The Mystic of Small Dreams

The Mystic of Small Dreams chronicles the movement of migrants as they navigate borders both internal and external. At the heart of these poems of vulnerability and sharp intelligence, the poet himself is the perpetual migrant embarked on forced journeys that take him across nations in West and North Africa, through Europe, and through American cities as he navigates the challenges of living through terror and loss and wrestles with the meaning of home.

In The Mystic of Small Dreams, Oriogun, one of Africa’s most important contemporary poets have written a book that is heavy with lyrical beauty and profound emotions. In his third collection of poems, he has continued his deep engagement with the African diaspora, capturing the heartache, hope, and resilience of those who traverse lands far from their ancestral home. Oriogun’s journeys through diverse cities form the backbone of this collection, and each poem is a melodic exploration of identity, belonging, and the quest of finding home in the lonely conditions of exile. 

This collection stands as a testament of his continuous devotion to the craft of poetry, offering readers a poignant glimpse into the life and heart of a poet whose work continues to shape and define the poetic landscape of Africa and beyond.