PIN QUARTERLY JOURNAL (ISSUE 6)
EDITOR’S NOTE
…a vast garden of literary comeliness
There is a mine in every mind yearning for the extraction of potentials in dire need of refinement and exposure to opportunities characterized by appreciation. Having edited the PIN Quarterly Journal for a year running, it dawned on me that creativity has always been on an upward slope, but we prefer taking a praiseful look-back at literary heroes while underplaying the creatively promising present. The quality of submissions reviewed for inclusion in the 6th issue of the PIN Quarterly Journal is a validation to the expressive competence of contemporary writers. I am beset by both eagerness and excitement as I write what seems to be a complimentary note to an airtight publication – a product of scrupulosity and strict adherence to the demands of excellence.
Reacting swiftly to the unprecedented volume of submissions received, a new column, From the Blues which had hitherto featured in the paperback version (tagged Special Issue) was created to bear the short story of a 13-year old Lebanese, Jenna Omeirat whose choice of words could be rightly labelled as a miracle. Across the Oceans was partitioned into four sub-categories to accommodate four renowned international poets, Arbind Kumar (India), Lynn White (Wales), Michael Achile (UK) and Sergio A. Ortiz (Puerto Rico). Hardeep Sabharwal, a two-time winner of the PIN 10-Day Poetry Challenge from India, has his witty verses marbled for visual appeal.
The quest to promote the standardized version of Nigerian Pidgin, Naija Languej takes a positive boost with the reinvention of the column as Naija Languej Kona. Therein are satirical works – a brief essay and a fluid poem – by Eriata Oribhabor, an ardent promoter of Naija Languej and Alozor Michael Ikechukwu, author of Echoes and Shadows. Encouraging linguistic dynamism, Chinemerem Mary Anyi, Sunny Iyke Uzoukwu Okeigwe and Ayobami Oluwatosin Joseph mirror the richness of indigenous languages with their Igbo and Yoruba poems thereby promoting cultural heritage. Furthermore, Nnenna Ihebom, author of Okowata, a comprehensive Igbo dictionary is placed On the Spot to answer questions on her personality and writings.
In Poetic Insight, Adewumi Benedict Olumide carries out a microscopic exploration of ‘Wedded and Weeded’; a poem excerpted from Kukogho Iruesiri Samson’s debut poetry collection entitled ‘What Can Words Do?’. Similarly, Akwu Sunday Victor reviews ‘Afriku’, a poetry collection by Adjei Agyei-Baah which aims at inventing a haiku form that borders African experience. Launching the CD Review column, Adebote Oluwaseyifunmi succinctly dissects Andrew Patience’s recently released Spoken Word Album, I AM. In Spoken Waves, sprightly spoken word artists, Andrew Patience and Eneminyene Eromosele explain how Spoken word could be used for social advocacy.
Remarkably, the 6th issue of the PIN Quarterly Journal serves as a hub for many young and adequately talented poets whose creations magnify amazement. Evidentially, fragrant writings from Chisom Okafor, Jonathan Otamere Endurance, Victor Ugwu, Ayoola Goodness Olanrewaju, Agbaakin Jeremiah, Benjamin Elemide, Hanamel Kingston, Prosper Ifeatuchukwu Anyi and many others permeate columns such as The Cradle, Blazing Hot, Erotic Zone, Crispy Satire, Food Poetry and Photo-Poetry. Special thanks to another young creative, Adedayo Adeyemi Agarau who provided us with a befitting cover photograph – a piquant scenery of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
Dear readers, a preview of the journal in preceding paragraphs, is merely a scent emanating from the keyhole of a door leading to a vast garden of literary comeliness. We will be delighted to read your feedback borne out of thorough exploration of the contents of the journal.
Accept our esteemed regards.
Kolade Olanrewaju Freedom
Editor, PIN Quarterly Journal
Wow! This is wonderful. Having them all on a single page is a wow! Kudos…
Dear Kolade,
I didn’t see my poem featured anywhere.