As an African Child,
nothing brings more happinesss than
sighting the emergence of the twilight
and the arrival of the moonlight
while mama is playing referee for the combat
between the mortal and the pestle
and papa in the spotlight contest of the evening palmwine
I make a circle with my fellows
to listen to no greater professional bard, than my grandma
as she made you well known like the reflection in the rear.
The African tricker figure
Your voice is heard in all lands
the bald headed animal
who caused the untimely death of his friends
ever-gentle looking hero of Yoruba folktales
who overpowered the elephant
The crafty lord, who walks majestically
with all he owns at his back
for he will never abandon his carriage
You are always at ease in your shell
striving for progress with your head stick-out
How could the folktales be complete without your stories??
The African tree of life
Every child learnt from you,
the good and bad revolved around your name
from the thousands years proverbs that speaks the words of wisdom
to the numerous tales of encouragement and patience
virtue of arithmetic,ambition, distraction and knowlegde do you represent
but how could some much uglification still constructed around your name?
My ever faithful childhood friend
whose presence i will always adorn
like the morning sunrise that brighthen the world
forever will i call you Ijapa Alabawun
for you are a tortoise that taught us so well.
How could my king's palance be beautified without your lantern, my timeless teacher?
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