My first poem with a Yoruba title—who would have thought the day would both exist and come. Growing up, Mu omi sùúrú was advice you’d hear from a Yoruba elder if you were nagging for something impatiently or seeking something in life that you can’t have yet. The adage circled back to me unthinkingly one evening and within minutes, this poem was born.
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As the oak tree rises to its peak
Tearing through coarse layers of soil
Paying steeply, to buy a hundred years from time
Weathering triumphal ground quakes as others sprout
Would you say
It’s failing?
You would say
It’s growing
But you wouldn’t say
The same of yourself
A simple poem packed with deep insight. Really does take me back to the good old days.
Thank you. And yes…the good old days : )
Dear Amife, I have closely followed your works with keen interest and also hope to see more of the new ones ahead. As you continue to improve and give light as hope to the very dark areas of humanity, I salute your courage and tenacity in the pursuit of the very best not just about your immediate environment but the larger world as well. You are encouraged to keep it up and going, hopefully your very best in the world of poertry and writing generally is yet ahead. Congratulations!
Aww Dad, you’re so kind! Thank you for your words. And Amen to that!
At first i did not understand how to read the title but i took it one by one and i finally got it. The title is really deep and essential in everyone life. As they say Patient is very important in growth unless you might learn the hard way.
Glad to read this cause The words in poem is a reminder to constantly have patience in every situation.
Yoruba can definitely be an eye and tongue twister. Glad it resonated with you! Thanks for sharing.