By: Abigirl Phiri
Worth Noting:
- I am Collins Chibunna Nwachukwu (a. k. a Collinsdivine). My poetic journey actually started quite unconsciously, if I may use that word. I guess from my pedagogical bent, as a teacher, whose forte has been in teaching of literature in English for many years now.
- One remarkable mark I had made in my poetic journey was when some of my poetic works were shortlisted, during a Workshop seminar for Nigerian budding writers, organized by the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), headquartered in the University of Ibadan, Nigeria), in association with the Nigeria Liquefied and Natural Gas (NLNG), in 2011/2012.
Collinsdivine is a well-known poet especially on What Sapp and Facebook groups. He is one of those poets who never run out of ideas. He always has something up his sleeve to the joy of the masses who hungrily devour every sagacious word that he pens. For me, we have become friends due to this influence he has on other poets never to hang up their poetry boots. Thus, he is representing well his country given Nigeria houses some of the best of best literary giants ever to walk on the face of this earth. In addition, even when your poetic pieces face criticism one shouldn’t stop penning them out and this is exactly what Collinsdivine is doing and advocating for.
Please tell us your name and how your journey started in poetry.
I am Collins Chibunna Nwachukwu (a. k. a Collinsdivine). My poetic journey actually started quite unconsciously, if I may use that word. I guess from my pedagogical bent, as a teacher, whose forte has been in teaching of literature in English for many years now. I started teaching Literature in English as far back as 2002 that was prior to my university admission in 2004.
I have taught it in many schools, especially private schools. I have also taught it to many of my students in various tutorial centers across Ogun, Ondo, Enugu states. (All in Nigeria) Right now, I still teach the subject in my current place of work (Federal Government College, Odogbolu, Ogun State, Nigeria)
I guess my love or passion for poetry has been borne from the ardent analysis of texts, books and poetic works to my students.
Have you won any major accolades for yourself in poetry?
One remarkable mark I had made in my poetic journey was when some of my poetic works were shortlisted, during a Workshop seminar for Nigerian budding writers, organized by the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), headquartered in the University of Ibadan, Nigeria), in association with the Nigeria Liquefied and Natural Gas (NLNG), in 2011/2012.
In addition, my poem with the title : THE GIANT DIED TO LIVE AGAIN IN OUR HEARTS (a tribute to Chinua Achebe), was selected and included in the anthology, during the August 2022 call for submission, (7th edition) by the Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Anambra State Chapters of the Chinua Achebe Poetry /Essay anthology, Anambra State, Nigeria.
I have equally received several online awards of recognition and certificates from many groups with literary leanings, for some of my poetic pieces.
Who is your inspiration?
I am inspired by many good writers, including the likes of: Lenrie Peters, John Donne and D. H Lawrence, etc
Where do you see yourself in the near future?
In the near future, I see myself developing this art into something mammoth, in order for my work to be read both far and wide.
What problems have you faced as a poet?
As a budding poet, my challenges are reflected in how society sees this art, how they perceive it and treat it as though it were inferior to other genres, or the way they blatantly display a lack of interest in this art, it is quite worrisome too, that many see poets from the limelight of iconoclasts, probably because of their pejorative stance.
Share with us one of your best poetry pieces
FOR CHARCOAL, I THREW A DIAMOND AWAY
How can foolishness be measured,
on a scale magnitude or a low-level treasured?
Hearts bewitched by flapping hands of dark wings,
retarded by forces unseen, and goodness flings
Bedfuddled, blinded by lust,
her waist whining like a spear- thrust
How I longed for this arm of death,
confused by beauty, which takes the breath
I have now lost my angel,
for few unreasonable arguments and a yell
How my love is gone! and this wolf in replacement,
torturing me like the blast of the rocks, and this confinement.
Kindly share your social media handles
Facebook account is: Divine Chibo
Facebook account 2: Collins Nwachukwu
Phone number is: 08039584379 /08079586514
Email is: divineabove@gmail.com
Any word of advice to other individuals who would want to venture into poetry
For friends who may want to venture into poetry, one candid take- home advice I have for them is to be resilient and consistent in order to carve out a niche for themselves in this craft, especially considering the fact that this genre of literature is not often embraced by people, probably because of its diction, technicalities and nuances. Thank you.
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