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[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE]
April 12th, 2026
(Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria)
Interview with Yusuf Mariam about the poetry collection, The Earth Within.
(Cover image of The Earth Within)
What are some interesting or important aspects of this work, how it came to be, or what it means, that you want people to know? The Earth Within is a reflective exploration of existence, identity, and the relationship between humanity and nature. The work is built around elemental themes such as earth, air, fire, and water, using them as both physical and symbolic anchors for understanding life and being. At its core, The Earth Within reflects the idea that we exist in nature and nature exists in us, each defining, complementing, and giving meaning to the other. The collection suggests that we are not separate from the world around us, but deeply rooted within it, expressed in the idea that "earth exists in me and I in it." I want readers to understand that they are not limited or disconnected, but part of a larger continuity of being. In this sense, we exist within one another, shaping and reflecting each other's presence, and are therefore never truly confined. How does your city / region, your natural surroundings, and / or your cultural milieu influence this creative work, and your artistic practice as a whole? My work is not directly shaped by a structured artistic practice or a conscious influence from my immediate cultural environment. I write primarily from observation, reflection, and feeling, often capturing thoughts as they come rather than following a defined method. However, nature plays a significant role in my writing. Elements such as earth, air, and the broader sense of existence naturally appear in my work as both imagery and meaning. They serve as a way to ground abstract thoughts about life, identity, and being. The collection developed gradually over time, beginning with pieces like "Life Oh Life" in December, followed by "To Live Is to Love" and "Tempered" in the months after. Each piece reflects a moment of awareness or questioning, forming a body of work that is more intuitive than constructed. Link for more information about The Earth Within: https://a.co/d/0c5Ebnhg
Keywords: existence, identity, nature, philosophical poetry, duality
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