Iorshagher Ikyereve

Sober Reflections: a Collection of Poems Iorshagher Ikyereve

Publisher Marketing: Sober Reflections is a collection of 83 poems. It is divided into three phases: Episode I (1993 - 1999). This section has 37 poems. Episode II (2000 - 2006) has 32 poems, while Episode III (2007 - 2008) has 14 poems. Each of these episodes is an account or a description of a phase in time, an event, a situation or period of time in the poet's experience in life that is important or interesting in some way which the poet wishes to communicate to his readership. As the title of the anthology implies, it is a poet's reflection on experiences over periods of time or happenstances of life. In Sober Reflections, there is a unique feature that cuts across the whole poems and which holds the reader spell bound - the poet's use of simple diction, which enhances good understanding and motivates the reader to read onto the end of each poem and the anthology at large. His "poetic diction" which includes words, phrases, length and complexity of sentences, or choice of words are not abstract; not far-fetched or bookish. They are current in the ordinary conversation of the time. His deliberate use of simple words, features, analogies and images drive home his messages more concretely. The background of these poems and the subject of creativity are quite local and familiar - his childhood experience, village life, River Benue, Africa, etc., even help drive home his message more pointedly as opposed to abstract settings. Poems that deal with historical times and the poet's emotions such as; When I was a boy; Dookenger; I need you; I am in love, and a host of others, are very local and familiar. Natural imageries employed are quite apt and make for easy understanding of the poems.