I Think It Rains by Wole Soyinka

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I   THINK   IT   RAINS

I  think  it  rains

That tongues may loosen from the parch 

Uncleave roof-tops  of the  mouth,hang  

 Heavy  with  knowledge

I saw it raise

The  sudden  cloud,from  ashes.Settling They joined  in  a ring  of grey;within, The  circling  spirit

Oh it must rain

These closures on the mind,binding us In  strange  despairs,teaching

Purity of sadness

And how it beats

Skeined transparencies on wings

Of our desires,searing dark longings In  cruel  baptisms

Rain-reeds,practised    in

The  grace  of  yielding, 

yet  unbending

From  afar,this your conjugation with my  earth 

Bares crouching rocks.

Analysis 

"I Think It Rains" by Wole Soyinka is a thought-provoking poem that uses the imagery of rain to explore themes of liberation, knowledge, despair, and resilience. Here's an elaboration of its key elements:

The poem opens with the speaker reflecting on the transformative power of rain. They suggest that rain serves to loosen tongues from parched mouths, symbolizing the release of pent-up emotions and the unlocking of knowledge. The imagery of "uncleave roof-tops of the mouth" evokes a sense of relief and liberation as the rain falls.

As the rain clouds gather and rise, the speaker observes the sudden transformation from ashes, suggesting a renewal or rebirth. The clouds join "in a ring of grey," symbolizing unity and interconnectedness, while within them, the "circling spirit" hints at a deeper, spiritual significance.

The repetition of the assertion "Oh it must rain" underscores the inevitability and necessity of this process of renewal and enlightenment. The closures on the mind, symbolized by rain, are portrayed as both binding and liberating, leading to a deeper understanding and acceptance of sadness and despair.

The imagery of rain beating "skeined transparencies on wings of our desires" evokes a sense of vulnerability and exposure, as the rain exposes hidden longings and desires. The mention of "cruel baptisms" suggests a painful yet necessary purification process, akin to a spiritual awakening or reckoning.

The poem then shifts to describe rain-reeds, which are "practised in the grace of yielding, yet unbending." This imagery contrasts the fluidity of rain with the resilience of natural elements, suggesting that while rain may bring about change, there are also enduring qualities that withstand its influence.

The concluding lines suggest a deep connection between the rain and the earth, as the speaker reflects on the impact of rain on the landscape. The metaphor of "your conjugation with my earth" evokes a sense of intimacy and reciprocity between the natural world and human experience, while the mention of "crouching rocks" hints at the enduring strength and resilience of the earth itself.

Overall, "I Think It Rains" is a contemplative poem that invites readers to reflect on the transformative power of nature, particularly the rain, and its ability to bring about both liberation and introspection in the human experience. Through its rich imagery and meditative tone, the poem explores themes of renewal, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all living things.