Now we gather by the fireside
Waiting for yams to roast
Warming our hands in the heat
On this evening, cool and mild

The dreams we wait to dream
The waiting pillow beckoning
The tales in hopes of telling
And a joyful evening it seems

The hot day had gone up those hills
Releasing a warm blanket
Bought in the busy Orie market
To shade all from Night’s will

To my little pieces of paper
Hanging here and there
I gather with extreme care
Getting ready a story to prepare

And today was gone like before
Running away from me
Though why, I could not see
Croaky frogs outside bother me more

Then a short prayer I knee to say
Oh Dear Lord, keeper of my soul
I come before Thee with my folklore
Let my tales be for Thy Glory I pray

***

Note: Orie market: Generally Orie is one of the market days in many parts of Igbo land. Market days in Igbo land include Orie, Eke, Nkwo and Afor. In my hometown, the market centre bears the name Oriendu- a market that buys and sells in intervals of 8days.