Today, I am a metaphor for the golden sun,
rising from the belly of the ocean and scaling over the horizon
to strike a magnificent pose in the purple skies.
my naked feet still planted in the white sands, a zephyr
strutting past my ears, I stand as testament to every death
that tried to steal my breath but failed.
here, my world bare before my eyes, I become grateful.
Ọláyínká: today, my name is faithful. my children roundabout me—
sweet as wildflower honey: Oyínlọlá, Oyínbọ́lá & Oyíndọlápọ̀
blessings from the creator, sweet—& without any bitterness
within them. here, a flower blooms into fullness
& never withers. here, the tears of a new-born child is an omen
for life. Olúwakẹ́mi: here, i am nurtured by the lord. I am grateful
& everything around me is beautiful. and when the heavens open
her bowels to shower the earth, and raindrops beat
mellifluous tunes on my ever-tender skin. and the air
around me sings a sonorous song, I will dance again
like a little child. I will glorify the name of God for breath
in my lungs. what a feat to be here, on my feet at fifty
and ever steadfast at the business of my father: First Baptist Church, Ilorin.
let everything that has breath join me to praise God!
Today, I am a metaphor for the sun—golden
and brimming with life! I am a testament
of the faithfulness of God. Today, my golden feet
are still planted in the white sands as a testament
to every evil that tried to stilll my breath but failed.
Today, I am alive!
Hurray to a Golden Jubilee!
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