SEASON
Rust is ripeness,rust,
And the wilted corn-plume;
Pollen is mating-time when swallows
Weave a dance
Of feathered arrows
Thread corn-stalks in winged
Streaks of light.And,we loved to hear Spliced phrases of the wind,to hear
Rasps in the field,where corn-leaves
Pierce like bamboo slivers.
Now,garnerers we
Awaiting rust on tassels,draw
Long shadows from the dusk,wreathe
Dry thatch in wood-smoke.
Laden stalks Ride the germ's decay -we await
The promise of the rust.
Analysis of the poem
"Season" by Wole Soyinka is a poem that explores the cyclical nature of life, using the changing seasons as a metaphor for human experiences of growth, maturity, and anticipation. Here's an analysis of its key elements:
The poem begins by juxtaposing the imagery of rust with ripeness, suggesting that decay and maturity are intertwined. Rust is often associated with deterioration, but here it is presented as a symbol of ripeness, signaling the culmination of growth and the readiness for harvest. The mention of the wilted corn-plume further emphasizes this theme of maturity and readiness.
Pollen, described as mating-time, evokes a sense of fertility and renewal. The image of swallows weaving a dance of feathered arrows amidst the corn-stalks creates a vivid picture of nature in motion, highlighting the vibrancy and energy of the season.
The speaker reminisces about the past, recalling the joy of listening to the wind splicing phrases and the sound of rasps in the field. These sensory experiences evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time when nature was more vibrant and alive.
As the poem progresses, the speaker shifts to the present, describing themselves as "garnerers" awaiting the arrival of rust on tassels. This imagery suggests a sense of anticipation and preparation for the next stage in the cycle of life. Drawing long shadows from the dusk and wreathing dry thatch in wood-smoke evoke a sense of contemplation and ritual, as the speaker prepares for the transition into the next season.
The laden stalks riding the germ's decay symbolize the inevitability of change and renewal. Despite the decay and eventual demise of the old, there is a sense of anticipation and hope for the promise of the rust, which signifies the beginning of a new cycle of growth and regeneration.
Overall, "Season" is a reflective poem that celebrates the cyclical nature of life, exploring themes of growth, maturity, and anticipation through vivid imagery and introspective reflection. Through its exploration of the changing seasons, the poem invites readers to contemplate the passage of time and the eternal cycle of birth, growth, decay, and renewal that defines the human experience.