A Wake (for Okigbo) by Chinua Achebe: Poem and Analysis

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The Poem 

For whom are we searching?

For whom are we searching?

For Okigbo we are searching!

Nzomalizo!

Has he gone for firewood, let him return. Has he gone to fetch water, let him return. Has he gone to the marketplace, let him return. For Okigbo we are searching.

Nzomalizo!

For whom are we searching? For whom are we searching? For Okigbo we are searching!

Nzomalizo!

Has he gone for firewood, may Ugboko not take him.

Has he gone to the stream, may Iyi not swallow him! Has he gone to the market, then keep from him you Tumult of the marketplace! Has he gone to battle,

please Ogbonuke step aside for him! For Okigbo we are searching!

Nzomalizo!

They bring home a dance, who is to dance it for us?

They bring home a war, who will fight it for us? The one we call repeatedly, there's something he alone can do It is Okigbo we are calling!

Nzomalizo!

Witness the dance, how it arrives The war, how it has broken out But the caller of the dance is nowhere to be found The brave one in battle is nowhere in sight!

Do you not see now that whom we call again And again, there is

something he alone can do? It is Okigbo we are calling!

Nzomalizo!

The dance ends abruptly

The spirit dancers fold their dance and depart in midday Rain soaks the stalwart, soaks the two-sided drum!

The flute is broken that elevates the spirit The music pot shattered that accompanies the leg in its measure Brave one of my blood!

Brave one of Igbo land!

Brave one in the middle of so much blood!

Owner of riches in the dwelling place of spirit Okigbo is the one I am calling!

Nzomalizo!

In memory of the poet Christopher Okigbo (1932-1967) Translated from the Igbo by Ifeanyi Menkiti

  General Introduction

"A Wake (for Okigbo)" by Chinua Achebe is a poignant elegy honoring the life and legacy of the poet Christopher Okigbo. Through a series of repetitive questions and invocations, Achebe laments Okigbo's absence and celebrates his bravery, talent, and cultural significance.

 Title

The title "A Wake (for Okigbo)" suggests a gathering or ceremony held in honor of Okigbo following his passing, evoking both the mourning of his loss and the celebration of his life and work.

 Themes

1. Loss and Absence: The poem grapples with the absence of Okigbo, emphasizing the void left by his departure. "For whom are we searching?" and "Has he gone?" echo the theme of loss and the search for meaning in his absence.

2. Memory and Remembrance: Achebe emphasizes the importance of remembering Okigbo and his contributions. The repetition of "For Okigbo we are searching" reinforces the theme of remembrance.

3. Bravery and Sacrifice: Okigbo is portrayed as a brave figure, as seen in the lines "Brave one of my blood! Brave one of Igbo land!" His bravery is linked to his cultural identity and his willingness to fight in battle.

4. Cultural Identity: The poem celebrates Okigbo's Igbo heritage and his role as a cultural figure. Phrases like "Owner of riches in the dwelling place of spirit" highlight the cultural significance of his life and work.

5. Artistic Legacy: Achebe honors Okigbo's artistic legacy, particularly his contributions to poetry and literature. The poem suggests that Okigbo's artistry is irreplaceable, emphasizing his unique talents and the void left by his absence.

 Literary Devices

1. Repetition: The repeated phrases "For whom are we searching?" and "For Okigbo we are searching" create a sense of urgency and emphasize the central theme of searching and loss.

2. Alliteration: The use of alliteration, such as in "spirit dancers fold their dance," creates a rhythmic quality to the poem, enhancing its lyrical nature.

3. Symbolism: The imagery of firewood, water, and the marketplace symbolizes everyday activities and emphasizes the mundane nature of Okigbo's absence, contrasting with his larger-than-life presence.

4. Anaphora: The repetition of "Nzomalizo!" at the end of each stanza serves as a refrain, reinforcing the theme of searching and calling out to Okigbo.

5. Imagery: Vivid imagery is used throughout the poem, such as "Rain soaks the stalwart, soaks the two-sided drum," creating a sense of atmosphere and emotion.

6. Personification: The personification of elements like firewood, water, and the marketplace gives them agency, adding depth to the poem's imagery and symbolism.

 Language and Mood

The language in the poem is emotive and evocative, conveying a sense of mourning, reverence, and admiration. The repetitive nature of the language, along with the use of traditional Igbo terms like "Nzomalizo," creates a ceremonial and ritualistic mood, fitting for a wake or commemoration.

 Context

The poem was written in memory of Christopher Okigbo, a renowned Nigerian poet who died in 1967 during the Nigerian Civil War. Achebe's elegy reflects the impact of Okigbo's death on the literary community and the broader cultural context of post-colonial Nigeria.

 Conclusion

"A Wake (for Okigbo)" is a powerful elegy that pays tribute to the life, artistry, and cultural significance of Christopher Okigbo. Through its themes of loss, remembrance, and cultural identity, the poem captures the essence of Okigbo's legacy and the enduring impact of his work.