oneness
Never Gone
...
Truer words could not be said,
Nor rainbows beamed from flesh unwed,
To know one's soul, and hold its light,
From hands of love such sparks ignite,
If I lay me down to sleep,
And leave this vessel, please do not weep,
For love like ours n'er be denied,
Behind the veils of moments cried,
If I wander do not be pained,
For it is this love that I mean to sustain,
Close thine eyes and feel this heart,
For its been yours at my very start,
Before the sun shined light on earth,
The seeds were planted for love's birth,
And you and I became as one,
To live this life that has begun,
Hold it tender, love it sweet,
Until again our lips will meet.
......
we are human snakes
...
speaking in 'tongues',
ordinary people
without will,
release of all ego,
sputter forth the
vocalization
and innermost connection
to anything remotely comprehensible
of the concept of
'god',
~
as 'holy scholars',
doctors of philosophy,
and
'the righteous'
and us,
scoff,
~
to look towards words
created by
'jesus',
'mohammeds',
'gandhis',
'jiddus',
'obamas',
or even
'star magazine',
~
to raise and inflate our
balloon of spirituality
and fly to a place we call
'heaven',
to touch a 'god' that created
us in an image that
we have never laid eyes on,
but only interpreted
within the realm of human
capacity.
~
we refer to this thinking
as 'sane',
and those who
sputter glossolalia
questionably
'unstable'.
~
A Call to the Universe
I have seen the breaking velvet weaves,
dancing to the beat of my heart
I have heard the kaleidoscopic clouds,
Speaking to the universe in my mind
Too Bad
I speak my mind.
Don't like it?
Too bad.
I bear you my soul.
Don't like it?
Too bad.
I believe that all beings and
life forms are all the same,
and different,
at the same time,
and that we are slowly losing
our connection to this concept
as a species, and it is destroying us.
Don't like it?
Too bad.
I believe there is a sanctity
that lies within each individual,
every animal,
every life form.
Don't like it?
Too bad.
Don't like my
style of self-expression?
My authenticity?
My 'attitude'?
My disgust with closed-minded people?
My honesty?
My truth?
It's just plain too bad.
I love yours, and I hope
one day we can meet halfway.
4:20 PM 6/28/2013
©
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zIW8qDPhos
.........
Life
Ugonna Wachuku
On lush, green mountain slopes
and humane islands, this river
begins its hopeful journey to
oceans for life; on our
enchanting earth
home, unbound.
Bright breathtaking landscapes
and welcoming country-sides glow
with life from earth's oceans.
You are there all the worthy way:
There is beauty and inspiration.
There are moonlight stories in
hearty village squares made
lively by the smile you hold
within your beautiful being.
The river is there - still moving
on its earthly journey through
landscapes of home and inspiration.
In your emerald eyes, windows of
heavenly hope open for new life:
Life: And your name is born anew
for humanity and for bald eagle
me. Your river unfolds a humane
rainbow's rain. You are just
smilingly there with all upliftment
like glorious songs from angels
of our Heavenly Father's abode.
New dawn awaits humanity and my
eagle soul in your cherished care -:
This new dawn when your soothing
voice will welcome us to the
homely square in the handsome
heart of Ethiopian villages.
Life. And it is your name.
Life. And it is the hope and
patience that lifts this eagle
to blessingly soar through
towering mountains and stormy
skies on our earthly pathways
and river roads reclaimed for
you, all humankind, earth's
nature and living creatures.
Life. And you are there,
touchingly, with that
unwavering inspiration
your smile brings.
Life. And you calmly
welcome this eagle to
your humble, little
corner on the sprawling
hall of this global home
for humanity and peace.
Life. And the eagle in me
lands - just to see, uphold,
cherish and be made persevering
to soar this new day and always.
Life. And you are there - on
lush, green mountain slopes
where the river's journey
begins. Life. And you are
cutely there to welcome
the eagle's flight home in
all of your radiant, fertile
beauty.
Life and you are inspiringly
there for the abundant good of
all humanity and eager eagle me.
Life and you are bountifully
there on lush, green mountain
slopes of heavenly home where
this rainbow river
begins its journey
to oceans for
l
i
f
e
!
!
!
Chanting Birds: Flowing Fountains
By
Ugonna Wachuku
Show me the land and soul of your
dreams. Show me landscapes and
beauty in your heart. Show me new
moons and new planets. Show me
streams and rivers where lofty
life-giving water abides.
Show me scars of the loving
Lamb of Calvary: Tell me there
is love in your heart. Tell me
you do not smile and pretend to
love when you see me. Tell me
you remember me when I am not
in your presence. Tell me you
are not a hypocrite. Tell me
your love is real and abiding.
Tell me you are not a back-bitter.
Tell me why you should be called
human. Tell me your are not wicked.
Let me know that you want me to
live, breath and survive this
journey through life.
Let me know that you respect the
colour of my skin because I have
respected yours from beckoning
beginings of time. Tell me, you
will always be there for me;
even when dark clouds gather
for storm.
Tell me that my life is worthy
to you. Let me know why you do
not see my humane worth and
dignity of the spirit. Let me
embrace your caring spring and
waterfall.
For once, let me see you smile.
There is no bill to pay. IRS
won't be on your neck howling.
Then, let me know your wish:
Let me be there for you. Let me
calmly take you to my beautiful
meadow land where chanting birds
give hope and peace for life -
My meadow land of the living
where chanting birds give
loving voice to fresh
flowing fountains and
creative meadow lands
for love and charming
cherishment amongst
humanity!:
Then, let these flowing
fountains and chanting
birds light up your day
a
l
w
a
y
s
!
_____
Homage to Geneva [Book Collection]
Homage to Geneva
Ugonna Wachuku
(c) 1998: Ugonna Wachuku
Contents:
Dedication
Prologue
Escalade
Homage to Geneva
Fireworks
Spirit of Geneva
English Garden
River Walk
Alpine Garden
Take My Love
The Author
Dedication:
To every Genevese
and to every other
human being who,
in oneness, symbolize
that Genevan spirit
of tolerance, peace,
humanitarianism and
brotherhood of all
humankind.
Prologue
"Man is born free;
and everywhere he
is in chains."
~ Jean Jacques Rousseau
"The desire to be as
civil as possible is
a deep motive for the
contemplative life."
~M. Scott Peck
In Geneva today, the human creative spirit is
not in chains. One is invited to let one's creative
essence run calmly wild for the peaceful good of all
humanity.
In contemplation therefore, Geneva will never cease
to awe and inspire my deepest poetic emotion. For
me, Geneva is not just a small, global city and state.
Geneva is an emerald beauty of huge, natural, creative
inspiration so unexplainable.
In paying this homage to Geneva, it is my kind wish to
invoke the most subtle feeling in every human heart -
so that we can begin to see Geneva anew based on her
ancestral heritage in the reformation and humanitarianism.
And also in the moving spirit of her hard-won independence
clothed in that strengthening solidarity of the human spirit.
In Geneva's great name, let us continue to live with that
cherished spirit of peace warmed in the sky-blue garments
of love and solidified in the flame of human adversity
and soulful yearning for survival through this journey
called life.
At the very dawn of the new millennium, let us embrace
one another with that sweet fragrance of humane care
and healing oneness.
In Geneva's meadow gardens and green country-sides
of inspiration and peace, :- from Hermance to Dardagny;
from Veyrier to Versoix, to Plan-les-Ouates - where
inspiring Patek Philippe have been humanely creating
worthy watches for humankind since 1839, let us, indeed,
affirm our love for one another despite our skin colour,
religious creed, social status, level of education or ethnic
origin:
By doing so, we will surely build an enchanting world of
peace and humaneness where everyone will sit with joy
and fulfilment under his or her own Alpine tree
or palm tree.
Subsequently, let me specially call on all women and
men of inspiration and goodwill to join me in paying
this heart-felt homage to Geneva - with additional
inspiration and encouragement from abiding friends
such as Franck Muller: Master of Complications!
Let my creative tribute to this humanely great Canton of
the Swiss, Confederation Helvetia, which I have come to
christen: Poetic Geneva, outlive the monuments of time
and stone. Let us cherish this humble homage to Geneva
now and forever!
Ugonna Wachuku
Wednesday 20 May, 1998
Geneva, Switzerland
i:
Escalade
There is a spirit so strong
and beautiful on this land
called Geneva where the
rivers Rhone and Arve
calmly flow.
On a summer boatride down
the Rhone town and country,
one's joy is aroused by the
enchanting nature of Geneva's
bloom and glow.
Geneva is a beautiful land
beckoning to love and to
embrace with a maidens's
charm.
The people of Geneva are
beautiful too. It is the
people's strong spirit
that sustains the land in
beauty an peaceful
independence.
This strong spirit came
on firmly during that
dark night of December
11, 1602, when it seemed
the stars of hope and
light had fled from
Geneva's sky.
When it seemed the people
of Geneva will smile no
more in the land's beauty.
With Charles-Emmanuel -
Duke of Savoy on the brink
of conquering Geneva by
suprise, the land's peaceful
soul was shaken.
From the city walls at
Plainpalais to the
clinging bells of Saint
Peter's Cathedral, the
Genevese raised their
loving lanterns in
oneness.
Jacques Mrcier's first
shot of warning can
still be heard today,
raising that strong
spirit for the land's
fragrant, uplifting
freedom.
Even Francois Bousezel
who gave his life to
keep Geneva's peaceful
independence and beauty
will still be remembered
till the end of time.
In a spirit of oneness
and love, Geneva fought
to bring glorious light
and freedom during that
night of terror.
Through the years, that
sweet aroma of Mere
Royaume's pot of saving
soup can still be breathed
in soothing defence of
Geneva's independence.
Lady Piaget's keys
unlocked the darling
door to freedom and
joyful victory.
Geneva won her freedom,
her peaceful independence
when Isaac Mercier dropped
the Portcullis at the
blown-up gate of Porte
Neuve.
The stars smiled.
Heaven heathered.
The dark grey sky
bloomed into dewy
dawn on that glorious
sunday morning when
Theodore de Beze and
Simone Goulart led
Geneva in worship
and praise to God
Almighty who made
all things peaceful
and beautifully
healing.
Remember, there is
a strong spirit so
splendid and uplifting
on this land of heaven's
earth called Geneva where
the rivers Rhone and Arve
freshly flow with gladness.
There is a spirit so
strong and beautifully
inspiring on this
Genevese land called
Saint Gervais where
eighteen men lie
while the freedom
and peaceful
independence
they won live
for you and
for me till
the end of
time!
....... From my book: Homage to Geneva .......
(c) Ugonna Wachuku: May 1998
Geneva: Switzerland
_
Homage to Geneva
~ Critiques/Comments ~
Serene Moment
belleloved@excite.com
A very nice tribute to Geneva. I've learned a lot on an historical perspective. Great work. ^_^
http://www.postpoems.com/members/serene
Helen Schmidt
heljac123@aol.com
Ugonna,
What a wonderful homage to a beautiful city. My husband and I have visited Geneva and found it to be a lovely, ethereal place whose citizens are friendly and welcoming. I enjoyed the historical citations in your "Homage to Geneva." A beautiful piece!
Best regards,
Helen
http://PostPoems.com/members/helen
2002-02-22 12:03:50
Farah D
fiffi_d@yahoo.com
I was in Geneva last month and I can totally relate to the sentiments that you have expressed so beautifully here..Ugonna. Its a most wonderful and humane city...and you have brought that aspect of the city so well in your poem. Its as if Geneva is speaking to you and through the words of Geneva you speak to us. One of my most memorable memories of Geneva is from the air as the plane swoops in to land ..with the calmness of the lake beckoning you to come down quickly. I will surely be back again in Geneva soon and I will surely be back before that to read your wonderful words. Thank you Ugonna.
http://PostPoems.com/members/destiny
2002-04-14 13:53:42
The Road to Essertines [Book Collection]
The Road to Essertines
Ugonna Wachuku
(c) April 1997
Contents:
Dedication
Prologue
The Harvest I
The Harvest II
Cathie
Dreams
Now
Barefooted
Forever
This
Lonely Eagle
Brooks to You
Aglow
Distant Streams
When Dawn Comes
River Bird
The Moon Never Departs
When the Birds Sing
The road
Flower
Silence
She will Be
This Earth in You
For the Beginning
I Remember Who You Are
Winter in your Heart
Masterpiece II
Back Again
Beckon Eagles
Moon Angel
Masterpiece
Farewell
The Author
Dedication:
To her who became an
enigmatic muse on
The road to Essertines-
Catherine Ramu!
Prologue:
On the road to Essertines, there is no short cut.
The experience is a long, whole, breathless,
charming encounter with nature.
Yearning to be at one with enchanting country-sides of poetic
Confederation Helvetia, I set out for Essertines a small village
in the Dardagny Commune of Switzerland's Canton of Geneva.
Above of all, I went in search of her. And discovered that I
have been charmed to entrancement by the nature of her
village.
On this stupendous road to Esertines, she became an enigma
and subsequently bloomed into a Muse. The reality of this
Muse dawned on me when I discovered that within the depths
of my creative being, new forms of poetic expression were
taking shape and breathing.
In days, weeks and months that followed - between April,
1996 and February, 1997, poems in this collection were
written by me in response to the awesome creative inspiration
this enigmatic Essertines Muse brought my humble way.
For how long she will remain this Muse, I cannot tell. But
indeed, I have dedicated this collection to her as a soulful,
monumental tribute to all women and men of inspiration and
goodwill; who will, against all odds, continue to love, to
care, to cherish and to conquer evil and fatal forces that
wish to stiffle our humaneness as humankind bound in dignified
earthhood, peace and loving oneness.
Today, it is a beautiful March afternoon. The sun is brilliant
and warm. From the large window of my home library and study,
I can see Geneva's magnificent country-side greening into
splendid spring near the river Rhone. So, I will be so
grateful if you join me as I step-out for an inspired walk
on the road to Essertines!
Ugonna Wachuku
Loex village,
Bernex Commune,
Geneva, Switzerland
Thursday 13 March 1997
A:
The Harvest I
On the temple's threshold,
I await your home-coming.
I do not wait alone.
The eagle waits too.
Then, at the distance,
the farmer begins to
gather the harvest for
you and for nature.
The sower begins to
soe the seed from the
land in your heart.
The land is fertile.
Your land is green.
The rain begins to
drizzle.
The land kisses her.
The rain kisses the
land and the eagle
smiles across those
green fields luring.
The sower sows more
seeds.
The rain increases in
intensity while beneath
the sheltering tree you
sit in calm contemplation.
Then you drink from
the rain as the farmer
gathers the harvest in
the healing, fertile
rain of your land.
In your eyes, the new
harvest is seen.
New seeds begin to
sprout.
B:
The Harvest II
The Path:
I came to see you
yesterday.
I was at the farm.
Catherine:
[Shrugs]
I wasn't there.
Anyway, if you came, that was
fine of you. And whatwas your
mission?
The Path:
I came for the harvest.
These days, one never
knows when the clouds
will gather.
Catherine:
[Somewhat suprised]
The harvest! Who told you
there's a harvest?
The Path:
I am the path!
Catherine:
Aha! The Path! The Path
to what? To where?
The Path:
Yesterday, remember you were
the road. The road flows to
your river inthe heart of
Essertines. But then, I am
the Path to this harvest!
Catherine:
[Startled]
You're kidding me!
Who told you to believe
that?
The Path:
I don't need any old time
prophet to tell me that.
It's real. And don't you
forget: I am still the Path!
Catherine:
[Shrugs again. Stares]
Hmmnnmm! Talk about being
real. What do you know about
the harvest anyway?
The Path:
I was with you at the
beginning. I saw you
sitting under the tree
in the rain. The farmer
was there. The sower.
And the eagle too. I was
with you at your childhood
streams and waterfalls of
yeaterday and today - at the
spring - if you understand.
Catherine:
I could. But then, I honestly
want to know what you would say
about this harvest. I saw your
noble rainbow when the clouds
gatther. You think I didn't?
The Path:
Ah! There you are!!
But I have already told
you about the farm. What
else do you want to hear?
Catherine:
Your heartbeat!
The Path:
The Path never beats.
It trails. For the heartbeat,
I suggest you meet your friend-
eagle.
Catherine:
Okay! Then, what do
you trail?
The Path:
You
Catherine:
[Shaken. Exclaims]
Meeee! The Path
trails little me!
The Path:
Well ...
Catherine:
That's all you'll
say? - "well ..."
Why me?
Tell me.
You seem to be an
interesting character.
The Path:
I have played so many
parts in my life-span
and time. You could be right.
Catherine:
Then, what about the
harvest?
What about trailing me?
The Path:
I will tell you tomorrow
when we meet at the river.
Catherine:
The river! Where would
that be: The river?
The Path:
Listen, Catherine, the
eagles call now. I've
got to go. We'll see at
the river.
Catherine:
Hey you! Wait a second!
But The Path was gone.
Leaves in the wind
followed The Path
while at the distance,
village drummers and
dancers waited for the
harvest ceremony at a
river of life and love
yet unknown to her.
.......
.......
From my book collection: The Road to Essertines
~ Critiques/Comments ~
Amy Riberdy
winnowillwhite@hotmail.com
i AM JUST SO LOST IN A MAGICAL WORLD IN THIS WONDERFULLY SYMBOLIC &
IMAGINATORY STORY. WHO TOLD YOU I WAS THE HARVEST? (THE QUESTION...)
(THE ANSWER COMES WITH SUCH CONFIDENCE & POSSIBLY A LITTLE BIT OF
SMUGNESS: " I AM THE PATH..") THEN COMES THE CHALLENGE... AH, THE
PATH. THE PATH TO WHAT? WHERE. CATHERINE TAKES NOTHING AT FACE VALUE,
EVEN ONE WHO CLAIMS TO KNOW IT ALL... I AM SO IMPRESSED.... WELL
DONE. AMY
http://www.postpoems.com/members/gentle
Mona Omar
monao3@yahoo.com
wow ugonna the road to essertines is lovely but the path was gone
leaves in the wind followed the path river of life and love yet
unknown to her ?! wow its beautiful
http://www.postpoems.com/members/mona
Charisma *T.A.* Makatita-Poortman
shyrena@wanadoo.nl
I am truly impressed by your talent. Thank you for sharing your
wonderful thoughts. Charisma ~*TMP*~
http://www.postpoems.com/members/charisma
Spirit of the Deep: The Great Place [Book Prologue]
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