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Random Thoughts from Asa’s “Eye Adaba”

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These days, as we rise from the morning devotion, here in Makurdi, I am amazed at the beauty conferred on the clear, blue sky by the season. Six AM here feels like 8AM in Lagos, and I usually fight the temptation to buzz my Lagos-based friends and associates so early on their phones. Thanks to the Internet, living far away from home could have been more of a soul-torture. Every day, I read about wars, and rumours of war. We hear of several strange occurrences across our nation Nigeria and the world in general. In all these things, God continues to keep us.

Asa’s track, “Eye Adaba”, from her first album is a tranquillizer of sorts. Even those who do not understand the Yoruba language know this as a fact. Literally interpreted as “Dove”, it is a solemn, introspective prayer; one of hope and sincere yearning for peace. Here goes:

Oju mo ti mo/ Oju mo ti mo mi [I wake up at dawn, as it dawns upon me]
Ni le yi o, o/ Oju mo ti mo, mo ri re o [In this Land, it’s dawn, I see hope…]

Eye adaba, eye adaba [Dove, dove]
Eye adaba ti n fo l’oke l’oke [Dove that flies far above the sky]
Wa ba le mi o, o [Come, descend on me]
Oju mo ti mo, mo ri re o [It’s dawn, I see hope]

E wi ki m’gbo se [Please, sing for me again]

I love the symbolism; the extensive use of the dove as a metaphor for many things good. The dove represents peace and good tidings. It is also associated with innocence, gentleness, faith, marital affection, reliability, and divine guidance. After the flood in the Biblical days of Noah*, a dove returned to him with an olive branch in its beak.

It’s another working day, and the daily cycle continues, even as the year is fast coming to an end. Perhaps, turmoil is set lose in the hearts of many; unreached targets and annoying delays nib at our finger tips, and toe tips. Stings from past mistakes linger and threaten to destroy our peace.

Today, choose to see hope. I see hope. I see peace. Believe in all things good, and say a word of prayer for all that is wrong about you, your relatives, strangers you would not normally care about, and our dear nation Nigeria. May He guide our leaders right and ingrain the truth in our hearts.

Asa’s poetry brings nature close to home and points at the precious, little things, simple blessings, and moments we often overlook in the chaos that surrounds us each day. Let this song be to you a constant reminder that there is always hope, new possibilities and miracles waiting, just around the corner. Suicide is not the solution to your predicament. May we find renewal in the silence of our minds. Shallom!

*Genesis 8

Listen to Asa’s “Eye Adaba” here: [audio:https://www.bellanaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Asa-Eye-Adaba.mp3|titles=Asa – Eye Adaba]
Photo credit: Andrea Palmucci
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Gbenga Awomodu is an Editorial Assistant at Bainstone Ltd./BellaNaija.com. When he is not reading or writing, Gbenga is listening to good music or playing the piano. He believes in the inspirational power of words and pictures, which he explores in helping to make the world a better place. He blogs at Gbenga’s Notebook (www.gbengaawomodu.com).

Digital Content Strategist | Creative Writer. Copy Editor. Storyteller. Vocalist. Amateur Pianist. Spoken Word Poetry recording artiste. Lover of Words & Images. #ArsenalFC. Twitter: @gbengaawomodu

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