Yoruba Incantation Against the Vampires

YORUBA INCANTATION AGAINST THE VAMPIRES.


Oh you Titans of the other world
Oh you the legend of the unseen
I rise my voice up on to you today
Hear me and accept my supplication;
Attention rules the life of house mouse,
When the loving mother hears her baby crying,
Does she not attend to it? Attend to me today.

You that clad on thousand garments
Yet none touches the ground;
Whose teeth make no noise,
You that eat child and crush its bone;
From the top you eat the bowl,
From the liver you devour the guts,
From the bottom you savour the bile ;
You promised that whosoever knows you
Him you shall spare, I know you,
Spare me, spare my children.

When you were learning how to fly,
On my branches you learned;
From my fruits you ate, so you vowed :
I shall spare you and spare yours; 
Remember this in your days of anger,
Spare me, spare my children.

Three things you do not eat :
You do not eat Sparrows,
You do not eat beads,
You do not eat from  ‘‘Obo trees’’;
I have Sparrows in my house,
Visit me not; I have beads in my waist,
Lay not your hand on me;
In my reservoir is bark of Obo tree,
Drink not from my pot;
Spare me, spare my children.

Hear this and spare me,
Hear this and spare my households;
We can’t know vampire’s name
And still become its prey.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Bateman Avatar
November 23, 2014 at 9:09 AM
KAYODE 5 . . . I really like the Yoruba Incantation Against the Vampires. A very interesting theme indeed here and a "7" from me and a FAV -- since I've written some dark theme too and always have an interest in these kinds of poetic writes!! Best Always, Gary
Kayode Avatar
November 23, 2014 at 10:19 AM
Yes Gary, my culture and tradition; I am happy you love it...huggs
Sivey Avatar
February 3, 2014 at 9:40 PM
This is such a unique write, and I enjoyed reading this delightful poem this evening! You have written an exquisite poem here my friend, what an amazing piece! Great Work!!
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace