Poem: Baba Lu Aye

Sickness comes
I better not scorn him
Babalu Aye
of the scortching hot winds of change
in body and perception
I'd better not scorn him.
Fevers and chills,
coughs, vomit, and pox,
pus, blood, and sores;
These are brouight by Baba
Baba Lu
Baba Lu Aye.

I am caught now in his thralls,
it is not wise to scorn him.
Baba Lu comes for a reason,
Baba Lu comes for cleansing,
Baba Lu comes for the change.
His hot dry winds sometimes hurt
and though I may not feel it,
I am not alone.
I am under the broom dress of Baba,
Baba Lu
Baba Lu Aye
sweeping through me
for reasons I cannot know
sickness for destiny even.

Ibashe Baba Lu Aye
though your presence may now hurt me.

Ibashe Nana Buruku
bring me the healing medicine waters
when my time has come.

Ibashe Eshu Afra
open the ways for my health and new being.

Guide my ancestors
through my time of sickness.