By Shem Onderi Nobody needs it.It reflects my inner self—my emotions, poorly.It exposes the part of me that rises beyond normal.My anger lasts only a short while,Too brief, yet it leaves great destruction. It boils beyond measure.I wish I knew where it resides within me,So I could extract it completely—or leave but a tender root,That […]

By Shem Onderi The class is a patchwork of ages,Stories gathered from every corner.Some arrive chasing escape—from poverty, from uncertainty,Others are here because a parent commanded it. Some stand tall, loud and bullying,Others sit small, timid, almost invisible.A few with swollen bellies,hunger written in their skin.Many are barefoot,their bodies pale, untouched by lotion. School bags […]

By Shem onderi Each one with his business and journey, people are catching flights, literally, Some arriving, after hours airborne, others are connecting, passengers and their kin Luggages, plane cargo, are moving fast. As some arrive, others are leaving The detecting machines, the sniffer dogs, strategically positioned, the guards, both Armed and private agents, well […]

By Shem Onderi Arrive, baby, in your mother’s womb, that she may be respected,and your father valued among his peers. Your grandmother awaits your arrival,eager to welcome you to the world. Grow, baby, and take shape, that your mother may visit the prenatal clinic, just like the others,and prepare for your birth. The village is […]

By Shem Onderi Oh, eye, you were created to see, To behold all that’s visible in day and night’s decree. But when darkness falls, you struggle to perceive, Leaving the nocturnals to navigate with ease. You see all, even when you’re not meant to, A constant observer, never at rest. You examine and scrutinize, then […]

By Shem Onderi In the day, you hide from sight,Visitors arrive, and you take flight.I’ve tried to clear you out, but you won’t depart,You squeeze into small spaces, a clever art. At night, you emerge, in numbers so grand,Feasting on leftovers, in this culinary land.You rest by day, digesting with glee,Converting food to energy, a […]

By Shem Onderi You’re designed to hold, hot or cold,A constant presence, defining the kitchen’s soul.Each family member enjoys the meals you serve,A testament to your enduring purpose, your worth to preserve. You persevere through heat, washed in scalding water,Scoured to stay clean, inside and out, a true culinary daughter.You never disappoint, a cook’s desire […]