I will find joy before dawn
I will write my songs on my palms
If my voice can only bear the pain of a wounded soul
I will find peace in the storm
Be my own source
And wear resilience like a broad smile
From hand to mouth
Or from sweats, I will live
And if I must die,
I will dig my grave before I sleep
I will find hope
If it flies above me
I will soar!
Umoru Elizabeth KJ is a short story writer, poet and spoken word artist whose works centre on social consciousness, love, resilience, and humanity. She has performed at various literary and activist events including the Amnesty International Youth Colloquium on Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls. KJ Umoru has been a finalist at several poetry slams, notably the Benue Book and Arts Festival Slam 2022 and the ALit Fest Slam 2022 in Abuja. She also emerged winner of the 2020 GWEN (Global Women Empowerment Network) Spoken Word Contest. As at 2023, she is the President of the University of Abuja Literary Society (ULS) and a programmes intern with SEVHAGE Literary and Development Initiative.
- ELEGY FOR THE THINGS WE’VE BEEN THROUGH by Olalekan Ayodele - August 16, 2024
- ANNOUNCING THE SEVHAGE/KSR HYGINUS EKWUAZI LITERARY PRIZES 2023 LONGLIST - October 30, 2023
- UBUNTU 2.0 at the London School of Economics: Celebrating Rich Voices, Culture and the Black Experience with V. Osarumwese, McInerney, Agape, Omeke, Su’eddie Agema, E. Mwambulukutu and Orayyy - October 28, 2023
