AT LEAST WE CAN STILL DANCE

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AT LEAST WE CAN STILL DANCE

By Morack Akin-David. 

We grew to know of a very important cultural festivity in the land of my nativity, Ijesa-Isu Ekiti. It is called, Olikooyo, a spectacular performance where virile young men display in a ceremonial wrestling, while they sing the theme song, Olikooyo o, O koriko, Olikooyo o O koriko, Olikooyo ó, O koriko with the traditional dance that synchronizes with the rhythm produced by the slamming together of two short palm fronds, held in both hands of the participants. 

It is a symbol of victory, triumph, peace, and unity. This weekend, despite the pressure and tensions all around, we can still find a reason to sing and dance, as we chant this bumpy lyrical poetry. Olikooyo

Olikooyo
Festival of agility
In the land of my nativity
Where are all the virile men…
Come forth to the fore

Olikooyo
Festival of courage, yes…of tact
Boast not till we reach the square 
And like the proverbial cat 
Your back touches not the ground

Olikooyo
My father…yes…your father too
Young…agile… and full of bones, 
 Romanced the rhythm of unity
Chanting: Olikooyo… Okoriko…

Olikooyo
Festival of harmony and of love
When shall we beat the drum again… 
To regain the ancient spirit of unity
That kept our fathers knitted together

Olikooyo
A  clarion call to defend our nation 
To fight against these evil beasts
That have besieged our farmlands 
And to chase out all demons in power

Olikooyo
To our founding fathers…kudos!
They fought to the right… to the left
With trophy of victory… they danced
Chanting: Olikooyo… Okoriko…

Olikooyo
Arise…O people of our fatherland 
And uphold the beauty of our unity
So that with one spirit of brotherhood
We all shall live in peace all our days 

Morack Akin-David
Poet. Biographer. Ghostwriter.

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