HUPOTASSO

For me picks the dust of the earth and upon my head do I rub,

for every way you have made me feel inadequate, stupid and unloved,

by the sand, a brother of my flesh, I promise you, shall you regret every action against me you have committed.

For my heart be pure towards yours, but yours towards mine is but stained like the plains of the desert,

You cause me to sorrow, tears of blood roll down my eyes and burst through my heart,

for every metre of affection and love I stretch forth towards thee do you repay me with unkind words and tempered manners.

If ever have I not loved thee as I ought to, let the God of Hadassah himself slay me by His power.

Not a drop of kindness fall upon my tongue to quench me of mine heated thirst,

in the Scythe of mine own pain and sorrow doth hath drowned me.

My heart, my soul and all its treasure doth I open unto thee,

yet enough not is my effort to love thee fair lady.

For I know not thee who thou are,

day by day doth thee my heart scar.

Submit you not unto your husband for as you wish pleases you,

For it is written that the woman submit to her husband

For if doeth she this hath she not of the man's merit given this,

But of respect for God.

But thy husband has showered thee with much affection and love,

It is of his merit and of Gods honour.

For so a woman who raiseth her voice to the man,

Hath shown no regard for the Lord God,

And as punitive a measure be meted out to her,

Will her heart be struck with sorrow a thousand folds.

I weep and weep daily for thine actions against me,

But here come a day when I shall do not which I did,

But shall look upon thee, with love and compassion still in my heart,

And shall forgive thee,

But thou hath taken my love for weakness,

And my compassion for foolishness,

Now will I show thee,

A husband loveth his wife to but a fair degree.

Adesina Aanuoluwapo John - 2014