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Introducing Samuel Olopade

Instagram: @_olops_

Samuel, welcome and congratulations!

Please, tell us, what is your name and where are you from?

My name is Olopade Samuel, im from Lagos, Nigeria.

Nigeria in the housee!! When did you first fall in love with poetry?

Poetry/writing had always been my sort of remedy. Growing up with a speech impediment made me value writing as the best way to express myself when words failed me.

What inspired your poem?

You know the saying, “You don’t know what you have till you lose it?” It’s synonymous with “You don’t know what you really want till you have it.” I see Grace in the same light. Being from dark places or places of just basic wants, the same wants everybody’s after, but then you find you’re getting things in an unparalleled manner. I see that as Grace. Basically, it’s an unparalleled favor.

In your own words, what is Grace?

Unparalleled favor, lol.

Lol. In what ways can we extend more grace in our own lives and in the lives of others?

In understanding, we’re all in similar races, on different fronts, but in the same cycle. As a volunteer and a fervent altruist, I believe in giving. Someone somewhere needs that unparalleled favor to get to the point they really need to be at, and you never know who your act of kindness could affect via a series of chain reactions you’re not even aware of.

What are you hoping to achieve with your poetry?

I am hoping to be a voice for the voiceless, a way to express and share feelings and emotions that are not easily seen.

A voice for the voiceless. I like that. Where do you see yourself one year from now?

I see myself thanking the past me for not giving up.

Now that’s a poet thing to say! I love it.

And without further ado, I introduce to you “Grace,” by Samule Olopade

 

In the crucible of pain, we find our Grace,
A journey from the depths to a higher place.
From sorrow’s grip, we rise to happiness’s embrace,
A transformation beyond what words can trace.

Beyond physical exertion, it’s the strength of soul,
Grace, like a river, making wounded hearts whole.
In every stumble, in every broken pace,
Grace is the warmth of a loving, forgiving space.

Accepting our shortcomings, embracing them with love,
We find Grace showered from the heavens above.
In this masterpiece of life, we all play a part,
Grace, the melody that harmonizes every heart.

So let Grace be the bridge that carries us through,
From pain to happiness, from old to the new.
In this tapestry of life, a wondrous embrace,
Grace binds us all with love’s enduring Grace.

In the realm of Grace, we find our way,
Where kindness and love forever sway.
A gentle touch, a whispered word,
In Grace’s embrace, our hearts are stirred.

Through trials and storms, we often roam,
Yet Grace is the light that guides us home.
It’s the hand that lifts us when we fall,
The sweetest voice, a comforting call.

In Grace, forgiveness finds its place,
A healing balm, a warm embrace.
For in our flaws and in our fears,
Grace dries our tears and calms our tears.

It’s the beauty of a sunset’s hue,
A gift of love from me to you.
In Grace’s dance, we all take part,
Uniting every soul and heart.

So let us cherish Grace’s art,
A masterpiece from the very start.
In kindness, love, and blessings too,
Grace shines on all, both me and you.

Copyright©2023 Samuel Olopade

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About this Poet

I’m Olopade Samuel, a proud Nigerian volunteer, engineer, and upcoming politician. As far as I recall, my whole life involved humanitarian activities with clubs like the Red Cross, Rotary, and Lions Club. My interests lie in observing nature, human advocacy, and wishful thinking to be a better artist. My life goal is to be that person others look up to, that model person who rises above stereotypes.