In every African village, there is always one elder whose wisdom seems to hold the world together.
In Udele, that person was Mama Koko—tiny as a broomstick, but with a mind as deep as an ancient well. Her stories could quiet children, silence gossip, and even make the wind lean close to listen.
But one dry season, even Mama Koko’s stories could not comfort Udele.
The well dried up.
Yam leaves curled in fear.
The river shrank into stones.
Panic spread like wildfire—
all except for Mama Koko, who rose one morning and declared:
“I must speak with the Keeper of Waters.”
And just like that, a journey began—one that would test pride, wisdom, and the power of humility.
The Tortoise Who Invited Himself
As Mama Koko stepped into the forest, a familiar voice called out:
“Old mother, wait for me!”
It was Tortoise—Mbe—slow, stubborn, and forever convinced of his brilliance.
“I hear the Keeper respects clever people. I should come with you,” he insisted.
Mama Koko only sighed.
“Follow if you must. But remember—cleverness without wisdom brings trouble.”
The Forest of Echoes
Deep in the forest, they reached a towering iroko whose roots coiled like sleeping serpents.
The ground trembled.
A voice boomed:
“WHO ENTERS MY FOREST?”
Tortoise puffed up to boast, but Mama Koko bowed first:
“Spirit of the Forest, it is Mama Koko of Udele, with a humble companion.”
The forest calmed—trees parting, the path clearing.
Tortoise hissed, disappointed.
“You stole my grand introduction.”
Mama Koko chuckled.
“Sometimes, Mbe, respect opens doors faster than noise.”
Before the Keeper of Waters
They arrived at a glowing cave where water floated in mid-air like dancing beads.
There sat the Keeper—tall, shimmering, and ancient as rainfall.
“You have come for rain,” he said.
“Yes,” Mama Koko replied. “My people suffer.”
But the Keeper frowned.
“Your village has taken without gratitude. When last did you honor the water spirits?”
A silence fell.
Mama Koko bowed her head.
Tortoise, however, stepped forward boldly.
“If you’re truly mighty, then prove it! Pour rain now!”
Mama Koko gasped.
The Keeper’s eyes flashed.
Water surged—
a powerful wave slammed into Tortoise’s shell with a loud KPA!
He retreated instantly into himself.
“I was only joking…” he muttered, drenched.
Mama Koko knelt.
“Forgive him, Keeper. His foolishness is large, but his heart is small. If punishment is needed, let it fall on me.”
The cave quieted.
Her humility softened the Keeper’s anger.
“You have shown wisdom, Mama Koko. For your sake, the rains will return.”
He summoned a calabash of glowing water.
“Pour this into your well. By nightfall, the sky will answer.”
The Rain Returns
Back in Udele, Mama Koko emptied the glowing water into the dusty well.
A soft wind stirred.
Clouds gathered like old friends returning.
And soon—
rain fell.
Gentle.
Steady.
Blessing the fields, the farmers, and the future.
Tortoise walked around town boasting:
“If not for me, the Keeper would not have shown his power!”
Mama Koko simply laughed.
“Let him talk. Every creature must boast according to its nature.”
And so the people of Udele still say:
“Wisdom brings rain,
but foolishness only brings a splash.”
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