My Journey as a Poet: Yewande Adenike Akinse
In 2009, I found myself standing at the threshold of a new chapter, a first-year student at the University of Lagos, Nigeria where the air was thick with the scent of possibility. It was here, amidst the vibrant chaos of campus life, that I first dipped my toes into the vast ocean of poetry. I remember the thrill that coursed through me as I scribbled my thoughts in the margins of my notebooks, the ink flowing like a river of emotions, each word a droplet capturing the essence of my youthful spirit.
Those early days were filled with discovery, a time when I began to understand the profound power of words to encapsulate fleeting moments and deep truths. I was a teenager, navigating the complexities of university life, and poetry became my refuge, a sacred space where I could explore my identity, my dreams, and the world around me. I wrote about everything: the laughter of friends echoing in the corridors, the weight of expectations pressing down on my shoulders, and the beauty of the everyday moments that often go unnoticed. Each poem was a reflection of my experiences, a way to make sense of the chaos and beauty that surrounded me.
As I honed my craft, I found inspiration in the works of poets who came before me. Their words resonated deeply, igniting a fire within me to share my own voice. I began to submit my poems to literary magazines, and to my surprise, I found my work published on various platforms. The exhilaration of seeing my words in print was intoxicating; it was a validation of my efforts, a reminder that my thoughts had the power to reach others, to evoke emotions, and to spark conversations.
In 2016, after years of writing and refining my voice, I published my first collection, Voices: A Collection of Poems That Tell Stories. This book was a labor of love, a culmination of my journey thus far. It was a celebration of the stories that shaped me, the voices that echoed in my mind, and the experiences that defined my existence. Each poem was a thread woven into the fabric of my identity, a testament to the power of storytelling.
The response to “Voices” was overwhelming. Readers connected with the themes of identity, belonging, and the human experience. I received messages from people who found solace in my words, who saw their own stories reflected in the lines I had crafted. It was a humbling experience, one that reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of poetry. I realized that my words could serve as a bridge, connecting me to others in ways I had never imagined.
As I continued to write, I felt a deepening connection to the world around me. In 2019, I released my second collection, “A Tale of Being, of Green and of Ing.” This book explored themes of growth, nature, and the intricate dance of existence. I delved into the beauty of the natural world, the cycles of life, and the interconnectedness of all beings. Writing this collection was a journey of self-discovery. I found myself reflecting on my own growth, the challenges I had faced as a Nigerian and African, and the lessons I had learned. Each poem was a meditation on the beauty of being alive, a celebration of the moments that take our breath away. I poured my heart into this collection, and it became a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Fast forward to 2025, and I am proud to share my third collection, “The Rise and Fall of Rhymes and Rhythms.” This book is a reflection of my evolution as a poet, a culmination of my experiences over the past 16 years. It explores the complexities of life, the ebb and flow of emotions, and the power of language to connect us all. In “The Rise and Fall of Rhymes and Rhythms,” I experimented with form and structure, pushing the boundaries of traditional poetry. This collection was inspired by my daughter and is dedicated to children everywhere.
Throughout my writing career, I have been fortunate to have my poems published in various literary magazines, including Clay Literary, Trampset, Galleyway, Afritondo, Shuf Poetry, The Open Culture Collective, Lumiere Review, Dipity Magazine, The Unconventional Courier, The Agam Agenda, The Creative Zine, Konya Shamsrumi, Sevhage, Moremi Review, Tampered Press, Nightingale and Sparrow, Versopolis, Auvert Magazine, Panocha Zine, Visual Verse, Pride Magazine, The Dirigible Balloon, The BeZine, Outside the box Poetry, Spirits Magazine, Unheard Stories Magazine, Genre: Urban Arts Magazine, Unclear Magazine, Broots Magazine , Unclear Magazine, Broots Magazine, Beyond the Quill, Wayf Journal and many others. Each publication has been a stepping stone, a chance to connect with fellow writers and readers who share a passion for the written word. These connections have enriched my journey, reminding me that poetry is not a solitary endeavor but a shared experience that transcends boundaries.
As I continue to write and share my work, I remain committed to exploring the beauty and complexity of life through poetry. Each poem is a new adventure, a chance to capture the essence of existence and share it with the world. I invite you to join me on this journey, to celebrate the power of words, and to embrace the stories that make us who we are. In the end, it is through our stories that we find our place in the world, and it is through our words that we leave a mark on the hearts of others.
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Yewande Akinse is a Poet and Author of three collections of poems titled, “The rise and fall of rhymes and rhythms” (2025), “A tale of being, of green and of ing” (2019) and Voices: A collection of poems that tell stories (2016).
The rise and fall of rhymes and rhythms
The Rise and Fall of Rhymes and Rhythms is a poignant anthology of one hundred verses, each a tender testament to a mother’s unwavering love for her child. Crafted in the elegant form of a dizain (ten lines, each a melodic ten syllables) these poems dance on the delicate edge where poetry meets music, weaving a tapestry of emotion that resonates with the heart. Through the ebb and flow of rhyme and rhythm, the collection captures the profound journey of nurturing, geneaology, and the enduring bond that transcends time.
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