ORUN - LOVE & DENIAL

Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)

Modupe had a battle going on within him.  He was livid and yet he felt relief.  He was bitter and yet he felt elated.  Modupe’s brain and heart fought for control.  His mind told him that he was a fool but his heart could not help but skip a beat.  “She was going to leave you!” echoed one of the many thoughts that ran through his head. “Not without great pain.” whispered his heart.  Modupe heard what the others did not.  Saw what others refused to see.  Ayotunde only shared part of their story.  Had they gotten their way, the sisters would not have returned. 

Knowing Folami’s origins did not stop Modupe from loving her.  For as long as he could remember, his heart had always belonged to her. Folami did not encourage his feelings.  If anything, she rebuked them.  “Modupe find someone your own age!  Find someone who will grow as you grow, age as you age.  Find someone you can have children with.  Find someone who will not have to watch you die!” 

Modupe could never see himself with anyone else. He would say, “One day you will see things as I do.  You will weaken and you will let yourself love. On that day, I will be waiting.” 

At the beginning, Folami did not take him seriously.  As she watched him age into a handsome, virile man she expected him to find a wife.  She even went so far as to introduce him to women who found him to be more than good husband material.  Her attempts to remove him from her life only made him more tenacious. The women, who thought they had a chance, just gave up.  

No one was aware of his love for Folami; no one except Ayotunde. For years she watched his feelings grow from admiration to the first blossoms of love.  But she never bothered to warn her sister.  As Modupe’s feelings were one-sided, she believed he would eventually out grow them.  Ayotunde was mistaken.  She watched Modupe as he watched Folami.  The intensity of his emotions was frightening to someone who had never experienced them.  Ayotunde warned Folami. 

“Folami are you blind!  Do you feel and see so little that you do not understand what is going on before you?  Modupe is no longer a child and he only has eyes for you.  You must deter him.  We both know that nothing can come of his love for you!”  Folami was not a fool.  Short of hurting him, nothing she did worked.  Modupe was just as stubborn and determined as she was.  

Folami realized that if she did not leave Aye soon, she would be forced to re-evaluate her feelings for Modupe.  Her once strong resolve was indeed weakening.  And she found herself watching for him.  Listening for his voice; working hard to ignore her too human response to his presence.  She observed the couples of her village.  The ones who were newly in love, gravitated to each other. A touch, a kiss, a caress.  The linked couples were comfortable in their love.  They knew each other as only couples with history would. 

As a goddess, Folami knew that a relationship with a human was impossible not to mention forbidden.  So Folami did what she witnessed some human women do.  When they were scared to face the truth, they would find an escape route.  They would run. Leaving Aye was the only answer.  

When Folami realized that her path was blocked, she was distraught.  So much so, that her emotions manifested into the powerful storm that almost flooded the entire valley.

***

He watched, Folami and her sisters as they tended to the needs of the tribe.  Moving from home to home, they listened as their people voiced their woes and concerns. 

“Jenrola has not paid me a fair price for the goods we have traded!” 

“Efe will not do her share of the work!” 

“My Yaya has been ill.  Can you see to her?” 

“The baby is coming soon. I don’t believe I will be a good mother.” 

They pushed up their sleeves and helped to till the earth in preparation for the new harvest. Ayotunde sat with the little ones and taught them about the orisa.  Temitope called a meeting between the leaders of the Ina and awọn dudu.  She was bound and determined to avoid the future that the high god foresaw. Folami on the other hand was distracted.   

Since their return, she avoided Modupe at every turn.  She could feel his eyes upon her back.  Feel his love and anger in the air.  So did her sister.  Ayotunde was not sure how much longer Folami could hold out.  “If she hasn’t already admitted it to herself,” Ayotunde thought. “Folami has fallen in love with Modupe.”

 

***

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 - TO BE HUMAN

Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)

The sun had just spilled over the horizon when the sisters crossed into their territory.  There was a sudden shout and someone yelled out. “Ti wọn ti pada! They have returned!” Folami laughed as a young boy ran through the village. He announced their arrival like an abeng horn would announce danger. 

Within minutes men, women and children began to flock out of their homes.  The sisters were instantly surrounded and bombarded with questions and accounts of things they missed. 

“It has been three days, where did you go?” bellowed a young man. 

“Why did you disappear like that?” demanded others. 

“You missed my born day!” yelled a little girl. 

“Were you caught in that horrible storm?” queried another. 

“We thought you would not return…” murmured an old woman. 

Ayotunde did not know what to say.  Their people looked to them for leadership, counsel, dependability, direction and even fellowship. “How can we look them in the eyes knowing that we were about to betray them?” she thought. “Given the opportunity, I would have left without a second thought.  What does that make me? What does that make us?” she asked herself. 

Guessing at her feelings, Folami whispered just loud enough for Ayotunde to hear.  “It makes us more human than we realized.” 

Knowing that the truth could never be shared, Temitope slowly raised her right arm into the air.  As the long sleeve of her seeti , shirt slid down her brown skin, silence descended upon the village.  Everyone anxiously awaited her words. To soften the blow, Temitope was about to exhibit another human trait. She was going to lie. 

“Ebi, Family, hear me! It was not our wish to be away from you for so long. Three moons ago, we marked 100 years since our arrival here on Aye. As elders, we believed that our job here was done.  That you had outgrown your need for us and the purpose of our presence here.” “That’s not true!” they yelled.  “We believed that the high god had plans to return us home.” 

“When he summoned us, we were not prepared for his news.  He has asked that we begin a new adventure; one that will keep us together.”  Taking her sisters hands, she raised them above her head. “I cannot share his vision for the future but it is more important than ever, that the Ina and awọn dudu continue to be of one mind and one spirit! Should we continue to do this the future will be nothing but bright!” With a roar of approval, the Ina and awọn dudu clasped their hands together in a show of unity. 

At that same moment, a tall, powerfully built man of mid-age stepped out of the forest.  Through all the commotion, no one noticed his arrival except Folami.  Their eyes connected.  His intense brown eyes, took in everything about her. They slowly travelled from her head to her feet.  In all her 100 years, no one had ever made Folami feel what she now felt.  Confusion, desire, guilt, and joy all engulfed her at the same time.  She had an overwhelming urge to run but she did not know if it should be towards him or away.  Just when she came to a decision, she stopped.  

He too seemed to be experiencing similar emotions, but the one that stood out the most was anger.  He was absolutely furious with her and she knew exactly why.

 

***

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 - MOVING FORWARD

Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)

As water from the powerful storm began to recede, the sisters three began walking through the errie, silent forest.  The sounds that were once so familiar to them were missing.  No birds chirping, no leaves rustling, no squirrels scampering up the trees. 

As they glided by, the forest creatures warily peeked out from their hiding places.  Beavers hesitated to rebuild their damns.  Mother bears lingered near their caves in case they needed to rush their cubs to safety.  A woodpecker after taking in his surroundings, tapped out a rhythmic tune on the trunk of a tree. “It is safe to return, the worst has past,” it said. 

Folami was furious with herself.  She completely lost control of her emotions. She never wanted the high god to know how much his decision hurt.  She was filled with so much anger and bitterness, that she was blind to the destruction she was causing.  Now the animals feared her.  She could feel their confusion and tension. And she knew not how to soothe their anxiety. 

As they reached the other end of the forest, Ayotunde, Temitope expected the worst.  They did nothing to stop Folami’s fury as they too shared in her despair.

So they felt equally guilty for what they were about to see.  What they saw instead was great beauty.  Land beyond the forest was always dry and barren no matter how much rain it saw in a season.  This time was different. 

The once dry land was now filled with foliage and the river that was once a trickle, now roared with energy and teamed with life. What the sisters saw before them was a gift.  The high god turned their pain into joy for others.  They watched as the animals flocked to the abundance of water and partook of nature at its finest. 

Ayotunde, Temitope and Folami sat down upon the soft, brown soil at the river’s edge. Ayotunde looked upon her younger sisters.  It shamed her to know that Folami had taken on the role of older sibling.  The lines that resided under Folami’s eyes belonged on an older woman.  She kept so much inside.  “No wonder she erupted!” said Ayotunde to herself.  “It’s time to change that.” 

Closing their beautiful, dark eyes, they stopped and listened to sounds that surrounded them.  The cry of the flying hunter as it called to its mate.  The splash of hippos bathing.  The beat of the water as it slapped against the shore.  

Slowly they began to feel lighter.  As if a weight was being lifted from their hearts.  Their once cluttered minds began to clear.  Fatigue had taken hold and the sisters felt themselves falling both body and soul into a deep slumber.  It was there that they heard a voice… 

“Little sisters, little sisters, please do not despair.  What you have been asked to do is considered a great privilege.  We love you and will never forget you.  When the time is right, you will return to us and we will be waiting for you with open arms. Our love is infinite.  Never forget.” 

Jumping up, the sisters were shocked to see that it was nearly night fall.  As the last of the sun’s rays spread across the sky, they watched in awe as Yemoja, the mother goddess, orisa of water, moved across the huge river towards them.  Hovering before them, the sun’s light passed through her and surrounded her; causing her to glow as if her inner light had pushed its way through.  Her slender form and flowing garb made her look as if she was one with the water she was known for.  Looking down upon the sisters with a gentle smile, the mother goddess spoke.  “Never forget,” and blinked out of sight. 

***

The sisters began their trip back to the tribes that they helped to build.  It would be a half day’s journey back to the village and they have been gone for three days.  The trip back home was a silent one.  Though their hearts were lighter, each sister was deep in thought. 

Ayotunde wanted to strengthen her role as older sister by keeping them all on the right path.  Temitope wondered about the misfortune that awaited them and the tribe.  And Folami picked up her steps in anticipation.  Something awaited her and she was more than ready to see what it is.  

 

***

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

 

Mari e laipe!

See you soon!

 

S-

ORUN - THE BETRAYAL

Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)

 

The story of Orun continues…

Ayotunde was confused by what she just heard. 

Temitope shook her head in denial.

Folami clutched her hands together.  The anger that churned within her was trying to claw its way out.  She no longer questioned the emotions she experienced.

“I do not understand.” murmured Temitope.  “You promised that we would return home once we accomplished this latest task.” said Ayotunde.  Folami stayed silent.

Noting Temitope and Ayotunde’s distress and Folami’s uncharacteristic silence, Olodumare responded.  “My sisters, I apologize for breaking my promise to you, but your work here is not yet done.” “Not done?” Folami finally answered with an angry whisper.  “It has been 100 years since you sent us here; longer than we’ve ever spent with any tribe.  One hundred years since we’ve brought the Ina and awọn dudu together.  One hundred years of the love, admiration and respect that you so richly deserve from your people.” Folami continued sarcastically. “Tell me Father, what is left to be done?  We have been away for so long that we no longer know our true selves!”

Ignoring the tone in Folami’s voice, the high god, started again.  “Sisters, I have seen the future.  A calamity awaits the Ina and awọn dudu.  One that you may be able to save them from, should you all stay on your path.” The high god looked them all in the eyes, but his sight rested upon Folami the longest. If anger was a tangible thing she would have held it in her hands.

Olodumare was taken aback by the change in them.  So much emotion should not come from goddesses and yet he felt despair, loneliness and bitterness; very human feelings indeed.  If there was another way, the high god would have made a different choice.  Perhaps send others to continue in their stead.  But it was too late to place others in their place.  A decision he would later regret.

“All your work will soon be in jeopardy.  The Ina and awọn dudu will stray and so will one of you.” He whispered. “But this future has not been set sisters.  You have it within your power to adjust this course.  I ask that you return to Aye and fight to change this future. Or not only will you fail your people, but fail yourselves as well.”

Resignedly, Temitope answered.  “High God.  It is obvious that we have lost the option of choice as well as our freedom.  What once was duty now feels like a prison.”  “Tell us father,” continued Ayotunde, “How much longer are we expected to stay here?”

With a conscience rarely seen, the high god looked upon them with sadness, “Until the broken has been fixed, the wrong has been righted, and the dark is brought into the light.”

“That will be forever!” yelled Folami just as they found themselves back on Aye. At the top of Mount Ase, the sisters, Temitope and Ayotunde held each other tight. Tears trickled down their eyes.  They may never see their loved ones again.  Folami marched away.  They did not bother to call her back.  They watched as her temper began seething and rolling above her head like clouds during the darkest of thunderstorms.

 

They watched as lightening hit the ground by her feet, blackening the soil before them.  Huge rain drops fell to the Earth dousing the forest floor in seconds.  The sisters did not fear her wrath for they too shared in her pain. 

Folami raged for a long time before she thought of the destruction she had unleashed upon the land.  Filled with guilt and remorse, Folami reeled in her anger and the storm. Looking upon her sisters, she reached for their hands and spoke. “Let us begin.”

***

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

Mari e laipe!

See you soon!

 

S-