The Gryphon's Quill

An Independent Voice: Essays, Poetry, and Commentary that Capture the Spirit of a Generation.

The Spirit of America Book Cover

The Spirit of America

Views from the Other Side

A bold examination of American democracy, liberty, and cultural identity through the eyes of an independent voice. This work challenges conventional narratives and explores fundamental questions about politics, immigration, and justice in modern America.

The City Wanderer poem - a poetic exploration of urban life and love

The City Wanderer

In the haze of East London streets,
A young soul roamed — wild, soft, alive.
Woolwich called in the morning mist,
While Central's hum whispered history.

Each turn held stories,
Bus windows framing the pulse of a world
That moved too fast to hold,
But just slow enough to feel.

In silence, he schemed —
Not of crime, but of curiosity.
In crowds, he vanished,
But within, he glowed.

A ghost of wonder,
A breeze of rebellion,
Just a boy and the city —
Bound by untold shenanigans
And the poetry of becoming.

Poems

A collection of poetic reflections on society, identity, and the human experience.

Essays

Thoughtful commentary on current events, politics, and cultural discourse.

Opinions

Bold perspectives on controversial topics and pressing social issues.

East London street scene - memories of Woolwich sidewalks and Canary Wharf skylines

Ode to the Pavement: East London in My Veins

I was the quiet one with wild thoughts. A boy with Air Forces scuffed from Woolwich sidewalks and soul polished by Canary Wharf skylines. At 24, I moved like the city—silent, sharp, restless.

I learned from the corners—of Stratford's cracked pavements, the West End's gloss, the side-eyes on Jubilee lines. I wasn't bad, just burning. I wasn't loud, just learning.

London didn't raise me gently—it kept me guessing. It gave me fog, fish and chips, fraudsters and poets. I wrote poems in my Notes app and plans on my bus tickets. This book? It started as survival. Now it's my tribute to the city that saw me grow.

I am Alexander Afolabi. You just never noticed me then.

What Readers Say

"A compelling and intelligent read."

— Anonymous Reader

"A daring and beautifully articulated commentary."

— UK Reviewer

"You won't agree with everything, but you'll respect all of it."

— Independent Journalist