Contemplation on the Odu Okanran Oyeku

I can't relate
to what you are saying
though I'm sure you think I understand
I can't comprehend
the thoughts in your mind
though I'm sure you know I understand
I can't feel
the emotions you're conjuring
though I'm sure you believe I understand
Your lips move
your eyes flutter
your arms wave
your body shakes
and yet
no matter how right you think you are
you haven't moved me
Perhaps it's because you're talking AT me
instead of TO me
Or maybe I've just shut down
in response to your emotional tirade
of venomous hissing
As you turn my heart to stone
I muster the courage of Perseus
to cut you off
with a polite
"no thanks,
I'm not buying"
You see
a pile of dung
no matter how poetic the euphemism
is still
a pile of dung

Contemplation on the Odu Osa Oshe (osa she, osa che, osa oche)

Ifa is not the answer
Ifa is a question
If you are told differently
check your pockets
there is likely something missing

Contemplation on the Odu Okanran Osa

Had I known
what I know now
yesterday
my tomorrow might be different
and my today
filled with a life
of actions
and few regrets,
But too often
it's only in our last hours
that we gain perspective
born of the knowledge
that what we have
will cease to be
and we will dream no longer
Drink my friend
with me
from the river of regret
so that we no longer thirst
for things we once hoped for
but instead
become intoxicated with life
and live the lives we were meant to live

Contemplation on the Odu Oshe Otura

I met him on a trail
hand still in the air
he decided it a good place to land
I raised his head to mine
so we could talk
about things
travels
life
and we decided to take a walk
he and I
contemplating the impermanence of life
the beauty of the forest that surrounded us
and after spending 2 days of his lifetime with me
he decided it was time to leave
the longest 5 minutes I'd spent in many years
I won't forget my companion
who was so giving with his knowledge
a wise old butterfly
you have taught me much

-- Marcos Ifalola Sanchez