Otor Udu

Otor Udu

Get me my uleso, the kerchief and ajuju

Let my measured gaits of gaiety narrate my joy 

and body gyrate to the drums beaten by palms oily from the feast of ogvwo evri.

Let me sing along with the tunes

blown out of the bamboo flutes 

from throats wet with wine

To spin the exploits of  brave kith and kin.

The raffia palm is in liaison with me and volunteers its fluid.

I wear the beads from the ancient coral reefs

Shining from several dance brushes against my velvet top.

If my anklets jingle, let them be

It is because they refuse to be still.

They hear the commands from the earth as the feet move on

To raise dust that soon settle.

My wrists wave in adulation, and fingers weary of stillness

Are raised towards the Giver of abundance.

The soil though scorched and waiting;

Shall not lament the dry-eyed sky.

Hand me my uleso

Let my feet lead my heart 

To Otor Udu.