Writing with Juliet Iwelunmor

find and keep

those that talk to you

like roses that bloom

those whose words are thin as wire

whose depths like mirrors that unveil

whose proverbs like birds that soar

whose care divine like pearls

whose presence like mines of treasures

whose chorus fine like crystal

whose counsel solid like roots

whose direction lead to stars within

whose spirit surge like oceans

whose truth direct as stone

whose love like river that flow.

they will always be there

present in your life as air.

Words are inspired by Lucille Clifton’s friends come. I stumbled across the poem when I really needed counsel with work. It was at that moment that I understood why a small circle matters. Academia is filled with experiences that will leave your mind in obvious commotion, often times brought by work, other times simply because the world is simply not prepared for your brilliance. Light repels darkness after all. In those moments, I hope you surround yourself with those who remind you always that stars are not only in the skies. I hope they leave you with words that help you dream dreams bigger than yourself and I hope their truth is always as direct as stone, love like river that flows. Keep them. I am very lucky to have such person via Dr. Airhihenbuwa and I wish you a blessed birthday.