Moremi

In ancient land, —A realm of kings and queens, A tale of courage, sacrifice, and love, unfolds unseen. A noble hunter, —Moremi, with heart of lion’s might, Became the cherished queen of Oduduwa’s ancient light. The kingdom thrived —In commerce, wealth, and sacred power, But shadows crept from darkened woods, in haunting hour. The Ugbo hordes, —With raffia guise, brought terror to the fray, And women, children, borne away, in night, by fear were swayed. A desperate plea, —A mother's heart, to save her cherished land, To river goddess, wise and old, Moremi did command: "Great spirit! Hear my humble cry! I vow to pay the cost! If by your hand, my people's fate, from doom, is not yet lost." A plan was forged, —A daring scheme, to free the stolen kin, The queen, in beauty, as a lure, her freedom to rescind. Within the Ugbo king's dark realm, —She learned their secret ways, A wary smile, a whispered oath, for freedom's dawning days. Her essence strong, her courage true, —She made her daring flight, Back to her love, her cherished home, to face the coming fight. With wisdom gleaned, —And heart of fire, she armed her faithful kin, To face the Ugbo hosts in battle, a victory to win. The kingdom's wrath, —Like storm released, did vanquish cruel Ugbo raid, And in the aftermath of strife, a people stood, remade. A nation forged in Moremi's flame, —Her love and sacrifice, An epic tale of ancient days, where honour paid the price. Yet, fate's cruel hand still lingered near, —A debt yet left to claim, For in the halls of ancient gods, great vows remain the same. To Esimirin's flowing depths, —The queen did journey forth, A mother's tears, a broken heart, the cost of love, and worth. Her son, her only cherished child, —The spirit's price, now due, A sacrifice, in times of old, as gods and mortals drew. Moremi's song of courage, —Love, and tears for love foresworn, Echoes through the ages past, a tale of Yoruba born. In halls of legend, —Where heroes dwell, and tales of valour shine, The queen of courage, heart of gold, eternal shall enshrine. Moremi, mother, lover, queen, —Thy name shall never fade, For in thy sacrifice and love, a nation's soul was made.