Tying an Omu twig, <br />I play my wind instrument <br />hence <br />for an elder, <br />with ichi marks, at whose birth <br />a kolanut broke into three. <br /> <br />How do I reward <br />with celebration and rites <br />as honours, <br />the hip that brought him? <br />Oh! The womb <br />bearing our ancestors <br />does store. <br /> <br />Here is to him <br />of Mburichi Nobility, <br />for whose role should be <br />to eat the first yam <br />of our crafting field. <br />- - whose art <br />is likened to a giant. <br /> <br />Your Chi, is in peace <br />with Chukwu, Okwudili, <br />as the lot etching <br />on the palms of your hand <br />breathes for the outer call. <br /> <br />Let Amadioha send lightning <br />to the evil shade <br />to inhabit the tree <br />from which you hew your arts; <br />if Ahobinagu would silence. <br /> <br />Marked black on the forehead, <br />may s/he be attacked <br />by a swarm of bees that would <br />rise against your gallery. <br /> <br />Let the sway be transfered <br />to a live goat, even, <br />that must be let loose <br />outside the walls of our settlement. <br /> <br />Who points a finger <br />at a Kolanut tree? <br />Or at a man who climbs <br />the Iroko tree <br />without the aid of strings? <br /> <br />My white clay marks you, <br />O heir of Obu kindred. <br />The lower forces participate <br />to make this offer <br />to Igwekaala - the god. <br /> <br />Let Chukwu feed you <br />with Azu-igwe like he did <br />Eri's; and may your crops too, <br />fertilize <br />like all were in Nri soil. <br />Udo diri gi, nwanne mmadu!<br /><br />Faeo 'Lyre' Clive<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-okwy-obu/
