Asaase's Grove

After I left my mother's safe haven, I made my way to Asoro Kronkron also known as the "higher heavens". I had heard tales of my grandmother but fortune hadn't been so bold as to unite us and so I sought after her. I travelled for many years searching for this place because it had been hidden from all eyes both mortal and immortal. I knew I had arrived when I crossed the final threshold. The light touched my skin and a brand-new sense of aliveness swept over me. It seemed alive- no infinite. The talking drums beat in magnificent splendor calling all and sundry to attention. Music filled the air almost instantly. It overtook the senses in a calm, reassuring way. Each rhythm felt like it had been woven from memory into a musical masterpiece which commanded your body to move. Gods and goddesses alike moved according to the music being played. The act of dance itself being an intentional form of worship. Without realizing, I joined the dancing party. My hands flew up and above me as if I was a puppet and my master was highly-skilled. My waist and hips joined the party in precise, wavy motions. It was in that moment, I locked eyes with the most handsome deity I had ever seen. He matched my gaze with eyes inflamed with passion and quickly closed the gap between us.

In the beginning of this performance, the act of dance felt like a dedication to the muse behind the creation of this song. In what appeared to be minutes, the purpose of this choreography had been changed. We moved as though this music had been written solely for us. I felt it when he placed his hands low on my back, fingers spread graciously, matching every move I make. My hips find my way to his and they circle his in sensual waves just before we part ways. Our limbs engage in a rapid exchange of strength and precision in an attempt to display beauty through motion. I am his muse and he dances for me.

"Who are you?" His question cuts me off guard. The music ceases and Asaase Yaa's Okyeame make his way to the center of the courtyard.

"When we speak of heart, only one name comes to mind. Her name commands life while her touch warms. We all bask in the comfort of her provision and it is in her name we gather.

Asaase Yaa, mother of all and giver of life. We welcome you to our celebration" His voice was deep and when you listen carefully, you can hear the slow rumbling of the ocean's waves. My attention quickly switched as soon as my grandmother walked into the courtyard. Her hair, long and dreadlocked, was dove-gray and covered with cowries meticulously arranged throughout her hair. She was a vision of grace and splendor. Her kente cloth covered her body in such a regal way, it only added to her power. Her composure shifted and she broke into a warm smile.

"I can sense that one of my own is here" she spoke out. The crowd murmured with excitement. My grandmother began smiling as her eyes scoured the room. I felt it when her eyes looked toward my direction.

"My daughter, you've come home". The ocean of party attendants before me dividing into two creating a direct path from her to me. She drew me close for a soft embrace. That was the first of many hugs we were about to have.