Ode to My Childhood Friend

Image Source

As an African Child,
nothing brings more happinesss than
sighting the emergence of the twilight
and the arrival of the moonlight

while mama is playing referee for the combat
between the mortal and the pestle

and papa in the spotlight contest of the evening palmwine

I make a circle with my fellows
to listen to no greater professional bard, than my grandma
as she made you well known like the reflection in the rear.

The African tricker figure

Your voice is heard in all lands

the bald headed animal
who caused the untimely death of his friends

ever-gentle looking hero of Yoruba folktales
who overpowered the elephant

The crafty lord, who walks majestically
with all he owns at his back
for he will never abandon his carriage

You are always at ease in your shell
striving for progress with your head stick-out

How could the folktales be complete without your stories??

Image Source

The African tree of life

Every child learnt from you,
the good and bad revolved around your name

from the thousands years proverbs that speaks the words of wisdom
to the numerous tales of encouragement and patience

virtue of arithmetic,ambition, distraction and knowlegde do you represent
but how could some much uglification still constructed around your name?

My ever faithful childhood friend

whose presence i will always adorn
like the morning sunrise that brighthen the world

forever will i call you Ijapa Alabawun
for you are a tortoise that taught us so well.

How could my king's palance be beautified without your lantern, my timeless teacher?

Image Source