...

13 views

Ààrẹ Kúrunmí
Ààrẹ Kúrunmí Oyíndàólá, the wèrèpè of battle
That all over the enemy's body spills and leaves
His whole body hot with a burning sensation

You, Kúrunmí of Ìjàiyẹ̀, are the nocturnal battle lord
Who treads the land at an hour of night
When the suckling child never should crave breastmilk,
The one who wars at a time when the pestle
Must never with the mortar pound yam

You are Kúrunmí, the primer that signals war,
Baba o, body fortified with ìgbàdí, èwon sànpọ̀ǹna
And amulets of the ancient fathers and aged mothers

Kúrunmí is the selfless warrior of Ìjàiyẹ̀
Who in a fierce battle all five sons lost to the enemies, Kúrunmí the warlord who was betrayed because of
His wife's inordinate affection for an affair
With Ògúnmọ́la Olódògbo kẹ̀ri lógun

Ààrẹ Ọ̀nà Kakaǹfo, tonight your spirit we invoke
That you may help us win against Onísẹ́ ibi
Who wages war against us unknown,
And Bàbá Kúrunmí we implore you
To forgive our women whose kind betrayed you.
______________________________________

Glossary of words.

wèrèpè : velvet beans typically know for its itching sensation after it spills on anyone

Ìjàiyẹ̀: a town in Ìbàdàn, Southwestern Nigeria.

Ìgbàdí: jazz/ charm worn around the waist

Sànpọ̀ǹna: a Yoruba god that inflicts with smallpox

Onísẹ́ ibi: Evil doer

Bàbá : Father


© PenEmeritus