The Shrine of OshúnDetail of River Genesis by Jonathon Earl Bowser feathers in a velvet skin. Oshún is white cowrie shells on black buttocks. Her eyes sparkle in the forest, Like sun of the river. She is the wisdom of the forest. She is the wisdom of the river. Where doctors fail, She cures with fresh water. Where medicine fails, She cures with fresh water. She feeds the barren woman With honey, and her dry body Swells up like a juicy coconut. Oh, how sweet, how sweet, Is the touch of a child's hand. ——Yoruban chant Take away all of my fear, pain, and strife. Carry it away, down the river to the sea, And let your sweet peace reign inside of me. ——original; © 2000 by Mareth SummerWind Hey! She has some fine clothes! Hey! She dances down riches! Look at those bracelets shake! Her bracelets like water! Water, like the bracelets of Oshún. Dance when she shake those bracelets, Dance and call Oshún. She can do What the doctor can't. She can hel With just cold water. Call Oshún. All her answers are wise ones. Call Oshún. She always say: "Live, my children, live without fear." ——African chant You are very rich, Digging in the sand To hide money there. Oshún I bow to you! You are very beautiful, With your coral hair-combs And your cast-copper jewelry. Oshún I bow to you! You are very powerful. You have seized the crown. Look at you, dancing with it! ——African chant |