Ụbọchị taa

Anam ede nke a

I gwa gị otu ụbọchim siri ga

I maram ka onye na achị atụrụ

Marakwa na enweghim ihe niile ichọrọ

Ụbọchị niile anam akpahara ọhịa

Na achọ ihe atụrụm ga eri

I mara na enweghi ihe na enyem

Obi ụtọ karia ndu mkpachara anya

O bụ nke a kam ji agwa gi,

I gwa gi otu ikem ha

Mana otu ihe m na ekwesi gi ike

Bu na m ga enye obi uto

M ga edu gi ga ebe di anya,

Ebe nanị mụ na gi ga ebi,

Ebe anyi ga agbanari anya ndi mmadụ,

Ebe anyi ga akụ ubi ma rie ya,

Anwụ ga a cha n’iru anyi.

Mmiri na asụ asụ ga abụ mmanya anyi!

Anụ mfe na ndi bi n’ọhịa ga abụ ihe nlere.

Ma mgbe chi ga eji,

Anyi ga edina, lekwasi kpakpando anya.

Mụ na gi ga akọ akụkọ abali,

Ma were obi ụtọ hiri ura.

Nke ka nke, obi ụtọ gi ga abụ uchem.

Learn Igbo language here.

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Commentary:

The Igbo language is known for its romantic heritage. The tribe is also celebrated for storytelling and traditions. This piece features a lover’s poetry, clearly showing the lover’s perspective through the poet’s eyes. The Igbo are a proud African people who express love both verbally and through actions. An English version is included below.

Translation:

Today

I write this piece

To tell how my day went

You knew me as a shepherd

And knew that I have no wealth

All day I go in search of forage

For my flock

You know nothing brings me joy

Than a simple life

That is why I beseech you

See how far my strength can go!

I assure you

Unlimited happiness

I will take you to the farthest land

Where we can make our abode

Where we can live without human troubles

Where we can farm and feed

And where the sun will shine

The waterfalls will supply our drink

The birds and the wild will be our muse

And when the night shall fall

We lie down to stare at the stars

We shall tell many tales

Cuddle and sleep with happiness

To end, your happiness is my aim