I waited… Ajadi…

For lovers of poetry…and those who can’t stand it.

Àjàdí mi, I waited for you but you never came

You left with the promise of your return

Àjàdí my warrior…

The day the war started was a sad day

You told me not to worry, that the war wouldn’t last

And I believed you

But you were wrong Àjàdí…

You never were, but this time, you were wrong

Àjàdí, the day the letter arrived was worse than the news of the war

I looked into your eyes… ‘what did the letter say?’, my eyes must have asked

Àjàdí, you smiled sadly like the warrior you are

I must fight, you said

The leaders had summoned you

Àjàdí, you refused to run away with me

A warrior never runs, you say

You left…you went to battle

Àjàdí! You left with your father’s sword

You said it would bring you luck

You left me with your mother’s ring

You said it would bring me comfort

Àjàdí, I wore the ring, I still do

I also wear that locket, the one I gave to you

You gave it back to me to hold,

You said Àjàdí always comes back for what is his

But Àjàdí…you never did

Your beautiful smile is still etched in my mind

Your warm embrace, I clearly remember

I still wear the locket close to my heart

The very spot I kept you…

But I must go now

Àlàó has come to marry me…

Farewell Àjàdí Iko omo olokun esin