Wooing Ilaje Poem by Elvis Towolawi

Blown ashore
by the steer wind of passion
I have sought like a pilgrim
your face masked in faceless distance
Myths of your journey from Ife
seeking to vindicate royalty swapped
enboldened my feet and eyes
as I trace to the sea our star

So Ilaje weep no more
let your offsprings scattered across
the sandy shores of the south
bearing the zebra' stripes of your mark
bring you beads of succour and smiles
Let their soulful chatter break the silence that threatens to alienate you from the embrace of their warmth
fogged by the pangs of Mammon fins and scaly creatures

Still as roosting fowls we shall return to your border to genuflect at Ugbo