To the homes we’ve left behind,
little did we realise
how long our shadows would stretch.
we heard the homes’ whispers,
and wondered how telepathic we were
to those still residing in them.
and when we met others in our paths,
they strangely found shade in our shadow’s patches
unknowing how far they went,
either we couldn’t let go of where we came from,
or from whence we came, couldn’t let go of us,
until unable to pull or be pulled any more,
we went back or brought the homes down with us.
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Based in Eldoret, Kenya, Steve Otieno is a freelance writer, research consultant, and poet. He has been actively involved in organising poetry events under the name “One Night Stand” due to his passion for creative expression. He is a member of the Eldoret Poets Association, a vibrant community that celebrates the power of words to challenge, inspire, and connect.
The conviction that life’s richness is found in its contrasts is the foundation of Steve Otieno’s writing. His writing delves into the complex interplay between what is conventionally considered attractive and what society misinterprets as ugly, reflecting his conviction that both aspects are indispensable for comprehending life’s completeness. His poetry is more than a mere form of personal expression.
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Read – Broken by Fallacies – A Poem by Leatile King Baaitse – Botswana
