Poem: Iya Mi Owon (My Dear Mother)
Iya Mi Owon is a
poem titled in Yoruba which translates to “My Dear Mother”. The poem
describes the efforts and sacrifices made by a mother to ensure the
success of her children. This poem appreciates the efforts of every
mother; they are the real superheroes.
Iya Mi Owon By Ramon Yusuf
The deity that needs no palm oil
The pillar moulded without no soil
The heiress of Ileke
Her sacrifices are nothing compared to thousands of Ileke
The one who doesn’t condemn her child
When the world sees a shild
She tells ’em, leave am
Monkey no fine, ’im mama like am (pidgin)
She could have easily bought clothes…
Wrappers, blouses, gowns, and coats
But she chose to have two
So, her children can look good too
…“Black and Shine”…
…“Fresh and Fine”…
Are comments from foes and friends
But no one cares about the one who fends
Abiyamo,
Ku oro omo…
Ani e ba mi ki iya mi
The one who back and fed me
After a balanced 3-square meal
We still cry a great deal
Craving for biscuits and sweets
Unbothered about mama wey never eat (pidgin)
Her children’s education is a must
Even if she has to pass through the worst
Her favourite words are classical
“Te mi o ba ka, eyin gbodo ka”
Certainly, orisa biya kosi
Eni ti o she bi iya mi ko si
Iya mi owon,
May Eledumare ba mi ke o
Translations
*Abiyamo: Simply means maternity, but used to
describe a woman who strives to take care of her children.
*Ku oro omo: This is an acknowledgement of the
efforts of the mother on her children.
*Ani e ba mi ki iya mi: This means “help me say
appreciate my mother”
*Te mi o ba ka, eyin gbodo ka: “If I don’t read, you
must read”
*Orisa biya kosi: “There is no deity like a
mother”
*Eni ti o she bi iya mi ko si: ’There is no one that
can replace my mother”
*Iya mi owon: “My dear mother”
*Eledumare: God