They say wherever the oká sits, its meal
finds its way to his doorstep.
This day, Ògún, let my steps not
lead me to the threshold of that which
longs for my blood.
For the road has a hungry mouth.
I’m still in the dawn
of my green unravelling life.
I’m just starting out, an ignorant child, but
I know much of that which you call suffering.
Sàngó, you who wields lightning like a spear,
like venom in the jaws of a deadly viper,
because I come to pay homage to you today,
let me not be struck with the dark hands
of darkness & deafness.
For the eyes are the light of the body
& the ears—its song.
Olókun, you who flourish life in water,
that wide watery expanse of breath,
& gives bountifully to your children on the soil,
I arrive at your threshold with offerings
This day, adorn me with bright blessings.
Let the tale of my life be as honey.

 

 

 

 

Photo by Prince Akachi on Unsplash