Hello everyone, in this blog you can explores journey of Gabrial Okara and Leopold Sedar Senghor. You can also explore about their two amazing poems in this blog :
1) 'The Piano and The Drums' by Gabriel Okara
2) To The Negro-American Soldiers By Leopold Sedar Senghor
1) 'The Piano and The Drums' by Gabriel Okara
When at break of day at a riverside
I hear jungle drums telegraphing
the mystic rhythm, urgent, raw
like bleeding flesh, speaking of
primal youth and the beginning,
I see the panther ready to pounce,
the leopard snarling about to leap
and the hunters crouch with spears poised.
And my blood ripples, turns torrent,
topples the years and at once I’m
in my mother’s laps a suckling;
at once I’m walking simple
paths with no innovations
rugged, fashioned with the naked
warmth of hurrying feet and groping hearts
in green leaves and wild flowers pulsing.
Then I hear a wailing piano
solo speaking of complex ways
in tear- furrowed concerto;
of far away lands
and new horizons with
coaxing diminuendo, counterpoint,
crescendo, but lost in the labyrinth of its complexities,
it ends in the middle of a phrase at a daggerpoint
And I lost in the morning mist
of an age at a riverside keep
wandering in the mystic rhythm of jungle drums and concerto.
About the author : Gabriel Okara :
Gabriel Imomotimi Okara was a famous Nigerian poet and novelist. He made significant contributions to African literature. Born on April 24, 1921, in Bumoundi, Nigeria, Okara became the first Modernist poet in Anglophone Africa. His unique literary works left a lasting impact on African literature.
Okara attended schools like Government College Umuahia and Yaba Higher College. Despite briefly working for the British Royal Air Force during World War II, he discovered his true passion: writing. Working as a printer and bookbinder, Okara drew inspiration from African thought, religion, folklore, and imagery. His early poems gained recognition, especially his iconic piece, “The Call of the River Nun,” which won an award in 1953. Okara attended the African Writers Conference in Uganda. Alongside other notable writers like Chinua Achebe and Wole Soyinka, he solidified his role as a pioneer in African literature.
His novel “The Voice” (published in 1964) stands out. It’s an experimental work that blends elements of the Ijaw language and symbolism. The novel explores the clash between traditional African culture and Western materialism. Through the character Okolo, Okara portrays the inner struggles faced by post-colonial Africans. Gabriel Okara, a talented Nigerian poet and novelist, made significant contributions to African literature.
Poetry Collections :
In addition to his novel, Okara wrote two notable poetry collections :
“The Fisherman’s Invocation” (1978): This collection showcases his lyrical depth and evocative imagery. It reflects his strong connection to African heritage and his exploration of modern African identity.
“The Dreamer, His Vision” (2005): Another acclaimed collection that continues to earn him recognition.
Okara served as the director of the Rivers State Publishing House in Port Harcourt from 1972 to 1980. Despite facing challenges, including the loss of many unpublished manuscripts during the Nigerian Civil War, his literary legacy endured.
Awards :
1953: Won the Best All-Round Entry In Poetry at the Nigerian Festival of Arts for his poem “The Call of the River Nun.”
1979: Received the Commonwealth Poetry Prize for his outstanding work.
2005: Honoured with the NLNG Prize for his collection “The Dreamer, His Vision.”
2009: Recognized by the Pan African Writers’ Association with an Honorary Membership Award.
2017: The Gabriel Okara Literary Festival celebrated his enduring legacy.
“The Voice” (1964): A novel that blends African culture and Western materialism. It’s an experimental work incorporating elements of the Ijaw language and symbolism.
“The Fisherman’s Invocation” (1978): A powerful collection of poems.
“Little Snake and Little Frog” (1981): A children’s book.
“An Adventure to Juju Island” (1992): Another children’s book.
“The Dreamer, His Vision” (2005): More thought-provoking poems.
“As I See It” (2006): Additional poetic reflections.
“Collected Poems” (2016): A compilation of his poetic legacy.
Analysis of the poem :
Gabriel Okara’s poem “The Piano and The Drums” is a poignant exploration of cultural identity and the clash between African and Western influences. Through vivid imagery and metaphor, the poem invites readers to reflect on the tension between tradition and modernity.
Stanza 1 : The poem opens with the primal beat of “jungle drums.” These drums evoke a sense of ancient Africa, where rhythm and ritual were integral to communal life. The imagery is visceral: “bleeding flesh,” a “panther ready to pounce,” and hunters poised with spears. These drums connect the speaker to their ancestral roots, invoking memories of a distant past when life was raw and instinctual.
Stanza 2: In the second stanza, the speaker delves deeper into their African heritage. They recall being a “suckling” in their mother’s lap, walking “simple paths” that harmonized with nature. The language here is earthy and intimate, emphasizing the connection to the land and its rhythms. The mention of “naked warmth” suggests a primal authenticity, unadorned by the complexities of the outside world.
Stanza 3: Now, the poem introduces the “wailing piano solo,” symbolizing Western culture. The piano represents sophistication, with its “complex ways” and associations with far-off lands. However, it also becomes a “labyrinth,” hinting at the confusion and dissonance that Western influences can bring. The abrupt ending of the piano’s music, “at a daggerpoint,” suggests both limitation and potential harm.
Stanza 4: The final stanza encapsulates the speaker’s inner conflict. They feel “lost in the morning mist of an age,” torn between the primal beats of African drums and the intricate concerto of the piano. The juxtaposition of these musical forms mirrors the clash of cultures within the speaker’s soul. They wander, seeking reconciliation, but the mist obscures their path.
Cultural Identity: The poem grapples with the complex issue of cultural identity. The speaker is torn between two worlds: their African heritage and the encroaching Western influences. The “jungle drums” evoke primal rhythms, connecting the speaker to their ancestral roots. These drums represent tradition, communal life, and a raw, instinctual existence. On the other hand, the “wailing piano solo” symbolizes Western sophistication. It brings complexity, intricate musical structures, and associations with far-off lands. The tension between these cultural forces highlights the struggle to define oneself amidst conflicting influences.
Tradition vs. Modernity: The clash between tradition and modernity is at the heart of the poem. The jungle drums and the piano serve as metaphors for these opposing forces. The drums represent ancient wisdom, primal instincts, and a connection to nature. They are unadorned and authentic. In contrast, the piano embodies modernity, with its “complex ways” and intricate music. So, it becomes a “labyrinth,” suggesting that Western sophistication can be confusing and limiting. The abrupt ending of the piano’s music at a “daggerpoint” hints at potential harm caused by cultural imposition.
Loss and Nostalgia : The speaker yearns for a simpler past, depicted as “primal youth and the beginning.” Life flowed in harmony with nature, and memories of being a “suckling” evoke warmth and authenticity. The mist of memory obscures that age, leaving the speaker feeling lost. Nostalgia permeates the poem, emphasizing the longing for a time when life was more straightforward. The loss lies not only in the fading memories but also in the conflict between cultural worlds. The mist symbolizes uncertainty and the struggle to reconcile these opposing forces.
Key symbols of the poem :
In Gabriel Okara's "The Piano and The Drums," symbolism plays a crucial role in conveying the poem's themes of cultural conflict and identity. The most prominent symbols are the two musical instruments from which the poem derives its name:
The Drums : They symbolize the African culture, representing tradition, the primal past, and a connection to nature. The drums evoke a sense of simplicity and raw emotion, reflecting the poet's nostalgia for the African way of life.
The Piano : This instrument represents Western culture, with its complexity and sophistication. The piano stands for the new, foreign influences that have come to Africa and the allure of modernity that conflicts with traditional values.
Bleeding Flesh : This vivid imagery symbolizes the pain and rawness of the African experience under colonial rule and the struggle to maintain cultural identity.
These symbols collectively highlight the tension between the allure of the new and the comfort of the familiar, the sophisticated versus the primal, and the complex versus the simple. Okara uses these symbols to explore the inner conflict experienced by Africans during the post-colonial era, torn between two worlds and searching for a sense of true identity.
2) 'To The Negro-American Soldiers' By Leopold Sedar Senghor :
For Mercer Cook
I did not recognize you in prison under your
………..sad-colored uniform
I did not recognize you under the calabash helmet
………..without style
I did not recognize the whining sound of your
………..iron horses, who drink but do not eat.
And it is no longer the nobility of elephants, it is the
………..the barbaric weight of the prehistoric
………..monsters of the world.
Under your closed face, I did not recognize you.
I only touched the warmth of your brown hand,
………..I called myself “Afrika! ”
And I found once again the lost laughter, I hailed the ancient voices
………..and the roar of Congo waterfalls.
Brothers, I do not know whether you bombed the
………..cathedrals, the pride of Europe,
If you are the lightning of God’s hand that burned
………..Sodom and Gomorrah.
No, you are the messengers of his mercy, the
………..Spring after Winter.
To those who had forgotten how to laugh-only
………..smile obliquely
Who knew nothing but the savory flavor of
………..tears and the vexing stench of blood
You bring the Season of Peace and hope to
………..end of the delay.
And their night is filled with milky sweetness, the blue
………..fields of the sky are covered with flowers, silence sings
………..soothingly.
You bring them the sun. The air beats with whispers
………..liquids and crystalline chirping and beating
………..silky wings
The aerial cities are tepid with nests.
Through the streets joy streamed, the boys play with
………..their dreams
Men dance before of their machines and
………..surprised themselves singing.
Schoolgirls’s eyelids are rose petals, and
………..fruits ripen in the virgins’ breasts
And the women’s hips—Oh, sweetness—
………..grow generously heavy.
Black brothers, warriors whose mouths are flowers that
………..sing
—Oh! the delight to live after Winter—I salute you
………..like messengers of peace.
About the author : Leopold Sedar Senghor
Born in Joal, Senegal, Senghor was educated in France, where he excelled academically. He became the first African agrégé in French grammar, allowing him to teach at the prestigious lycee and university levels. His experiences in Europe deeply influenced his worldview, leading him to advocate for the recognition and appreciation of African culture in the global context.
Senghor's political career was equally distinguished. He served as the first president of Senegal from 1960 to 1980, guiding the nation through its formative years post-independence. His tenure was marked by efforts to balance modernization with the preservation of Senegalese traditions and values. Ideologically, he was an African socialist, advocating for policies that promoted social welfare and cultural pride.
One of Senghor's most notable achievements was becoming the first African elected as a member of the Académie française, an institution tasked with preserving the French language and literature. This honor underscored his commitment to fostering a dialogue between cultures and his belief in the power of language as a unifying force.
Senghor's legacy is multifaceted: he was a statesman who navigated the complexities of post-colonial politics, a poet whose verse captured the essence of African spirit, and an intellectual who championed the cause of cultural pluralism. His contributions to African thought and global culture remain influential, making him one of the most important African intellectuals of the 20th century.
Leopold Sedar Senghor's poem "To the Negro-American Soldiers" is a profound reflection on the shared experiences of African and African-American soldiers during times of conflict. The poem is part of Senghor's larger body of work that addresses themes of Négritude, a concept he helped develop to affirm the value of black culture and identity in response to colonialism and racism.
In this poem, Senghor speaks directly to the African-American soldiers, acknowledging the irony of their fight for freedom in foreign lands while facing oppression and discrimination in their own country. The poem serves as both a tribute to these soldiers and a critique of the societal structures that marginalize them.
Senghor's use of language is both evocative and poignant, capturing the complex emotions of camaraderie, pride, and a longing for recognition. He draws parallels between the African and African-American experiences, highlighting the universal struggle for dignity and equality. The poem's tone is one of solidarity and hope, as Senghor envisions a future where the contributions of black soldiers are honored and their sacrifices lead to a more just world.
The poem also reflects Senghor's broader philosophical views on the importance of cultural unity and the need to bridge the gap between different racial and ethnic groups. Through his poetic expression, Senghor advocates for a world where diversity is celebrated and the bonds of shared heritage and common struggles are recognized as a source of strength.
"To the Negro-American Soldiers" remains a powerful piece of literature that resonates with contemporary discussions on race, identity, and the ongoing quest for social justice. Senghor's words continue to inspire and challenge readers to reflect on the past and work towards a future where all individuals are valued and respected.
Key themes of the poem :
The poem "To the Negro-American Soldiers" by Leopold Sedar Senghor is a powerful piece that delves into the complex experiences of African-American soldiers. The themes of the poem are deeply intertwined with Senghor's philosophy of Négritude and his reflections on race, identity, and the ironies of fighting for freedom.
Racial Solidarity : Senghor expresses a deep sense of kinship with the African-American soldiers, recognizing their shared heritage and struggles. This theme of solidarity is a call for unity among all people of African descent.
Irony of War : The poem highlights the bitter irony of African-American soldiers fighting for the very freedoms abroad that they are denied at home due to racial segregation and discrimination.
Hope for the Future : Despite the challenges and injustices faced, the poem carries an undercurrent of hope that the sacrifices of these soldiers will lead to a better, more equitable future.
Critique of Colonialism : The poem serves as a critique of colonial powers and their role in perpetuating racial hierarchies and injustices, both in Africa and in the African diaspora.
"To the Negro-American Soldiers" is a poignant reminder of the complexities of identity and the ongoing struggle for equality and recognition. Senghor's words continue to resonate, offering a profound reflection on the past and a hopeful gaze towards the future.
Key symbols of the poem :
In Leopold Sedar Senghor's poem "To the Negro-American Soldiers," the use of symbols is integral to conveying the depth of the message regarding the African-American experience and the broader implications of racial and cultural identity. While the full text of the poem is not provided, we can infer from Senghor's body of work and the themes typically present in his poetry some of the symbols that might be used in this poem.
The Soldier : The figure of the soldier likely symbolizes bravery and sacrifice. As African-American soldiers fight for freedoms they are denied at home, they embody the struggle for equality and justice.
The Battlefield : Often a symbol of conflict and struggle, the battlefield might represent the internal and external battles against racism and for civil rights.
Uniforms : The military uniform might symbolize unity and shared purpose, contrasting with the individual experiences of discrimination that the soldiers face.
Medals and Ribbons : These could symbolize the recognition and valor that the soldiers seek, as well as the irony of being honored for their service while facing societal prejudice.
The American Flag : If present, the flag could symbolize the complex feelings of patriotism mixed with the reality of racial injustice in America.
These symbols, grounded in Senghor's exploration of Négritude, would serve to highlight the shared experiences of Africans and African-Americans and the ongoing struggle for dignity and equality.
