Adeniran Abdbasit Adeyemi

I may not know the secret  

behind the language of Olóbùró,  

nor have I seen how the stars 

set their eyes on you.  

I may not witness the dancing

steps of Ajókàfànsà,  

but I know the origin of water  

that outlives the river.    

And if Akéwì chants, his verses  

transcend the hills of Òkehò.

Now, I speak of you—  

you, whose lips carry  

the fragrance of love,  

whose smile

stirs the tides 

of undying affection.  

You, whose name travels  

farther than Olúmọ rock,  

whose beauty defies time.  

You, the sea that etches 

Calmness into my  heart.

Today, like every other day,  

I profess to you as 

Òòbẹ̀ and Ààdàn,

Tell their rare essence.  

In my heart, each day 

a new dawn rises,  

saturating the air  

with the scent of 

your humility.    

With you, I offer salt 

and honey  

that never turn bitter.  

I offer a sea of prayers—  

Let’s rise beyond the sky,  

Let’s move as salt and moonlight,  

Wrap me with your flavor 

and fortune. And I hope your 

beauty forever glows.