Ibs Writes: Recent Episodes
Ibukun
Inspiring others through compelling poems and short stories written from a British Nigerian perspective. All short stories and poems can be found at https://ibs-writes.com/blog/
A fictional letter written from the point of view of a mother who is concerned about her daughter’s mental state. Inspired by Simone Biles Netflix documentary. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://ibs-writes.com/2024/09/26/lolade-this-too-shall-pass-a-fictional-letter/
A Short Story: Femi's Hairline Femi is coming to terms with losing a vital part of his youth: his hair. Can he find solace in realising that his hair alone does not define his identity?
There is Something about Nifemi: A fictional letter from a wife (Kemi) to her husband Nífẹ́mi. Love is a beautiful thing, and it's very clear that love is at the centre of this relationship.
You Will Not Disgrace Me - A Short story: This is a flash fiction piece about a teenager trying to fit in at her secondary school and a Nigerian mother who simply won't allow it.
A fictional letter from Morónfólú to her mother. In the final fictional letter of the series, we finally hear from Morónfólú, herself! Will she forgive her mother or not?
The Problem with Morónfólú is Part 3 of the Fictional letter series of a Nigerian Mother who has a toxic- tumultuous relationship with her daughter.
A Poem about a teenager who is going through mental health changes and overcomes them. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://ibs-writes.com/2021/01/08/poem-the-changing/
A poem about numbing to avoid complex emotions. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://ibs-writes.com/2020/12/23/poem-the-numbing-ritual/
The problem with Mama Morónfólú is a fictional letter of a husband who is worried about his wife's eating disorder caused by unresolved childhood trauma. This is also available as a blog post at: https://ibs-writes.com/2022/01/07/fictional-letter-the-problem-with-mama-moronfolu/
Poem about finding myself. Based on the belief that in life the journey to finding ourselves (self-discovery) is a continual process. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://ibs-writes.com/2021/11/17/poem-finding-myself/
Remember when is a poem about a long distance relationship. Its also a love story with a happy ending.This episode is also available as a blog post at: https://ibs-writes.com/2021/09/27/poem-remember-when/
A poem about being slapped in public inspired by a scene from a netflix tv show called Sisters. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://ibs-writes.com/2021/01/04/poem-the-slap/
Dear Fear is a poem written in the voice of a Nigerian mother who worries about her 19-year old daughter. It deals with a number of themes including parental fears of letting go and so much more.
A poem about working at a stressful organisation during the pandemic. This episode is also available as a blog post at: https://medium.com/illumination/lately-4f28f3755d17
This is a poem about the impact of nature after a year of being stuck indoors as a result of the pandemic we have all learned how important it is to get fresh air and do basic exercise. The episode is also available as a blog post at: https://medium.com/blueinsight/the-happening-a4cdebcf5735
A poem exploring self-love, self-esteem and growth. It addresses colorism within the black community. This is also available as a blog post at: https://ibs-writes.com/2021/03/01/poem-sunset/
A strongly worded letter from a Nigerian mother to her married daughter (Morónfólú), who has recently complained that her husband is not romantic enough. Ironically, throughout the letter, it is clear that Báyọ̀ is not the one with the problem. The letter also unveils the tumultuous and somewhat twisted relationship between mother and daughter. Full post can be found at: https://ibs-writes.com/2020/12/28/fiction-letter-the-problem-with-bayo/
Delay is Not Denial was inspired by a bible verse about waiting from Isaiah 46:16. We all have to wait for something. That's just life.
Poem about innocence lost during the adolescent years. We cannot turn back the time but we can surely look back with fondness and laugh at how naive and innocent we once were.
A poem about discerning thoughts inspired by a bible verse from Hebrews 4 vs 12. With discernment, the battle of the mind can be won. This was originally published as a blog post at: https://ibs-writes.com/2021/03/18/poem-the-closed-box/
A poem of how childhood traumas that we don’t address can affect us in ways we least expect – until we deal with it and heal. This was originally posted at: https://ibs-writes.com/2021/03/18/poem-the-closed-box/