ORUN - THE LION DONS THE SHEEP'S CLOTHING

Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)

The sun was rising.  Folami could feel its warmth upon her face.  Taking a deep breath, she slowly opened her eyes.  Folami was thankful that the High God had blessed her with the gift of life once more.  The past few days were unsure and Folami feared that each day would be her last.  But it seems that the High God had more in store for her.  “Perhaps he will use me as his vessel once again.” Folami thought to herself.

Turning her head to the left, Folami looked down and saw Modupe stretched out on a pallet beside her.  He was sound asleep.  She stretched out her arm and lightly brushed the curly, dark hairs upon his skin.  She could feel his warmth as it rose up from his body. Folami felt a combination of pleasure and exasperation as she looked upon his handsome face.  Her heart leaped as she thought of the love they shared.  But she was frustrated because she desperately wanted a moment alone. 

Day after day, she was visited by well-meaning members of her tribe.  If they were not there, then her sisters would materialize as if summoned.  Modupe refused to leave.  “He acts as if my sickness was his doing.” She mumbled to herself.  Folami wanted a quiet moment to think about her future.  Now that the haze of new love had been lifted, Folami wondered: “How will I survive without my immortality?”

As Folami’s thoughts travelled to the future, she was startled by the frantic sounds of two birds chirping from her window.  She recognized the birds as they were her constant companions for as long as she could remember.  It gave her great joy when she realized that she could still understand them.  “Not all of my abilities have been stripped from me.” She whispered to herself.  “What’s wrong little ones?” Folami asked.

The older of the two, a brown eyed sparrow named Kekere Kan peeped out, “Sister, sister there are a group of men approaching the village!  We have never seen them before!”  The younger one, a little quail named Aparo, was impatient to say his piece and darted back and forth on the window’s ledge.  Before Kekere Kan could finish, Aparo cheeped out in a staccato-like fashion, “I overheard their leader talking.  He calls himself Kukoyi!”  Kekere Kan gave Aparo a hard look; silencing him with one hard “TWEET!”

“How far away are they?” Folami asked Kekere Kan. “About a full day’s journey, sister.” “Thank you so much for the warning.  Quickly, as fast as your wings can carry you, go to my sisters and tell them what you told me.  Tell them we must call a gathering!” 

As Folami looked down once again her eyes connecting with Modupe’s.  With lithe movements he rolled over and sat up on the pallet.  Stretching out the kinks in his neck, he questioned Folami.  “Who do you think these people are?” “I know not.” she responded.  “In my 100 years here, we have never received a visitor from the outside world. We have lived in a cocoon of solitude never needing exposure to others.  Now these people approach and I fear what albatross or danger they may be bringing with them.”

As the Ina and awọn dudu stirred from their slumber, awakening to fear and a possible threat, Chief Kukoyi stood inside a majestic yellow tent. He stretched his arms out as his servants dressed him for a new day.  Wrapped in a beige colored robe, he was then draped in a brown cloth etched with designs that represented his tribe and rank. A little boy quickly tied a matching sash around his waist to finish the effect.  He never once looked at the chief’s face.  Flashing a trusting smile at his advisors, he asked them, “If I presented myself to you for the first time, would you trust me?”

“Oh yes!” said one of his advisors in a nervous tone. “Most definitely!” said another as he smooth away a crease on Kukoyi's sleeve.  Kukoyi called out to one of his generals.  “Akinbode! Ready the horses! Let us finish this journey.  I am more than ready to meet our new neighbors.  Kukoyi’s advisors shivered.  The tone of his voice dripped with dark intent.

***

For all of you who have been visiting my blog each week, I greatly appreciate it.  I hope that you’ll continue to do so.  But I would really love to see more of your comments. Whether it is today’s post or entries in the past.  Tell me what you think of the direction I’ve taken so far or any thoughts or suggestions you may have J 

It has come to my attention that some of my readers have been unable to comment as they do not have google accounts.  If you would like to comment, I welcome you to e-mail me directly at amachi.is.hope@gmail.com.

Mari e laipe!

See you soon!

S-

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)

I can’t believe it has been one year since I started Amachi Is Hope!

 

When I decided to start this blog, I rocked back and forth between excitement and fear.  Excited because this was something new but terrified because I might fail. I’m not quite where I thought I would be, but I’m still proud of what I’ve accomplished so far.

Today I’m posting my 56^th blog entry and as of this moment, I’ve had 5,228 page views.  For those who receive thousands of views a day, this is minute.  For me it is a “really big deal”! LOL! It means that over 5,000 people found what I said interesting, or insightful, or funny, or maybe even thought- provoking. Just enough to fill up a small venue for an awesome concert! You guys continue to visit and I greatly appreciate it!

I decided that the best way to celebrate this milestone was to re-read everything I’ve written since I begun.  I am taken a back on how much I’ve grown in just one year. When I read my words, I see confidence, determination and a broadening of knowledge. I’ve learned to push past doubt and believe that the path to my goal (publishing Amachi’s Hope) is closer than ever.

A family trip gave me the inspiration to create a new tale and characters who have demanded a voice. (Check out my short story ‘Orun’).  I’ve pushed forward on my next book where Jamaica awaits and an illustrator has given Amachi something more than a voice. (I hope to share my book cover in the near future!)

Since I begun, I’ve learned and shared much.  I’ve made new friends and re-connected with old ones. I’ve discovered that the fight for diversity in books is a daily battle; that more MCoC are needed (especially in books for children). 

I understand that a Pitchapolozza has nothing to do with sports or lemonade. :)

My journey as a writer has been time-consuming, a bit stressful, and pretty intense. But it has also been life changing, fulfilling and enlightening.  Will I be published? Boy I hope so! Time can be a deterrent, but as I’ve said more than once, Just Keep Pushing Forward.

All and all, I’d say this has been an awesome journey so far.  I may not talk about Amachi in every blog entry but she is foremost on my mind. I know now more than ever, that it is time for her story to be brought into the light!  Thanks again everyone J

***

For all of you who have been visiting my blog each week, I greatly appreciate it.  I hope that you’ll continue to do so.  But I would really love to see more of your comments. Whether it is today’s post or entries in the past.  Tell me what you think of the direction I’ve taken so far or any thoughts or suggestions you may have J

 

It has come to my attention that some of my readers have been unable to comment as they do not have google accounts.  If you would like to comment, I welcome you to e-mail me directly at amachi.is.hope@gmail.com.

 

Mari e laipe!

See you soon!

 

S-

ORUN - THE THREAT IS NEAR

Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)

After days of expecting the worst, Ayotunde and Temitope sighed with relief.   Folami’s fever had finally broken. A tear of joy fell down Modupe’s brown face.  He was too happy to be embarrassed. Modupe stayed by Folami’s side the whole time and looked almost as frail as she did.  The worry that was heavy on his mind and heart had taken its toll on him.  The connection that they shared was more than just love, it was spiritual.  And for that reason, Modupe suffered just as much as Folami.

The people of their village rejoiced.  They too had feared the worst. Everyday Folami received a visit from someone coming to wish her a speedy recovery.  She was still weak, but with help she was able to sit up and feed herself the “special” broth that was made to help her regain her strength.  Knowing that she was in good hands, Ayotunde and Temitope now needed to deal with more important issues.

Ayotunde was furious with herself.  Once again she had failed in her duty as the oldest of the three.  The High God had stressed the importance of keeping them on the right path.  How their decisions would affect the future of their tribe.  Already the future he foretold had become a reality.  Folami not only fell in love with a human but she has lost her immortality.  “She barely survived this illness.  Who is to say that she will survive the next?” Ayotunde asked herself.  “I feel lost. What should I do?” she wondered.

In the meanwhile, Temitope was also frustrated.  It has been many moons since they met with the High God and the peril he predicted for their tribe was still unknown.  The change in Folami’s life was the first omen.  Temitope could feel it; a heaviness, a negativity in the air that had nothing to do with the weather.  It pressed down on her.  Wrapping her arms around her body, Temitope fought to regain control of her emotions.   “How can I help if I don’t know what the danger is?” she demanded as she looked up towards Orun.

***

As the sisters battled with their inner turmoil, the danger that the High God foresaw was on its way.  It would come as Confusion, Mistrust, Deception and Suspicion.  It would come in the shape of other humans. It would come in the form of another tribe.

They are called the Pipin and destruction covers them like a shroud, following them wherever they go.

Their leader, Chief Kukoyi had heard of the Ina and awọn dudu and the strong kinship that held them together.  He also heard of the goddesses Temitope, Ayotunde and Folami.  How the High God had sent them to Aye to rebuild the tribes and strengthen their belief in him.  He was aware of the crack in their foundation.  The youngest of the three, Folami (according to his spies) fell in love with a human.  He found this preposterous and thought her a fool.  “Who would give up immortality for a human?” he asked himself. “I would kill for such a privilege!”  Kukoyi bellowed out loud. “I want to live forever!” 

His followers cringed, distancing themselves from him. Should you look upon him, you would think him perfectly sane. Wrapped in the majestic blue cloth of his tribe, Kukoyi walked with the carriage of a king, moved with the pride of a lion and stalked his enemies like a cheetah. His complexion was dark and smooth and his eyes were clear and direct.  It is only when he speaks of immortality that one sees the cracks in his veneer.  His insanity lurks below a calm surface, waiting for an opportunity to show its ugly head.  Only a few knew just how broken he really was.  But none were brave enough or foolish enough to confront him.  There were however, attempts made by others to end his life, with no results.

Kukoyi means “death rejects this one.”  No one has been so aptly named. Time and time again, he has come back from deaths door.  He was attacked by a lion and survived.  He was thrown in a lake as a baby. His people believed he was too small to live.  The next day he was found on the shore. Bitten by a poisonous snake, Kukoyi’s body expelled the venom.  Kukoyi believed he was invincible.  But he did not believe that he was blessed by the High God.  In fact he did not believe in him or any of the Orisa. He believed only in himself and that he was above them all.

The Pipin were only two days walk from the Ina /awọn dudu tribe.  Kukoyi only travelled with a small group consisting of himself, his advisors and a handful of his followers.  The powerful army that he built over the years awaited his orders only a day’s ride away.  Kukoyi believed that cunning and patience would lead to the Ina and awọn dudu’s downfall. He would be the blow needed to break their foundation apart.  

***

For all of you who have been visiting my blog each week, I greatly appreciate it.  I hope that you’ll continue to do so.  But I would really love to see more of your comments. Whether it is today’s post or entries in the past.  Tell me what you think of the direction I’ve taken so far or any thoughts or suggestions you may have J

 

It has come to my attention that some of my readers have been unable to comment as they do not have google accounts.  If you would like to comment, I welcome you to e-mail me directly at amachi.is.hope@gmail.com.

 

Mari e laipe!

See you soon!

 

S-

ORUN - CHOICES

Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)

And so it began. What was once unrequited love, bloomed into a forbidden love.  A love that would change Folami and mark the beginning of a dark future for the Ina and awọn dudu.  By embracing her love for Modupe, Folami slowly began to lose the traits that separated her from her people.  At first, it did not seem that obvious. Folami and Modupe were so caught up in each other that they failed to see the differences.  

By the moon's tenth cycle, Folami could hardly conjure up a storm.  If she wanted to hover above ground, it now required concentration.  She found it more difficult to communicate with the animals and her healing abilities began to dwindle. But the joy and love she experienced with Modupe, made those losses seem minimal.  

The real test began when Folami fell ill.  She did not understand what was happening.  She was shaking with cold, roasting with fever and her mouth was as dry as the desert sands. Folami’s body had become victim to the very illnesses that sometimes invaded her people.  It was never necessary for her to develop a resistance to them and now she was unable to heal herself.  Finally, the truth hit.  It cut through Folami’s haze of love and brought her crashing back to reality.  “I have lost my immortality.” she whispered. 

Folami knew that this would be a consequence of her decision.  But it was hard to face.  When Modupe held her hand, she had the greatest urge to push him away both mentally and physically.  But she knew that was wrong.  “I cannot lay the blame solely upon his shoulders.  The only thing he is guilty of is falling in love with me.  I was just tired of rebuilding my wall each time he knocked it down.” Sighing, Folami looked away from Modupe.  For the first time, she began to question her decision. 

*** 

The high god was saddened by what he saw.  Folami now suffered as a human. There would be no turning back for her.  His vision of the future was beginning to come to pass and Folami’s bad health was just the start.  He too questioned her choices.  Though the high god created his people, he did not truly understand them. 

*** 

Temitope was deeply shaken. Were they about to lose their sister?  They did all they could to help her; everything from healing herbs to deep prayer.  Temitope and Ayotunde were not great healers like Folami.  The decision to save her life would fall upon the Mother Goddess and the High God.  

Though she felt a deep connection to her people, there was nothing and no one in Aye that would compel Temitope to give up her godhood. Ayotunde on the other hand was not surprised by Folami’s choice.  She saw the signs and she knew the exact moment when Folami lost to Modupe.   

“Ayotunde we must speak to her!” Temitope yelled when she realize what her sister had done. “Has she already forgotten the consequences her decision will bring?” she cried.  “There is no point.  Have you not seen them together? The only thing that will separate them is death.” Ayotunde responded.  

After tending to their sister once more, Ayotunde led Temitope to a nearby rock and motioned for her to sit beside her. “I have a story to share. Perhaps this will give you some clarity.  One day, and I am embarrassed to admit this.  I actually felt something odd within my soul.  I could not understand what it was or where it came from.  And then it dawned on me, it was a human emotion that I have felt and seen in different forms.  They call it envy.  I envied what I saw whenever I looked upon Folami and Modupe together.  Then I felt anger.  Angry that Folami would give up so much for a human.  Suddenly, I wanted to know what was so special.  I wanted to know what was so important that Modupe would try to drown himself and Folami would flee Aye to get away from it.  I wanted to experience love!” I knew that Temitope was shocked.  Her brown eyes were wide and a slight gasp had escaped from her lips. 

“A few nights ago, I found Folami and Modupe by the lake.  It was the exact place where Folami finally acknowledged her love for Modupe.  They were talking quietly and laughing.  Their lyrical sounds travelled towards me.  It made me think that perhaps they were reminiscing about Folami’s stubbornness and the drastic measures Modupe took to finally win her heart.” 

“It was then that I made my decision.  I would open myself to it.”  “To what?” Temitope queried.  “I would open myself to the emotion. I would open myself to the feelings that they share.  I would open myself to their love. So while they spoke, I sat down in the bushes behind a large boulder.  Closing my eyes, I took a few deep breaths and visualized myself opening a door.” As she spoke, Ayotunde mirrored her actions from that night.  “I was terrified.  Terrified of what would happen if I did this.  I have kept my door, my emotions, under control and closed for over 100 years.  To be an unbiased decision maker, to be fair to our people, I needed to keep myself separate from them.”  

Ayotunde laughed and continued. “I conveniently forgot all the beautiful things that made humans, human.  I was afraid that if I opened that door, I might not want to return to Orun or to our family.  Sister there are not enough words to tell you what I felt, when I pushed open that door.  It was like a roaring flood of sensations. For a moment, I thought I would drown in it.  It was so deep, so full, so rich and beautiful that I cried.  I cried so much, that I did not feel Folami and Modupe when they laid their hands upon my shoulders.  Modupe picked me up and carried my weeping self, back to the village.   

They brought me to my hut and placed me on my mat. Folami kissed me on my forehead and cover me with a cloth.  She had no questions. It was obvious what I had done. The farther away they were from me, the easier it was for me to regain control.  By the time they reached the other side of the village, I was able to close my door and batten down those feelings once more.”  Temitope looked upon me with awe.  

“Now I understand what she feels. Why she was willing to give up so much. And yet in the deepest part of my soul, I still question what she has done.  It hurts me to see her suffer,” Ayotunde went on “and I wonder, would I have taken the same path?” 

***

For all of you who have been visiting my blog each week, I greatly appreciate it.  I hope that you’ll continue to do so.  But I would really love to see more of your comments. Whether it is today’s post or entries in the past.  Tell me what you think of the direction I’ve taken so far or any thoughts or suggestions you may have J

It has come to my attention that some of my readers have been unable to comment as they do not have google accounts.  If you would like to comment, I welcome you to e-mail me directly at amachi.is.hope@gmail.com.

Mari e laipe!

See you soon!

S-

ORUN - THE CONFRONTATION

Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)

“I never thought that you were a coward Folami,” murmured Modupe to himself.  Ten days had passed since the return of the sisters and Folami continued to avoid Modupe as if he was a sickness she did not want to catch. He decided that he had had enough.  “I will confront her tonight.  It is time that I have answers!” he mumbled to himself as he marched into the dark forest. 

It was late and the moon was bright.  As exhausted as she was, Folami could not sleep. Restlessness had taken hold of her and as a result, she rarely slept through the night.  She sat at the edge of the lake hoping that mother Yemoja would lay her healing hands upon her.  Stretching out upon the shore, the lulling sounds of the water began to have a mesmerizing effect on her senses.  She closed her eyes and continued to listen to nature’s nightly melody. Folami  did not hear Modupe when he stepped out of the woods. 

Modupe leaned against a tall, wide tree and watched Folami.  He wanted to feel sorry for her.  The emotions and turmoil within him stirred like the riches of stews simmering in the greatest of pots. His eyes moved back and forth; caressing her features. Dark circles were etched under her lids.  They stood out against her beautiful, dark complexion.  Even in rest, Folami looked troubled.  Even in sleep, she denied the truth. “Well not anymore!” Modupe barked as she stormed towards her resting form.  Upon hearing the footsteps, Folami jumped up as if she was ready to do battle.  When she saw Modupe she did not relax her stance.  This battle, this confrontation would place her at a crossroads. She would no longer run.  She would not cower.  She would stand her ground and face him no matter the consequence. 

“Only cowards run Folami!” Modupe bellowed as he stopped before her. “You dare! You would insult me because I will not give you what you want!” Folami yelled. “What I want is to make you happy. What I want is to give you love.  Is that so hard to except?” He questioned.  “It is when it is not possible.  You know what I am, what I am capable of.  You overstep Modupe!” shouted Folami. "You would have left! You had no intention of returning did you?" he asked. Folami felt guilt and even more, she felt his pain.

“Step aside…” she warned.  “I will not!” barked Modupe. “I will not.” He repeated again, with a gentler tone. “I see what you have tried for years to conceal.  I know your true heart and on this night, you will finally give it to me.”

Reaching for her arm, he slid his hand down from elbow to wrist.  Even with the sleeve of her kaba covering her skin, she could still feel it.  A heat she had never known, had invaded her very soul.  She did not think it was possible to feel so much and she desperately wanted to feel it again.  The heat; the emotion; the sense of completeness. This was the first time that Modupe had ever touched her.  And yet Folami still refused to bend. 

Walking away from her, Modupe began to approach the still water.  His feet led him deeper and deeper into the lake’s depths. The water was pitch black.   Yemoja’s rays had retreated for the night and Folami could barely see before her eyes. He did not look back.  Soon all she could see was the top of Modupe’s head and then he was gone.  Folami started to exhibit another human trait.  Fear. “Modupe is a strong swimmer. Why does he not move?” she asked herself nervously. Folami found herself moving towards the edge of the shore.  “Why would he do this?” she asked herself.  She began to march back and forth.  Still there was no sign of movement. 

Folami called out.  “Modupe! Modupe! Stop this you fool! I will not come after you!” When she could not take it anymore, she went in after him.  “Using my power might do him more harm than good.” She thought as she dove into the dark lake.  As she descended, her body started to illuminate.  Folami had become as bright as a small sun.  As she reached the bottom, she saw him.  He was spread out upon the sediment as if he was taking a nap.  But she knew that he was not breathing. 

She grabbed him and swam swiftly to the surface.  She dragged him across the water and onto the shore. Her hands and body shook as she searched her mind for the right words. An ancient spell began to form.  They tumbled out of her lips and into the air.  Only an Orisa, a god, would have understood the words.  They took shape and began to circle Modupe’s body.  He began to glow.  Folami watched with dread and hope as the water within his lungs began to rise up and out of his mouth. 

Immediately, Modupe began to cough. He turned on his side and expelled the last of the water from his body.  When he caught his breath, he turned to Folami and said, “I knew you would come for me,” and smiled.  Folami teetered between, joy, relief and great anger. “You fool! Why would you do such a thing? You could have died!” Tears trickled down her face.  It was the only way to free her anger without giving in to the urge to throttle him. 

Getting up on his feet, Modupe reached out to Folami.  Taking her hands, he said, “You would not have allowed that to happen. You saved me.” “I would have saved anyone who was drowning.” She responded stubbornly.  “You saved me because you love me.” He responded laughingly. “You are mistaken.” she answered.  He wrapped his arms around her and Folami thought that she too would drown but for a different reason. “Say it.” He whispered.  As powerful as Folami was, she had no power here. The words were stronger and demanded a voice.  

“I love you too.” Folami whispered back.  

 

***

For all of you who have been visiting my blog each week, I greatly appreciate it.  I hope that you’ll continue to do so.  But I would really love to see more of your comments. Whether it is today’s post or entries in the past.  Tell me what you think of the direction I’ve taken so far or any thoughts or suggestions you may have J

 

It has come to my attention that some of my readers have been unable to comment as they do not have google accounts.  If you would like to comment, I welcome you to e-mail me directly at amachi.is.hope@gmail.com.

 

Mari e laipe!

See you soon!

 

S-