I was born because of today

To carry this hot charcoal

On bare head

Round

The three sister-villages

To hold the spear

Of my forefathers

And speak for the tribe

Before the shrine

 

I was born because of today

To bear the palm frond

And preside over

The homecoming of the dead

In immaculate white

And gold bangles

And goat skin bag

And sacrifice the new yam

On the fourth moon

I was born to take the great stool

And speak to the spirit of the dead

And the unborn

Waiting at the eaves of life

 

I was born because of today

Other days only but tributaries

To the great destiny

Of the clan of priests

To lead the tribe

Back to blessedness

 

I remember my father on this stool

Once upon a time

Whispered to my ears

The words I utter today

When I was a silent witness

At the oracle

Where we cooked kola nuts

With fires of spoken words

For the deity who eats in whole

And for us who eat in lobes

 

I have left my homestead

To live a hermit of the gods of my ancestors

To feed and pacify the naked fire

That does not know its maker

Speaking life to each coming dawn

Through the timeless gong

And the silver bell of our inheritance