By Toheeb Jamiu
ÒGÙN ÌSÒYE¹
I have dipped three right fingers
After index finger into three rivulets
That house three pebbles atop three rocks
Beneath three mounts __
The coven of three witches
It must be smashed into three
It must be crashed into three
It must be dashed into three
Thirty-three incisions on my forehead
Thirty-three incisions on my cervix
Each three must stand three three
When I hearken back two of the three,
I remember to forget the last ingredient
It is not Kúlúso², I am reminded by Ewé Ìyéyè³
Nor Amúnimúyè⁴, Èràn¹¹ assuredly prompts me
But, the three witches instructed me thrice
I need to bethink the Èlò¹²
For, I need to remember not to forget
The crest of a crowing cock
Ose Dudu¹³ succeeds it
The last, Eyin Aiye¹⁴?!
Have I forgotten?
Perhaps, I will tell but not today
Not tomorrow
Nobody tells all he knows.
¹ A magical portion or powder used to permanently invigorate the brain to attain academic excellence in school.
² A tiny insect that digs small holes in the sand.
³ A type of leave which forms part of items used for the preparation of Isoye portion.
⁴ It is a plant that controls one’s consciousness. It makes one to easily recall what one has learnt.
¹¹ This is a type of plant which is best known for its transplantation.
¹² This refers to the different items or ingredients used to prepare Isoye.
¹³ Pounded black coloured soap traditionally used for bathing or cleansing one’s head or palms.
¹⁴ A body of powerful unseen forces.