Poetry

A Quilted Memory

Posted on by Khaya Ronkainen

“Winter my dear would be cold without warm memories.”

Flakes fall―
a spectacle through the window
warm glögi cupped between my hands
ember coals in the room give way to the glow in your eyes
defying echoes of impossible dreams to relive a day under the African sun
where we took our first long kiss; a beginning of a lifetime journey to the moon

…lighting up my world

Song choice: The Impossible Dream by Andy Williams

– process note: This piece is for our upcoming wedding anniversary on Dec 6th. It always feel as if the whole country pauses to celebrate with us, only but of course, it’s also Finland’s Independence Day. It’s a day of double celebration in our home!

Poetry

Enfoldment

Posted on by Khaya Ronkainen

Winter enfolds my many faces
soothes scars left by scorching words
darkness a refuge.
But come spring―
call me by any name
and I will let go of dead weight
shed offended mask
to stand exposed my many faces
interchangeable.

A yellow tropical flower whose name I don’t know

Note: The poem is in response to Sanaa at Prompt Nights, “Life is a masquerade. You never know might be hiding behind a mask or facade.”

Reading & Mini Reviews

Light Shining From Within…

Posted on by Khaya Ronkainen

…reveals the world in a new light.

“It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

It is that time of the year, autumn, when I’m tempted to curse the dark. I’ve written previously about how dark autumn feels like in this part of the world. For a long time I carried a grudge against the season, for the uncharitable welcome, until I made reading a priority. I’m talking here about books that inform, entertain and inspire as I take full advantage of the dark.

So, with days growing darker as the season progresses, poetry by Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha and more poetry by Celestine Nudanu help illuminate light from within. And that’s a cause for celebration! What books keep you company, when you need one?

Note: The post is in response to Sanaa at Prompt Nights, “Darkness exists so that we may see the Light shine”, and Josh Fisher’s 3-Day Quote Challenge, thanks Josh for inviting me to participate.