Idowu Ogbo (For Mom) Poem by Bolami lawal

Poor daughter of an humble homage (ise se wo ju ole)
You who stood to upturn the old adage;
'A tree will not make a forest they say'
But idowu was a mighty tree,
More than a tree she was a mighty forest.
A little star whose brightness
Compared the moon
A child born before
The lighter days
Of a typical African heritage
She had no share of the white alliance
Yet; in wisdom she's compared to a genius
She was born fair; but
Darkened by long toil in the sun
Sailing alone upon the frightening sea
From ikorodu to ebute ero; and
Serving with scarce humility
That others may eat and lavish
Still, you stood your ground,
Standing firm upon your feet
Like three men in one
You took your freedom and smiled at love
A smile that spanned awhile.
You were the first of seven wives,
Having to labour for seven children
Even then, you let nothing stand on your way
You live in the dark ages; but
In your foresight lies your strength
You sold your wrappers to give the life you never had
You went hungry to see your children filled
Even when they were fed;
You slaved to save for their future
Their happiness was all you cared to see.
You are a jewel;
One of great and inestimable worth
You touched my my heart in that special way,
Queen of my heart;
You are compared to none.
Now that the days are brighter;
Ride with pride; and ease in grace
Smilling still;
For a job well done!