Ihe Na Aso Uso (That Which Is Sweet To The Tongue) Poem by Emmanuel Joseph Olumakiss

(Igbo Translation)

Onye rijuo afo taa
Ochefuo n' echi ya-abia
Otufoo ihe ya na chi ya kpala

Onye chowa ihe di ya mkpa
Obido tikuwe chi ya mkpu
Na oke oru

Obu mmadu kere gi?
Ka obu gi kere onwe gi?

Obu ihe gi na chi gi kpara?
Irapu oge ka oganari gi

Kedu ihe ibu na enwezuga chukwu?

Onye kpata aku:
Ochee na uwa ama ngu agu

Onye na amaghi chineke:
Ndu ya pere mpe

Ndi mpako!
Ndi ji uwa anya isi
Imakwa ihe?
Obu gi kere onwe gi?

Nwuribanu!
Na atu ndu mmanu
Ma chitekwa na:
Ihe na aso uso na egbu egbu.

(English Translation)

He that eat to his satisfaction today
Suddenly forgets that tomorrow will come
He throw to the bin that he already planned with his god

He that is desperately in need
Usually put more effort while seeking the face of God
Proclaiming His name with a high voice

Is it human that create you?
Are you the one that created yourself
Is it in line with the plan of God
To allow time to pass you by?

What would you become without God?

Anyone that embrace wealth
He suddenly felt that the world will never end
Whosoever that lack God
Has a limited life span

Men and women of Pride!
Those that boast with the world
Are you wise at all?
Now tell me are you the creator of yourself?

Rejoice!
Again I say: go on and on and celebrate
But remember whatsoever that is sweet to the tongue
is sometimes bitter as well.