Jibril Adamu finds himself operating in a robotic-like manner in various aspects of his life. As a rideshare driver in Montreal, he follows the directives of an app for eight hours daily. His remaining time is divided between his responsibilities as a building janitor, a father of three, and his passion for poetry.
Despite his lifelong love for poetry, Adamu realized that dedicating himself to writing full-time was not feasible. Instead, he utilizes the brief intervals between rides to refine his craft. The sights and sounds from his driving experiences serve as inspiration for the verses and rhymes he jots down on phone notes and notepads.
Reflecting on the human aspect amidst the robotic routine, Adamu emphasizes that everyone has a story beyond mere point A to point B transportations. After a decade of balancing extensive work hours with his writing endeavors, Adamu is set to launch his debut poetry collection, “Ode to a Red Country Rooster,” later this month.
His inspiration for the collection stemmed from an encounter with a resilient rooster in New Brunswick, which became a local hero despite enduring harsh conditions. Drawing parallels, Adamu aspires to maintain resilience in his own life, even while engaged in what he describes as “invisible” work.
Interacting with a diverse array of individuals daily during his rides, Adamu derives inspiration from their diverse perspectives and experiences, fueling his creative process. Embracing his dual identity as a rideshare driver and poet, he acknowledges that the two facets are intertwined in his life story.
Heather Hodges, one of Adamu’s passengers, describes his car as a performance stage due to his confidence and pride behind the wheel. Despite the transient nature of passenger interactions in ridesharing, Hodges collaborated with Adamu on his poetry collection, contributing illustrations and hosting his book launch.
Adamu’s poetry resonates with readers through familiar themes, ranging from local landmarks like Girouard Park’s fallen tree to Montreal’s distinctive detour signs and orange cones. Acknowledging the ephemeral nature of his passenger connections, Adamu values the unique perspectives these encounters offer, enriching his poetic insights.
Continuing his observations from his vantage point as a rideshare driver, Adamu is already working on his next poetry collection. This upcoming work will delve into societal observations, such as the increasing homelessness in Montreal and the aftermath of a church fire on De l’Église Avenue.
“Ode to a Red Country Rooster” is currently available online and at Bonder Bookstore in Montreal West, with printed copies set to expand in availability starting October 28.
