SHADOW OF DEATH

Bí Ifá bá rẹ̀ ilé ọgbọ́n, Mà á yára gb’ẹ́rù màá tẹ̀le, Ènìyàn gọ̀ l’ágọ̀jù, Ó ṣe bí òhun gbọ́n.

Translation: Should Ifá go to the house of wisdom, I would hastily carry my load and follow, Man is foolish to stupor, Thinking as if he is wise.

I am Ènìyàn by name, From Adáríwurun’s ancient claim. Crafted on Eden’s sixth day, By the Master’s skillful hand to pray. My purpose: His worship alone, His kingship my charge, my throne. Set on high, o’er hills I reign, Naming all things in His domain. Beyond His aides, I reason bright, Bearing eternity’s sacred light.

Refrain: Bí Ifá bá rẹ̀ ilé ọgbọ́n, Mà á yára gb’ẹ́rù màá tẹ̀le, Ènìyàn gọ̀ l’ágọ̀jù, Ó ṣe bí òhun gbọ́n.

In my abode, a tempest grew, Planted by Him, in shadows new. It bloomed in tens, in hundreds spread, Nurtured blindly to my dread. By my hands, like a fallen star, Pleasant to eyes, yet deadly scar. Edible, sweet, but bitter within, A perfumed war where fates begin— A clash of destiny and my doom, Sprung from choices in the gloom.

Refrain: Bí Ifá bá rẹ̀ ilé ọgbọ́n, Mà á yára gb’ẹ́rù màá tẹ̀le, Ènìyàn gọ̀ l’ágọ̀jù, Ó ṣe bí òhun gbọ́n.

Alone, my senses held their sway, But with a helper, I went astray. Deceived by whispers, third-hand lies, From one who beguiles to my demise. Is His blessing now my curse? She led me from my home, perverse. In doubt’s depth, His spirit spoke: “Make a notion, break the yoke.” I chose amiss, I now confess, Swayed by a vessel of lesser finesse.

Refrain: Bí Ifá bá rẹ̀ ilé ọgbọ́n, Mà á yára gb’ẹ́rù màá tẹ̀le, Ènìyàn gọ̀ l’ágọ̀jù, Ó ṣe bí òhun gbọ́n.