Bringer of Peace by Wole Soyinka

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 BRINGER OF PEACE

You come as light rain not to quench 

But question out the pride of fire

Watchlight to my peace,within and out

Unguarded moments and the human hours.

You come as light rain,swift to soothe

 The rent in earth with deft intrusion

To test your peace on a hiss of ashes

  Your sky of lakes on thirsts of embers

Yet fires that hold the beast at bay

Inclose,with  all  accomplishments  of rage

 The  inborn  howl,proud  lacerations

Futile vaults at high bounds of the pit

This cunning sift of mild aggression,then 

Is your rain,a tacit lie of stillness

A smile to test the python's throcs,a touch

 To bring the bowstring's nerve to rest

Analysis of the poem

In Wole Soyinka's poem "Bringer of Peace," the speaker addresses someone or something symbolized by light rain, depicting its arrival and its impact on various elements.

The poem begins by describing the arrival of the "Bringer of Peace" as light rain, which doesn't aim to extinguish but rather to question the pride of fire. This imagery suggests a contrast between the destructive force of fire and the gentle probing of rain, highlighting the theme of questioning and introspection.

The arrival of the rain is likened to a watchlight, illuminating both inner and outer peace during unguarded moments and human hours. This portrays the rain as a catalyst for self-reflection and a symbol of tranquility.

The rain is described as swift to soothe the earth's wounds, symbolized by the rent in the earth, with deft intrusion. It tests its peace on the remnants of ashes, implying a transformative quality that brings rejuvenation to the scorched earth.

However, the rain also challenges the fires that hold the beast at bay, suggesting a conflict between the rain's soothing presence and the fiery instincts of aggression and rage. Despite this, the rain's gentle aggression is portrayed as cunning, as it subtly tests the boundaries of its surroundings.

Ultimately, the rain is depicted as a paradoxical force—a "tacit lie of stillness" that masks its true potential for change and disruption. It is likened to a smile that tests the python's strength or a touch that calms the tension of a bowstring, highlighting its ability to both pacify and provoke.