Initiation (in The Footsteps Of Ifekandu) | Ifeanyichukwu Onwughalu

on a red warm soil
deep in the woods,
priestess offers her libation,
rites of initiation:
egg,
nzu,
camwood,
oilbean,
and I address...

o priestess!
toss them in the forte of Ukpaka Oto;
call forth my unsung warrior:
young stem harvested before prime;
nna m ochie e i!
akpokue m gi!
for I am beholden to my ancient's craft.

great Ifekandu!
though you are far away I feel you;
vein of veins that go back to many origins;
though you are far away I call on you,
acolyte to his forebear,
hear my call!

let me meander through the halo of your
greenery -
ikpo achala:
bamboo paths,
to the banks of Idoto,
where you stood, there I stand,
lost in the headwind of your seduction

pass me the palmwine,
gourds lined before us,
let me partake in the ritual of Idoto;
whirlwind,
chorusing in kinship chords,
transfixed,
intoxicated,
one-legged dance to the gods;
your chi tapping ogene,
mine thumping the drum,
in a pulsating convocation!
initiated.

let us re-enact the gospel of transfiguration:
one hut for you,
one for Oligolu,
and other for Ezeokigbo;
homage of progenitors
maternal linkages
incarnation reborn.

your pilgrimage ended abruptly,
my minstrel begins in full bloom;
my art,
rising with the sun;
free spirit:
relay ran to the full,
resonate to the present,
ancient musings come alive.

out of the abundance of your lucidity,
let us drink to our full;
whatever comes with this art,
let us eat and pass it on
for we are your fandom,
in the footsteps of your legend.

Poet's note: Essentially, this poem is a tributary to my late uncle and mentor, Christopher Ifekandu Okigbo. Like one would ordinarily call on one's maker for direction and inspiration, this is a call on him to keep inspiring in us his art for a better world. The setting is Ojoto, my native town, my root and reference is made to the two iconic locations Ukpaka Oto and Idoto River. It also showcases part of our tradition, culture and description of our rural environment. Perhaps, it is envisaged that this poetic talent derived from him would, through his relatives, be passed on to generations to come.