If you didn't know
You should've asked
Which tree stood above the forest
Which roots reach into every stream
Which stem bestrode the paths
And collected tribute from all that dare pass
It is me of course
Whose arms holds power
Like ogun holds thunder
Swinging it from the ends of heaven
To the ends of earth
Looking for who dares
Who dares to question
My iron grasp
Yes, it is I
With the capital letter
The one whose name is only
Whispered in fear and
In gratitude
Whose favors buy men
And their wives
Whose rites bind their tongues and their morals
If you had asked
They would have told you
That the law is what I say
And when I say it
That I may be flesh but more than flesh
You would've learnt that
I swat irritations with a hammer
And dare even the earth to cry
L'etat cest moi
In all my grandeurs
My golden robes
My mighty stead's
My opulent meals
My, my , mine.
