Traditional Yoruba Poem on Learning and Memory
Memory
Whatever I am taught,
Let me remember it.
When the big fish comes out of the water,
we can see the bottom of the pond.
When the big toad comes out of the water,
we can see the bottom of the well.
When the kingfisher dives into the water,
his brain becomes clear.
When the cheeks of the pregnant antelope were marked,
her child was also marked.
If there is one piece of meat left in the pot,
it will surely be taken by the spoon.
Everything the landlord does,
is known to the swallow.
Everything that is in your brain, my father,
let it be known to me.