THE WAY WE WERE

            1. Supreme Being, Deity or Creator, who lives in heaven and below. Come and

receive the offerings of Nzu and accept this kolanut. Our Holy

grounds, Bende and our Forefathers, come and receive Nzu and eat

this kolanut.

            2.  Holy Spirits, weak and mighty, come and receive this Nzu

and kolanut. Our Ancestors, please come and receive the offerings of

Nzu and take this kolanut and eat it.

            3.  What we request here is “Live and Let Live.”

May the Hawk roost with the Eagle. Anyone who objects to the unity may

his or her wings be clipped.

            4.  We have gathered here to pray for the yams to be cooked

tender, so that its pieces would fall to feed the ants.

            5.  For it is only when a tapper’s pot fills up with wine on the raffia

tree, that those on the ground partake of drinks.

            6.  Please guide and protect us. Give us good health and long

life. That is what we pray for and request from you.

            7.  Accept …. This kolanut and wine, eat and drink.

            8.  Bless Us.