are the rain.
I am the flower.
Then, give me water
to grow.
You are the flower.
I am the butterfly.
Then, let me touch
your ripe, blue bud
with a kiss.
You are the tree.
I am humankind.
Then, show me how
to climb.
Remember, you are the
road. I am the seeker.
Then, show me the way.
You are angel.
Then show me heaven.
Yet, you are the road.
I am the simple seeker.
_
The Road
~ Critiques/Comments ~
Gwendrina Howe
Dear Ugonna, again, this poem brings me truth and spiritual pleasure. "You are the road, I am the seeker" - how wonderfully stated! Your analogies are drawn from the depth and simplicity of nature's beauty to make the reader enlightened by this path of knowledge. This verse fills me with deep peace and renewed hope. Thank you, Wendy
http://www.postpoems.com/members/Gwendrina
Helen Schmidt
A lovely poem, Ugonna! You illustrate so clearly how interdependent the various aspects of life are upon one another. We are always searching for answers, and so many of them lie in nature. Beautiful words!
Helen
http://www.postpoems.com/members/helen
Rachelle Wiegand
Came here from your interview with Deborah, Ugonna :) Wonderful interview, wonderful poetics! Thank you for sharing!! :)
http://www.postpoems.com/members/rwpoet
Ken Corbett
This is my favorite work of yours, so far. You are skilled at using the small words to great advantage.
The pictures you paint here are clear and strong.
Ken
http://www.postpoems.com/members/darkpool
Tim / manatee Marshall
bigone5gt9vc7@webtv.net
HI~like we said in the hipie days (HEAVY MAN) lol A+,your writings are like songs and i'm using what someone told me
it plays at the very best time to go along with what i'm already thinking simular thoughts of,thank you
http://PostPoems.com/members/bigone
2002-05-02 17:10:48
Netta Jack
Love the simplicity yet deep message in this piece. Very nice work. Thanks for sharing.
http://PostPoems.com/members/nettajack
2003-01-21 18:21:18
Jayati Gupta
Man seeks God provides! Wonderful poems you write.
http://PostPoems.com/members/jgupta
2004-09-27 14:41:41
Ugonna Wachuku
Prologue
To fill empty hours of my despair and positivity; to occupy
these fleeing hours that seem to have no meaning; just to
find fulfilling reality to the pain I face, let me write you this
letter; hoping that my intention would be well understood;
believing that whatever I feel for this being on the path to
love and life would be made known when the next new
moon brightens our calm sky; in order to bring hope,
inspiration and smiles to the bleeding soul of each
humankind who fatally face persecution and
fundamental human rights violation.
May we have good governance, servant leadership, love,
human rights, peace, security, abiding electricity, healthcare,
education, economic viability, prosperity, durable roads,
functional public transportation, national pride, global
respect, accountability and sustainable development for
our enduring, protesting plus "suffering and smiling"
people.
This is a mind journey in the being and soul that I am.
In my native Igbo language, we call it: akọ na uche;
meaning common sense and good thought. Let me,
in this poetic letter, take the mantle of good thought
and common sense into that unfathomable realm of
the human mind and essence in motion. This is the
realization of all that makes us human. Whether
we are humane is another matter.
Let me, therefore, write this letter to you; believing
that the meaning of all I desire and cherish for the
survival and oneness of humanity would be seen in
that same spirit of peace, love, creativity, innovation,
sustainability, inspiration and solidarity amongst
humankind. May we see, hear and understand.
May we be.
The Letter:
Beloved:
Many days ago, I left home.
You were not there; but I had
to take you with me in order to
find meaning to the new person I
would be through creativity
and innovation.
You were not there. So, I resolved
not to leave you behind shadows and
dark clouds. Many streams flowed in
my heart. I was so lonely. Yet not
alone. I was on my way to this new
life, hope and beginning. Yet, I
knew brooks in your thought. Those
brooks embraced and watered my effort
to find that nature of life in an
environment so peaceful yet painful.
My faith was strong. I had every
firm belief that I would make it.
You gave your blessing and love
even before I asked. Did you not
tell me what to wear? Did you not
affirm that my faith will surely
see me through in that ever
present Sea Walker's
unfailing love and care?
When you walked away, a windy,
calm, refreshing breeze from you
embraced my being. I felt angelic
hands on my head and shoulders.
Thoughts of you followed me to the
end of blue, midnight clouds and
skies. I was breathless. I hoped to
see earth's coming new day.
In my dreams; in my thoghts:- those
thoughts you posses, I saw your face
that blue, cloudless night. I saw
inspiring hand of beauty and dignity
which you placed on my life. I waited
to embrace your new rainbow. Then,
I waited on the beach of your love
and solidarity to ponder and dream
good, new dreams for you and for
me, for humankind in need and pain.
I write to you today, in my pain;
in my despair; in my uwavering
hope; in my uplifting joy, in my
loneliness and calm uncertainty;
just to let you know that love will
always conquer; even when its not
given or given but not accepted.
You mean hope itself to me.
You mean loving thought and
the will to survive to my
being. You are life. You are
love so brilliant. And this
loving brilliance I must follow
in order to remain human with
humaneness; for us and for
our enduring, protesting plus
"suffering and smiling" people;
because through this devastating
pain, meaningful freedom, sustainable
liberation and hopeful reality must
emerge to plant our inspiring people
on flourishing "green pastures"
of this blessed land.
With love and every beautiful wish:
Ugonna Wachuku