How I Wrote My First Poem

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I remember the first poem I wrote. It was titled “No Pain, No Gain”.

It was in 2005.

Family’d moved from the centre of Aba to a suburb some months before that day. It was a new environment. Calm. Quiet. Semi rural. Trees. Fruits. Flowers. Lovely.

I and my younger brothers had a room overlooking the street, though barricaded by a dwarf fence. With my bed by the window and a reading/writing table just over the bed, I had to myself the perfect corner to sit alone and let my thoughts run wild, songwriting.

‘No Pain, No Gain’ was inspired by a short story written by my sister Mabel Anyatonwu. The protagonist never had it fair with life; it was an endless loop of hurt, disappoinment, betrayal, death, rape, abuse. But, at the end, hope bleached life until it became fair.

What started as an I-Too-Can-Write has become my identity.

I was interviewed by Loveth Opeyemi last year (God rest her soul), as one of the authors selected for Essence Challenge.

I talked about my writing journey, a few of my books, publishing and well, the truth about Sabrina.

You can listen to the podcast by clicking here.

PS: Shout-out to Daachiever’s Blog and it’s founder. You’re doing a great work, Kudabo Victory. Don’t stop. Ever!

Jaachịmmá Anyatọnwụ

Jaachịmmá Anyatọnwụ (formally Jaachi Anyatonwu) is a creative entrepreneur, writer, and designer, and the Founder of Loopers Creative Agency, Ikike Arts, and Poemify Publishers. With over ten years of experience in branding, web design, content strategy, and creative direction, he help brands and audiences connect through clear, culturally resonant storytelling. Author of 'Content Writing: The Hows, Whys, and Whats' and voice behind the Bard Influence newsletter, Jaachịmmá is passionate about preserving the Igbo language and African narratives while inspiring modern audiences through design, poetry, and digital media.