Author: clarajack
Bulletin, May 2023
Hello, it is always a pleasure I delight in to write to the community on any and everything. This column is a cumulation of that. Everything happening in Pencilmarks and that has happened in the preceding days. Let us start from the past to see what is there to learn. From January until now has […]
Alive, Well and Breathing
An ode to Nigerian Literature by Clara Jack. I will begin this essay by stating clearly that Oris’ argument has some validity. The premise of my argument opposing his view is that he hinges deeply on the train of thought of the validity of a thing starting at acknowledgment and visibility. For me, I do […]
Dear Deirdre by Desire
Dear Deirdre, Oh, my love. I know, and I’m sorry.I’m sorry. It is my fault, and I am the reason the mess exists at all. I’m sorry. I should have been better. Could have found a way to have been better for you. I wanted to make you happy. God, I wanted that too much. […]
Glimmer of Hope by Okikiola Peri
A small and a very tiny chance Itsy-Bitsy of beauty at a glance The fulfilment of those great plans Your powerful dreams are now in your hands Touching and embracing the feeling of accomplishments What a survival of the stages and phases of punishments That pleasurable perspective is in sight Thoughts of how things improve […]
Pain by Okikiola Peri
My accomplice is hurtHaving a passion for deathMainly wanting to bring havocExpectancy that leads to depressionTo leave an uncomfortable impressionUsually against healingNot caring about what you are feelingHatred is always expectedHappiness is neglected Discomfort is my missionArousing tears without permissionWhy would I care?I want you to fearMy existence is a reminder that death and destruction […]
Absurd by Okikiola Peri
The fact that you are reading these written words does not mean it’s the right thing because all this could be a dream and you can be caught up in finding it difficult to fall asleep. This is a state of mind where there’s a constant battle fighting with your state of mind. No one […]
Stockholm by Olaitan
What do you remember?”I stared blankly at the two figures before me watching, waiting, trying to decide if I was a victim or an accomplice. I made a mental checklist of the details the way I always have. Soft eyes, dark skin, baby face, receding hairline, pitying expression- pathetic. His name tag read Johnson. Hands […]
Tonight by Tolu Fowowe
I know, I know, I’m sure That you’re going to Leave, scheme, breeze and get away from me Goodbye for tonight I know, I know for sure That you’re going to Kiss, hug, and Squeeze Make sure you squeeze him tight Just for tonight I know, I know, I’m sure That you’re going to Smile, […]
I am no expert at comprehending grief but I continue to do it by Clara Jack
I wrote an honest moving piece on grief in 2021 after I lost an aunt and my mum’s best friend in the same month. Losing Aunty Lolo and Uncle Darlington in July 2021 was my spirit telling grief, ‘e don do’ because I had been grieving long before then. Grief has altered my life and […]
This is How to Kill a Man by Joy Anosike
Three years ago, I met Jude. Jude was the kind of man everyone, especially ladies, wanted to be friends with. A broad shouldered man with sparkling white teeth. He was that good and friendly, but nobody saw him as boyfriend or husband material, because I didn’t notice a girlfriend or wife hovering around to protect […]
