DOPPELGANGER

     Once upon a time, there lived a great king. The king was once a prince, and the prince was a man of integrity. The prince became a king, and the king was once a prince.

© el-iyanu

CASTLE OF MY THOUGHTS

Put my life on hold to chase the dream

Only to find out I didn't make the team

But you'll hear about me,

On their lips like dollar bills.

At times like these I miss my brother,

Without a word, we share emotions.

You should understand

There are things I can't stand

They said it's too late for me,

But God is always there for me.

Put it all on hold 

Cos I want to strike gold

But it's like I'm getting old

Don't mind being of use

But I mind being used

I really

do mind being used.

I'm going to a place

Time cannot replace

Leave it all on the pitch, I'm a beast

Take it outside, I'm a monster

Only want me when you need me

I'm exclusive, you should always read me

Don't choke me with your love

Don't care for you that much

The tightest now feel like strangers

Like I let go, a lone ranger

Found hatred in what I love

A puzzle I'm trying to solve

I stayed away

Don't come my way

The rich thrive

The poor survive

They become strong

Necessary, creative

Somehow became a mirror

So I could see myself

Gave you all, 

Held nothing back

Now it's time for me

Don't let me cheat myself.

Heart breaks in a million pieces

Busy picking up the fragments

Biggest failure

Greatest success

Sometimes I'm too hasty

But a kind word is ever tasty

 

I'm like an iroko

Put them on the hot seat

Like a million-dollar quiz.

You won my heart,

I really can't shout.

To leave my way free of bother

To live a life filled with wonder..

© el-iyanu

I LET A MAN DOWN

I let a man down

Hid myself like one out of town

Been a long time coming

But had to help myself

I let a man down

I let a man down to help myself

Promised to help but I helped myself

I'm away now, alone myself

I let a man down like out of town..

© el-iyanu

A COLLECTION OF EXCRUCIATING THOUGHTS

So God bless or a million bucks,

Which one would you take?

Fear a man with a single dream

He's more dangerous 

than a man with a million bucks

I demand the freedom to live my life

If you love me, you'll let me be

I'm like the horse you take to the river

But you can't force me to drink water

I've been used like a donkey

But it's time to run, don't hold me back

It's been on my mind 

Don't like feeling this unkind

Wish I went and said this loud and clear

But I always thought my silence you'd hear

For I think I'm losing you, I fear

But I don't think it's something you hear

In a dark room writing to myself

About the things I'm feeling myself

I feel indeed as you feel

Is it because I don't speak?

I know the world is twice as hard for you

But you're making it hard for me too

Cherish the women in your life

They're special creatures

What a man cannot take from you

A woman will accept times two

In a dark room writing to myself

About the things I'm feeling to myself

I feel indeed as you feel yourself

Is it because I don't speak myself?

For I think I'm losing you, you hear?

But I don't think it's something you fear

I'm like the horse you take to the river

But you can't force to drink the water

I've been used like a donkey

But it's time to run, sorry

And it's never about the money

It's been on my mind from time to time

But I don't like feeling this unkind

And I don't always say what's on my mind

Hoping as I act the truth you'd find

Wish I went and said this loud and clear

But I always thought my silence you'd hear

For I think I'm losing you, I fear

But I don't think it's something you hear

In a dark room writing to myself

About the things I'm feeling to myself

I feel indeed as you feel yourself

Is it because I don't speak myself?

II.

I love it when you say to me, Sonny

The future is bright, don't you worry

Even if it doesn't look it

I like it when you do it

But can't eat your cake and have it

For these days I be looking stupid

You forcing me to keep busy

These things don't come easy

A slow boil, things sizzle

You may think I'm evil

And want to prove to me

Like take authority over me

But I've turned this right and left

And it's not pleasing to my self

I think I but have a right

To choose where to invest my time

But I won't be right in your eyes

It's sad to see the story go

But this is just how it goes

Forgive me this dice I throw

But this is how I roll

I think you lost me this time

Pushed me too far this time

But I think it ends just fine

It'll take me out far n wide

Out the comfort zone I sit

Away from the places where I sleep

I'll cheer for you on the sidelines

I'm for you no matter the sidelines

But there are lines we don't cross

And times we need read between the lines

But it's all good

I'm in a good mood

Maybe it's punishment for my sins

Maybe I should have said nothing

But it's how I feel

And it's hurting me

To be wild and free

Nothing stopping me

And I heard some pride is left

I can't leave that unchecked

© el-iyanu

THE SPIRIT OF A MOTHER

An ode to the spirit of a mother

Never give up, she says, my son

Never say die, she says, my love.

Her love is unconditional

And she's wise to the subtle matters

She'll fight till death to save her own

Break the lion's fangs to reclaim her own

She knows the faults of all her own

And covers great flaws with all her love

She's so bright, she's like a dove

O how much I love her so!

I raise a song to the love of motherhood

That bond that stays without a cord

And bears great pains without a word

That nine months of patience

O, of blessed peace—

Fatherhood, how much you miss out in!

Let her be blessed beyond measure

To live her life without terror

And may God cover all her errors.

Amen

© el-iyanu

(For my mum and Tosin's mum, and all the beautiful mothers in the world.)

THE BIRD AND THE LOVE CAGE

I'm a bird and what I do is fly

Not in a cage, but rather fly so high

I know you care, but something's between you and I

I'm not a bird that hunts the shallow seas

I'm the eagle that fights the fearsome storms

I'm in the rank of God's own sons!

Believe in me too

As much as you believe those you look up to

I may be young but I'm not senseless

I keep things from you for you hold me back

Not in spite, but like you care too much

And it's true, I'd rather not have such

Feeling like a bird in a golden cage

You should believe in me too

At times, it's a drain speaking to you

No lies, I tell you the truth

I'd rather be like Ruth

But like a flute,

I fear I'm being played the fool

And it's like you don't believe my truth

I'm the wing that belongs to the open skies

Not some thought to be caged by fears

Hounded by doubts, falling to insecurities

It's like you do me disservice

I'm down for you and that's the truth

But for now, just let me be

Free to feel and free to be,

Free to feel and free to be. Me.

© el-iyanu

FORTITUDE

They say in life you need some fortitude

How you respond to setback

It shows your attitude

Whether we're bitter or show some gratitude

Or we fall back and show some latitude

Don't let failure get to your head

They're better days ahead!

(It's why in life, you need some fortitude!)

Don't let success get to you

They're better days ahead

(It's why in life you need some attitude!)

Hear, I'm not a man inclined to stress

I would have given up before starting at first

But mother encouraged me to push on a bit

And I must confess, I sure enjoyed the feat

But it turns out it wasn't for me

Alas, it wasn't meant to be

But God worked it out for me

And brought the glory down for Him

For God works in mysterious ways

And blesses his people in glorious ways

If God comes for friends, he comes for you

It's never the end, believe, it's true!

It's why we need an attitude of gratitude

And his strength to give us some fortitude

See, I'm a man set in my ways

Stubborn as a mule on any good day

But God is the egg that breaks the rock

And the true shepherd that guides his flock

The days he changes to his will

That his children may have their fill

He makes the rivers out of dry ground

To wipe their faces of all frowns

Every situation bears his seal

That his children do not in vain till

Still on course he keeps their wheel

And his presence they all but feel

As his mighty hands to raise them

As their coffers he comes to fill

The hand of God we can't deny

For on him do we rely

No matter what the fates imply

Only on God do we rely!

Blessings upon his gracious people

Whose heart feel the move of God's pulling

Whose spirit is supple

Whose actions are graceful

Their generosity most subtle

Shall we forget those who took us up like donkeys?

Who despite positions remain humble

Who put in the yards to make things come through

I pray God's blessings upon his people

And having friends, isn't it wonderful?

So let's fight together to reach the top

But at the end of the day

It's love that never gives up!

© el-iyanu

WHAT I LOVE

Do what I love

Let the money enough

Some think

That it's never enough

Some act weak 

but inside they tough

Some act strong

but inside they soft

The bat in the cave

And new to this game

I can tell you

That it's never the same

We're like titans

We're stronger than pain

Above things that 

Wanna drive us insane

Do what I love

Let the money enough

Some think that

It's never enough

I can tell you

That it's ever enough

Some act weak 

but inside they tough

Some act strong

but inside they soft

The bat in the cave

And new to this game

I can tell you

That it's never the same

We're like titans

We're stronger than pain

Above things that 

Wanna drive us insane

Fighting a battle

At war with myself

Seeing the future 

In the shadow of the past

I attempt 

from love's sickness to fly..

© el-iyanu

IN MY MOUTH

 In my mouth was a song

Of praise to my God

With thanks upon my tongue

I come before my Lord

© el-iyanu

DON'T LET ME

 Don't let me tell you

 what I've been through

Or the lengths I went to

Deepest rivers and majestic silence

Like danger, it's palpable

Silence that haunts and stalks

Like the wild beasts of the Amazon

Crouching tigers and hidden dragons

Don't let me say what I've been through

Some in life will think you've

Had it easy. But you're silent

You have your reasons

Like your thoughts you've

Kept imprisoned

Just so your heart could fly

All the stories you buried (deep)

So one day your mind could sprout

Don't let me tell you

The things I went through

Just so my mind will sprout

I've always had 

My God and a warm bed

And a family for me that cares

I give thanks for the life I've had

It's also made me who I am

All the things I went through

And the times that God came through

All the scars I carry

And times behind I tarried

Just yesterday was a great day I

Wouldn't speak of

Maybe tomorrow I'll later pick up

But don't let me

Tell you things I've been through

Everyone has what they go through

I only pray it doesn't create more brutes

This much, I can tell you

Don't let me tell you

The things I went through

Just so my mind will sprout

Deepest rivers and majestic silence

Like danger, it's palpable

Silence that haunts and stalks

Like wild beasts of the Amazon

Crouching tigers and hidden dragons

Don't let me say what I've been through

Or even the lengths I went to...

© el-iyanu

THIS IS ME

This is me, all of me,

No hidden measures.

I like to hide

Deep down like hidden treasures

Sometimes I sing

And sound 

like broken records

But this is me

All of me, no hidden measures

And I really like to hide

Deep down like hidden treasures

I'll take

a step back 

When things

Come to a head

And I'd rather not be

In a race to be ahead

I'd rather not be in 

a place of comfort

And I don't pray

To ever be overconfident

Forgive me 

if I talk up myself

I always zone out

Need a place to digress

Whether I'm too laid

Back or too relaxed

I always zone out

Need a place to digress

Leaving

the things that need doing

Always zone out

Need a place to digress

Treating myself like I'm in danger

Protecting myself

Like some spoilt brat:

Zone out—

Need space to digress

I'll do it, let me be

I won't do it, let me be

I may not do it, let me be

I may do it, let me be

This is me, all of me

I like to hide, deep down deep

Like hidden treasures

Sometimes I sing

And sound

Like broken records

But this is me, all of me

No hidden measures..

©  el-iyanu

WHEN I SPOKE TO THE RIVERSIDE

When I spoke to the riverside

I told him my fears

If the river was an ocean,

I would have shed some tears

Insecurities running through my head 

Like a car changing all its gears

Dangerous to be concerned, my Lord said

What men think of you, I heard

But I couldn't help but think

What they said about me

These were people who mattered—

This was someone who mattered

If I've fallen on my face like a buffoon

And my intentions been miscontrued

But when I spoke to the riverside

I told him my fears

Don't really be concerned, he said, my dear

What people think of you is not the truth

Maybe they matter, and you're just a youth

But you be yourself, you do your thing

They might come around and see your deal

And respect you for all you do

When I spoke to the riverman, 

He told me, my fears

Do not really matter, my dear

And I've known before

Because the Word told me

And in a new light I came to see

That good things we know, we should do

That we may become the light we seek

I've known these a long time ago

Looking deep into the face of the River

He spoke to me a long time ago

But cold with my fears, I did shiver

But when I spoke to the riverside

He told me — my fears 

Don't really matter, my friend...

Just go out there and do your thing

Close your eyes and believe, don't blink

Into your heart, let it sink

What people think about you, don't think

And you'll see yourself achieving wonders

Your light going out to all and yonder

Believe in yourself and ponder

God's gift to you, abundant

And His strength of will in accordance

 For all you do, my brother

Your holes of doubt, do squander

And believe in God, my sister..

With Omidina Ismail Adeyemi

CRONOS (African Saturn)

Let's talk about Saturn, the passing of time

Of gods who eat their children alive

Let's talk about Nigeria—

About the gods

who eat their children alive

Time has passed 

But nothing changed

People died

But nothing changed

Let's talk about Nigeria

And the gods

who eat her children alive

Zeus was a king like no other

Daring his father to save his brothers

O Kronos, the great Saturn, 

He ate his children alive

Even if we had a Zeus to save us

We can't bring back those who died

Poseidon and Hades 

came back to rule

But we can't bring back to life

all those who died

Let's talk about Saturn 

the passing of time

And of the gods

who eat their children alive...

Vain is it to trust in human leaders,

I'll rather trust my God for life.

© el-iyanu

THE SEARCH FOR SELF

The search for self

Like tales of ancient elves

The winds blow so freely

And men sigh so freely

Man searches for himself

Help him find himself

He is lost in his thoughts

Lost in his unfulfilled dreams 

Lost in his former glory days 

He reminds himself of the good old days

He forgets about progression 

He doesn't remember the next step

The search for self

Like tales of ancient elves

The winds blow so freely

And men sigh so freely

Man searches for himself

Help him find himself

Help him to understand 

That there's ever room for failure 

Help him to think 

Of the way forward

Help him to find 

His purpose once more

The search for self

Like tales of ancient elves

The winds blow so freely

And men sigh so freely

Man searches for himself

Help him find himself

Help him find himself

Remind him of himself

What it feels to be him

You don't have to be mean

Help him to find 

His purpose once more..

Onadipe-Shalom Paul

Tokede Opeyemi

I WISH I COULD

I wish I could talk to you 

Clear your mind and put you through

I wish I could talk to you 

Many things I wish you knew

 I wish I could talk to you 

The things I see you do 

 Why I like you I don't know

 But I wish to see you grow

 I wish I could talk to you 

 Clear your mind and put you through

 I wish I could talk to you 

 Many things I wish you knew... 

 © el-iyanu