To Lay Rest Collection

This collection consists of Haikus and sketches, one Haiku for each sketch. They are observations from when I went to Nigeria in 2018.

Being the birth country of my husband, this trip was significant in many ways. It was my first time to Nigeria & meeting my husbands extended family. It was also the first time I got to visit my father in-laws burial place since his repatriation. Going on this journey I wanted to be present, to absorb my surroundings, so I opted not take the camera that is usually glued to my hip when I travel. Instead I found myself reflecting at the end of a day, sketching small thoughts and moments of inspiration or consideration.

This body of work is incredibly personal and specific to my own observations—with time I may research each, but for I’m leaving them here.

Written & sketches by Haley Kigbo

Friends are family,

Strong ties made for the future,

How to say thank you?

Changing the mindset,

Entrepreneurial soul,

Persistence pays off.

Mountainous beauty,

Fertile lands in abundance,

Cool breeze warms the heart.

Passion, love and care,

A testing ground for ideas,

The fruit of labor.

The gift of old age,

Nurture the eggs, tender love,

Watch, chicks will hatch.

Nomadic herdsmen,

Who are they? Do they belong?

Killings, land taken.

Rich like the sunset,

Flowing with milk and honey,

Waiting to be found.

A pond of success,

Ripens the fruit of knowledge,

Feed the world, it thrives.

The rich get richer,

A thriving nation waiting,

Corruption lingers.

Young generations,

Motivation/depression,

Which way will it sway?