About this ebook
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 poets 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 poets 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 poets 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 poets 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.
About the author
Born at Sati-Agirigi in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, North-Central Nigeria, Iorshagher Ikyereve attended the famous Government College, Katsina–Ala where he obtained the General Certificate of Education (GCE). He proceeded to Benue State University, Makurdi, and the University of Abuja, Abuja, where he bagged a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication and a Masters of Arts (Media Arts ), respectively. His passion for writing manifested in the early days of his life. At the age of fifteen he was selected as the editor-in-chief of his College news magazine, based on his grades and a written competition. He graduated top of his class as the best Student of the Year in Literature in English. He was also elected as the President of Mass Communication Student Association, Benue State University Chapter. The Vision, a departmental Students’ training magazine and newspaper were first published during his tenure. He was appointed the editor of NYSC Orientation Broadcasting Service (OBS) and later, editor-in-chief of Delta State NYSC Editorial Board, during his mandatory National Youth Service in Delta State, South-South Nigeria. Until recently, he worked in Abuja as a freelance Journalist/ Media Consultant. Currently, he serves in Government House, Makurdi as Special Assistant (Administration).
