Poetry

Ọ̀rọ̀ Ìyè

The Word of Life

Temi Cotek

7 October 2026 · 1-minute read

Featured image for Ọ̀rọ̀ Ìyè

The King sent out a decree;

Calling beggars from every nook and cranny,

Come ye, come feast,

There's a grand wedding, come, have your fill.

Here's the royal verdict,

Make haste, do not tarry,

No Kingdom like this- never.

Beggars in every nook and cranny

Heard the royal verdict,

Now with printed copies

Took to the fretful streets.

Beggars begging beggars,

Come to the royal wedding;

Eat, drink, come, have your fill.

Worry not about what you bring;

Rags, that's in fact all you need.

Come to the pool of life, He'll wash you clean.

Not your looks, not your skin

Matter before the King calling you in –

Come, He will take your rags away

And clothe you anew, rag to robe replaced.

Many hear this, many hiss;

Thinking they're already rich and filled,

Oh, what a miss, they've quickly forgotten –

All their riches and their gifts,

Honourable as they seem,

Are nothing before the King,

Nothing in your hands, says the King.

Come in now, come and eat

Taste the word, better than honey.

Word of life in your tongue,

Eat it whole and be transformed.

No longer beggars but deputies,

They proclaim the truth on every street,

Come on now, come to the feast.

∞T.C∞

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Temi Cotek

About the contributor

Temi Cotek

Guest Author

Temi Cotek is a poet, environmental scientist, and a member of RAK Evangelical Church, UAE. He writes devotional verse in the tradition of the hymn-writers.

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