Woman enrobed in strength of love and sacrifice,

Your early years were spent in want and desire --

Braving the scorn and taunts of foes.

You worried and prayed in anguished tears

As bundles of joy tumbled out of fruitful wombs

While yours languished in barren dryness

In those early days of unkind infecundity.

But he stood firm and strong in patient love,

Your John, Oguguo -- the tall iroko.

Who has blazed a trail, seeking you out in your hamlet.

In loving wait, he kept faith for many a year

'Til kind Providence's favor rested on you

And removed your shame from among women.

And though he's gone, he is yet with you

As he lives on in those you jointly bore.

For, at last, they did come, one by one

And today, women bless themselves by you,

'Cos those latecomers of yours have waxed strong,

Bringing pride and glory.

So it will be for many a woman,

Who lives in patient wait till she can feel his pleasure.

Cheige, woman of Splendor, full of strength,

Mother mine, my boon companion in patience,

My faithful friend indeed and in need,

Who, in times of distress, counsels peace,

Your love is a garland of precious stones, 

A bouquet of roses whose fragrance lasts

And lasts, undying as your love.

Mother, full of love, vast and deep like ocean,

Now, you've grown old and frail and that is good.

Friends and family, true and tender, flock around,

Warming your old bones in requited love

of steady caring and that also is good

For the Lord has blessed you in truth.

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