I'm Oluwafemi Aina, the second son in a family of four writers. Mum always kept a simple journal of events in our family. Dad was a full fledged writer, writing articles featured in National Newspapers. My brother, a dynamic writer, author of three books, and over a thousand articles hosted on his blog.
Over the years I have always loved counselling people. Listening to people as they share their stories. Also offering advice and encouragement. I have always loved writing, just never knew I'd fall in love with poetry. And I'm just getting started.
I believe our lives should be purpose driven. Living for God's glory should be our aim. Only then would we be able to live to the fullness of our potential.
I work as a Software Developer and Teacher. I enjoy teaching teens and kids, of course we both know they can be very troublesome.
Don't be fooled. I'm an introvert. I just happen to be more vocal on my keyboard.
What does poetry mean to you?
It means a whole lot. It opened up an opportunity for me to discover myself. And bless lives in the process. It has helped me appreciate my gift as a writer, the power of words, and the value of having like minds. People who write not just for money, but driven by the need to impact others positively.
What inspires your poetry?
I often feel the need to connect with broken people. I want to share their pain and possibly bring them healing. Most of my poems are prayers for healing.
Which are most important to you: (1) joy, (2) peace, (3) patience, (4) kindness, (5) self-control, (6) faithfulness, (7) gentleness, (8) love, or (9) goodness? If you can, explain why.
I'll say love. Where love is perfect all the others fall in place. We experience true joy and peace, we show kindness, patience and goodness to others.
What sort of things are you looking forward to improving this year?
Improving myself as a writer. Especially as regards the quality of life I live. The better I get as a person, the better my works will be. The more I can feel the pain people go through and relate with it, the better I'll be in writing pieces that will bring them healing.
What is one big dream you have?
I want to write books that will help people find purpose. Books that will teach people how to embrace healing, love, and faith in God.
May
She was her mother's hope
Her father's itch
the itch brought the blinds
May was tender and fair
she wasn't my obsession
perhaps I was just swamped by her love
Grandpa's cuddle was timely,
His rod was sufficient
But there was no salve.
Really, she wasn't my obsession,
it was the boundless nature of our bond,
May was an angel.
The killer killed time,
Yet, our pain wouldn't budge
and the blinds wouldn't burn
Have you ever been loved?
She was like the red petals,
glowing with love.
The pain seeped in,
and the blinds burned,
But she was already burnt.
Grandpa's shaky hands couldn't help,
Maybe my love wasn't enough,
perhaps too ambitious.
Time faded, and Grace came
Brought the salve,
and balm for her wounds.
He turned her ashes,
changed her color.
May is back, brighter than the lilies.
Epilogue:
Like May, our stories are filled with both goodness and sadness. Joy and pain. Strength and vulnerabilities. It almost doesn't make sense, until Grace comes and gives it a decent and glorious meaning.
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