For Sultan.

___

Omode

That persona of childhood
discovering the world
Wobbly feet running, unsure, unsteady. Yet eager to find.

Open, like the igba alagbe
Having not learnt to hold back.

Wary

The falls, the stumbles, undeterred, he keeps on. Trying again on that first bold step yet waiting, waiting, reaching for those hands to steady its path.

 

Omode…

That distant memory lurking in every adult.
Afraid, uncertain yet dressed in the stunning white Agbada called brevity. Adulting.

Wary of life’s many sentiments. Do. Don’t. Indecisive. Decided.

Wait. Go.

Step by step it reaches
Yet again in search of those arms now a faint, faint memory from the land called childhood.

 

Omode…

Soon will you learn
The balance of a steady arm and a careful heart
And the failings of solid feet in sinking sand.
Omode…
When the world shows its rainbows
And its colours leave you broken
When you cry and can’t reach the needle to thread your broken heart
Reach within
And find yet again
That innocence and firmness long lost.
That certainty. That strength to help you find your way.

Omode…

When you learn to stand and take your steps firmly, deeply

When you start again, steady, sure, I hope you begin, eager to find.

***

Agbada – Native clothing peculiar among the Yoruba people of Nigeria.
Igba Alagbe – beggar’s tray
Omode – little child

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