by Dele Adeyanju
O thou king of body parts, custodian of linguistic resources
Seated in the oral cavity, projecting man’s values
Assuming different configurations with amazing speed
Wielding the power of life and death, exercising uncommonauthority
Giving meaning and substance to human existence
A marvellous gift thou art to mankind
Before thy throne, I tremble and bow
O thou tongue of mankind, definer of the human person
Paradoxical in acts but profound in influence
Messenger of peace but harbinger of war
Expert in orchestrating intrigues but specialist in settling disputes
Architect of successful revolutions but emperor in perpetrating despotism
A spring of life but a certificate of death
Before thy throne, I tremble and bow
O thou king among kings, unrivalled in exploits
Unbeatable in contests, indefatigable in judgement
Indescribable in wisdom, excellent in manipulating words
Revealer of innermost thoughts but concealer of golden truths
With thee, relationships are built but with thee, affinities areshattered
With thee, kings are enthroned but with thee, emperors aredethroned
Before thy throne, I tremble and bow
O thou most noble king, wielding creative powers
Carrier of great anointing that breaks great yokes
Possessor of powers of heaven and earth
With thee, dreams are interpreted and mysteries are demystified
By thy acts, the wall of Jericho collapsed and crumbled
With thee, Hezekiah’s life was lengthened by fifteen years
O Lord, deliver us and all ours from the scorch of the tongue
HAPPY NEW MONTH!
Dele Adeyanju
IYABODE OMOLARA AKEWO NWABUEZE 