Indeed, it was a strange story.
The story of Penny.
She came four times.
She left four times.
Each time she came,
There was joy.
Each time she left,
Tears rolled.
Each time, she was called Penny.
I knew her secret only on her fifth coming.
You see,
Penny was my little sister.
The fourth time she came,
I had stumbled and knocked the candle on her left big toe.
It was a small burn that healed well,
But left a mark.
I knew the shape and site of the mark,
For I was guilt ridden.
Then she left.
It was quite surprising
When the next time mother went into labour,
A girl bearing the same mark was born.
Penny came and left four times after that.
Each time bearing that mark.
Each time she left at the same age,
Two years and three months.
Mother had no more children after that.
Her womb tired and sealed by Penny,
Who visited no more
When mother’s flow dried.
It was a curious tale until I met Abeke,
Who explained
That we had been visited by an Abiku.
Image credit: Clker-free-vector images
Well that’s the last time I’ll be reading blogs in the middle of the night. The ending sent me straight underneath the covers. It’s still safe there. Love this.
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Lol…can’t stop laughing😂. Thank you. Thank you😂. Thank the good lord you found a safe place 😂.
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😂 Yeah. I’m very grateful about that as well.
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😃
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Life and death… the earth, the heavens and the underworld…all one…
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😊
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Woa! Let men talk of Wole Soyinka, J.P Clarke and Aweni Adams. You’re a goddess ma. I enjoyed reading this.
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I’m glad you enjoyed reading it Akewi. You are far too kind with your words. I wish I was on that level. I find your words very encouraging so I will never give up trying.
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Never! Never give up. Before you know it, you’re on that level. I’m honoured ma. Have a wonderful day.
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Beautiful poem. Is an abiku the same as obanjė?
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I think so. I think both terms loosely describes the child that comes and goes in different languages. Abiku in Yoruba and ogbanje in the Ibo language.
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Thought so. Beautiful poem😊
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Thank you Vee😉
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You’re welcome 😊
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😚
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A beautiful story. I don’t know the meaning of the names, but I like the sentiment of the story
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Thank you Miriam. Abiku is a terminology for a child that is given birth to then dies at a very young age ( usually less than 12 years) then comes again as a baby to the same woman. The cycle goes on and on. It is believed the child is an evil spirit sworn to disturb the woman/the family.
I am glad you like it.
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Yes, fascinating story. Thank you for sharing!
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You are welcome☺
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🙂 🙂
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Your blog is one of my most favorite blogs. I love a lot reading your write ups and nominated you for one lovely blog award. Do check it. ❤
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🕺I can’t believe it! I’m sooooo chuffed that you nominted me for this award😊. Thank you so very much Swati😚.
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Aweni you deserved it and it’s my pleasure to nominate you dear…. 🙂
Xoxo…
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Thank you again Swati. Wish you a fantastic week ahead..x
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😊
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This is a chilling and fascinating story! Excellent Aweni😄
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Thank you Tamara. I’m glad you think so.😚
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You’re quite welcome Aweni! 😄
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❤ thank you.
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