Uzoma Ezeson (Aba, Abia State, Nigeria)

A MAN’S LIFE

Born out of pain

A pain borne from pleasure

He’s become a treasure

Of parents to tame and train

Blossoming as a bud

Having no cares nor worries

Unaware of life’s complexities

He finds everything odd

But little does he know

That soon he’ll come on board

To either ply or soar

On life’s crooked road

In slippery youth

He fails to accept the essence

Of man’s existence

He becomes self-independent

A path to decadence

He has chosen as his essence

In the evening of his life

He begins to regret his past

Seeking solace in the future

Of his budding descendant

A wise old sage, become

Admonishing youths in their prime

Of another regret, prevent

Lo! History has itself repeat

About the Poet

Uzoma Ezeson was born into the middle class family of Mr. Ezeson Sunday of Ebonyi State origin in Nigeria. She grew up living with her family in Aba Metropolis.

She discovered her passion for writing when she was in high school. Her passion was born out of her need to explore the world she is living in order to better the system that drives the progress of mankind, and she couldn’t think of any better way of doing that except through writing. This passion of hers has developed to a positive addiction, one which she seeks to utilize to the fullest.

Uzoma Ezeson is the author of the masterpiece “MY HERO: Learning from the Makers of History.” She also has her articles in leading websites and writing communities.

Having found joy in the art of writing, Uzoma intends to make the best out of it for the benefit of mankind.

UBAWA: When did you first realize your attraction to poetry?

Uzoma: I became aware of my attraction to poetry when I was in high school. I would write little poems and hide them.

UBAWA: Tell us about the very first poem you have ever written

Uzoma: The first poem I wrote was “NATURE.” It was an ode to nature. It talks about the beauty and serenity of a natural environment.

UBAWA: Do you have a favorite poet? If so, who is he/she?

Uzoma: I’m a fan of all poets as long as you exhibit good reasoning. I don’t have a favorite. I adore all poets and their writing styles.

UBAWA: When you’re writing poetry, do you think in terms of genre?

Uzoma: No, I don’t. I just write what comes into my mind regardless of the genre.

UBAWA: Some people say writing poetry is like writing a rap or love song. Do you agree? Why/why not?

Uzoma: Yes. It’s more like it. If you listen to a rap or love song, you’ll realize that they share some elements of poetry, e.g. rhythm, rhyme, pun etc. I can say, a good rap or love song writer has a shot at poetry.

UBAWA: Are there certain styles/techniques/rules of poetry you adhere to in your writing? Tell us about your writing style.

Uzoma: Actually, I don’t follow or observe any particular style in my writing. Writing with strict rules freaks me out. I just can’t stand strictness in writing. I write as it comes.

UBAWA: What poetry books have you written?

Uzoma: I’m still compiling my first poetry book. I’m not done yet, but expect it soon.

UBAWA: Have you performed any of your poetry pieces on stage? If so, please share your experience(s) with us.

Uzoma: No. I’ve not tried that neither have I gotten the opportunity to. But I’m looking forward to the day I’ll get that opportunity. It’ll be fun I guess.

UBAWA: What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of love?

Uzoma: Love! I think love is more than what people think of it these days. It’s not all about feelings or emotions; there are responsibilities and sacrifices attached to love.

UBAWA: Are you currently dating someone, married, or single?

Uzoma: *Blushing* I’m still single but I’d love to keep my love life private.

UBAWA: Do you think success is a matter of chance or a matter of choice?

Uzoma: Both. One can be good at something but if the person does not get the opportunity to exhibit his talent, he won’t be seen. On the other hand, the first step to becoming successful is to choose to become successful. Both of them work hand in hand.

UBAWA: Inspiration for a new poem can come from the strangest places. What inspired you to write your most recent poem?

Uzoma: I get inspiration from everything and everybody around me. I might just see something or listen to someone talking and get inspired. I do get ideas from movies and songs too. As for my latest poem, the idea just popped in my head and I started writing.

UBAWA: If you could go back and “right” any past wrong in your life, which one would it be and why?

Uzoma: The first thing I would do would be to change the way I saw myself when I was a kid. I would have loved to be more confident and bold in exploring my talents. Also, I would have loved to study more.

UBAWA: When you’re not writing, what are you doing?

Uzoma: I’m watching movies (I like watching movies), listening to music or reading.

UBAWA: There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes of a poet’s life, fill us in on what one typical day for you is like.

Uzoma: My typical day starts with going to work, taking care of household chores in the evening when I’m back from work and writing at night (If I’m still awake).

UBAWA: If you could create the “perfect day,” what would it be like?

Uzoma: My perfect day would be seeing all my chores done and relaxing in a garden or by a body of water (lake, river or beach) writing, getting all the screaming voices in my head out on a paper and not worrying about my job.

UBAWA: What do you do on the weekends?

Uzoma: I try to put my life and house in order and get some quality rest. I like writing on weekends too.

UBAWA: Do you hang out or go to clubs?

Uzoma: I don’t club. I prefer hanging out, going on trips, picnics and expeditions.

UBAWA: If you could visit any other country in the world and take one other person with you, where would you go and who would you take?

Uzoma: I would love to visit Venice. Water is always very refreshing for me and I would love to go with my ‘One and only’ and a small group of friends.

UBAWA: Tell us about one challenge in life that you had to overcome. What was the challenge and how did you get through it?

Uzoma: The biggest challenge of my life was the issue of low self-esteem. When I was young, I always had this feeling of inferiority – you know, like others are better than me and I couldn’t be better off. I get upset when people say I’m not good at something so I try as much to prove them wrong. I got to realize that I’m unique, although I’m not good at everything, I’m still unique and that I don’t have to wish to be like anyone. I shouldn’t be afraid of failing because when you fail, you get to learn more. The most successful ones are the ones who fail and learn their lessons. Since then, I love daring difficult things. I’m no longer afraid of whom I am and I don’t bother much about what other people think of me as long as I’m on the right track.

UBAWA: Before you leave, tell us one thing about yourself that we may not know.

Uzoma: Well, I’m a shy person. I watch a lot of movies. I don’t like long conversation on the phone; I prefer text messages.

UBAWA: Do you host contests or giveaways?

Uzoma: Not yet.

UBAWA: Any upcoming events that we should know about?

Uzoma: Not really. I’m working on my poems.

Stay connected with Uzoma:

Website: www.uzywhyte.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/uzywhyte

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/uzywhyte

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