CategoryPOETRY

I Can Be Tender by Clara Jack.

I

  I have had to, in recent times  Sit with myself  In stillness, quiet and worst of all, In fleeting moments. I learned in those sitting moments that – We bank on strength  As proof of our longevity  “I fought for this”  I would like to remind us that-  it’s not always been this way  Once upon a time, we were soft.  and in those sitting moments...

Those who left the party by Tomi olaniyan

T

Opening my eyes to the light,With a strange gust of wind.Hovering with no steadiness,Where am I? Deserted was the street,With trails by the unknown.It was cold as vengeance,Where am I? There was a party, I recall.I remember the excitement.Sounds like fun but still,Where am I? Except I was served stale bread,The wine had also gone sour.The music lost its pulse,And so I took my leave. What’s...

loving in silence by oyinkansola alausa

l

I’ve been loving you in silenceParading the heart to whoever could read my lensI’ve been loving you in silencePitching my words to the one who sees me as resilience I’ve been loving you in silenceConverging my feelings as just scienceI’ve been loving you in silenceTowing my emotions to ambience Had my share of coition but my conscienceWants to me look beyond erectionAn...

I’ve noticed by Tolu fowowe

I

Today I noticed things,I noticed your hairIt doesn’t fall that wayTo the left, like it used toIt doesn’t have that samesheen and bounce to it I noticed your eyesThey look dullDuller than usualThey used to looklike flashlights on low powerBut now they look likeold, very old headlights And your smileI’ve noticed your smileI noticed that your smileisn’t there anymoreIt used...

Bread, Honey by Tìmíléyìn Akínsànyà

B

I have never known love to be this kind and freeI have never felt this way beforeMy heart relaxes in your touch and I am allowed to be myselfTo take off the masks I wear that shield me from the painLayerByLayerYou take them off and kiss meYou take them off and see me There is a permanent music in the air,A melody that rises from my depthsIt fills my ears with sweet words and poetryWe go together...

Opportunity by Tomi Olaniyan

O

Prowls in while you’re asleep, Lurks around while you’re busy. Gives no notification of its arrival, But off it goes with a banging noise. It’s a traveller like no other, Spreading its gospel all over. Generous and devoted to those willing, To cling on to it’s rare regalia. Like in the holy book, ‘Seek me while I may be found’. For with no definite time, Like the gust it...

Dear Deirdre by Desire

D

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. I wanted to love you. I wanted to make you feel my love, carry it around like it was that yellow purse you took...

Glimmer of Hope by Okikiola Peri

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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 in every way It’s amazing to see wonderful things come together There’s...

Pain by Okikiola Peri

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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...

Tonight by Tolu Fowowe

T

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, wine and dine Make sure you smile so wide For tonight But I know, I know for sure That he’s going to Leave...

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Pencilmarks and Scribbles Magazine was founded in 2017 by Clara Jack to be a home for African writers, asking them to come as they are and giving them room for growth. The publication aims to give back to the Nigerian Literary scene for the things it has given us.