Harvest of Hate by Wole Soyinka

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 HARVEST OF HATE

So now the sun moves to die at mid-morning

And laughter wilts on the lips of wine

The fronds of palm are savaged to a bristle

And rashes break on kernelled oil

The hearth is pocked with furnacing of teeth The air is heavy with rise of incense

For wings womb-moist from the sanctuary of nests

 Fall,unfedged to the tribute of fire.

Now pay we forfeit on old abdications

The child dares fames his fathers lit

And in the briefness of too bright fares 

Shrivels a heritage of blighted futures

There has been such a crop in time of growing 

Such tuneless noises when we longed for sighs 

 Alone of petals,for muted swell of wine-buds In

August rains,and singing in green spaces.

Analysis 

"Harvest of Hate" by Wole Soyinka is a poem that explores themes of decay, disillusionment, and the consequences of societal neglect. Here's an analysis of its key elements:

The poem opens with imagery of an unnatural phenomenon: the sun dying at mid-morning. This image sets a tone of foreboding and disruption, suggesting that something is fundamentally wrong with the world depicted in the poem.

Laughter wilting on the lips of wine and palm fronds being savaged to a bristle evoke a sense of decay and destruction. These images symbolize the degradation of joy and natural beauty, hinting at a loss of innocence and vitality.

The reference to rashes breaking on kernelled oil adds to the sense of decay and discomfort, suggesting a contamination or corruption of something once pure and wholesome.

The hearth being pocked with the "furnacing of teeth" conjures a disturbing image of violence and aggression, further emphasizing the darker aspects of human nature.

The poem continues with imagery of wings falling unfledged to the tribute of fire, suggesting a sacrifice or destruction of innocence and potential. This imagery is haunting and evocative, conveying a sense of loss and despair.

The speaker reflects on the consequences of past neglect and irresponsibility, describing forfeits paid on old abdications. There is a sense of regret and remorse for past mistakes, as well as a recognition of the generational impact of these failures.

The poem concludes with a lament for what has been lost: a heritage of blighted futures. The imagery of tuneless noises and longing for sighs and singing in green spaces highlights a sense of yearning for beauty and harmony in a world that has become corrupted and discordant.

Overall, "Harvest of Hate" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the decay of innocence, the consequences of societal neglect, and the longing for beauty and harmony in a world that has lost its way. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, the poem captures a sense of despair and disillusionment, while also hinting at the possibility of redemption and renewal.