Analysis of Harvest's call by Niyi Osundare

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 General Introduction 

"Harvestcall" by Niyi Osundare is a rich and multifaceted poem that celebrates the traditional practice of harvesting while also hinting at its decline and the potential consequences. The poem utilizes a unique blend of Yoruba praise poetry ("Oriki") and English to create a dynamic and thought-provoking exploration of harvest time.

Analysis 

In ‘Harvest Call’, Osundare is still revolving around the cosmology of Ikere people. In Ikere worldview the rocks which rose to meet the poet in the previous poem are also considered to be guardians of the harvest spirit. Thus all the poems in this section of the collection talk of crops, harvest and bounty. The implication is that the earth is a source of increase and production. It is fertile and generous. It is capable of producing food and wealth for the benefit of man. In fact, earth signifies plenty and abundance. This particular stanza is a celebration of yam the king of crops.

This is Iyanfoworogi where yams, ripe and randy, waged a noisy war against the knife. here where, subdued by fire Efuru provoked mouthful clamour from the combat of hungry wood. the pestle fights the mortar the mortar fights the pestle dough of contention smoothes down the rugged anger of hunger (Osundare The Eye of The Earth 18).

Here is a total recall of a time past before colonization when Africans had lived their quiet, organized lives. During this period Africa had its own identity. There was peace. There was food in abundance and people could eat their fill and drink in joy and love. Although, it should be stressed that in referring back to the days preceding colonization, Osundare does not do so out of nostalgia. Rather, Osundare presents Africa’s beautiful past in order to create a defense against today’s alienation. Other poems in this section expand this very theme by celebrating other crops like cobs, cotton, beans etc. Then, again, harking back to his familiar theme, the section ends with a poser in which the poet demands to know why we are still hungry in the midst of plenty.

With our earth so warm How can our hearth be so cold? (Osundare The Eye of The Earth, 21).

Themes

Harvest's Call" is a complex poem that celebrates the beauty of the earth and the abundance of the harvest while also highlighting the challenges and injustices that exist in the modern world. The themes in "Harvest's Call" by Niyi Osundare revolve around:

1. Celebration of Harvest and Bounty: The poem celebrates the abundance of the earth and the bountiful harvest, particularly focusing on the yam as a symbol of fertility and prosperity. The poem is a joyful celebration of the harvest season, highlighting the abundance of food, the hard work of farmers, and the bounty of the earth.

2. Nostalgia for a Peaceful Past: There is a sense of longing for a time before colonization when African societies lived in harmony with nature, enjoying peace and plenty.

3. Critique of Modernization: The poem subtly critiques the impact of colonization and modernization on African societies, suggesting that despite the earth's abundance, contemporary African societies still suffer from poverty and hunger.

4. Harmony with Nature: There is an underlying theme of the importance of living in harmony with nature and respecting the earth's resources.

5. Inequality and Injustice: The poem hints at the inequalities and injustices that exist in contemporary African societies, particularly in relation to access to food and resources.

 The Power of Tradition: "Harvestcall" emphasizes the importance of traditional practices like communal harvesting and the rituals associated with it. 

 Loss and Change: There's a subtle undercurrent of concern about the potential decline of these traditions. The poem might be lamenting a shift away from traditional farming practices.

 Duality of Harvest: Harvest can be seen as a time of both joy and potential hardship. While the poem celebrates the bounty, there might be a hint of worry about future harvests or the equitable distribution of the fruits of labor.

Structure and Techniques

The poem's structure blends Yoruba Oriki style with a free-verse form in English.

 Call and Response: The poem could be structured as a call and response, mimicking the traditional format of Yoruba praise poetry. 

 Vivid Imagery: Osundare uses descriptive language to depict the beauty and abundance of the harvest season. 

 Personification: Elements of nature like the sun and the earth might be personified, highlighting their role in the harvest cycle.

 Metaphor and Simile: Metaphors and similes compare the harvest to other bountiful experiences, emphasizing its significance.

 Yoruba Language: The poem might incorporate Yoruba words or phrases, adding cultural richness and a sense of authenticity.

Possible Interpretations

 The poem can be seen as a call to appreciate and preserve traditional farming practices and the cultural significance of harvest celebrations.

 It can also be interpreted as a lament for a changing agricultural landscape, where modern methods might threaten the communal spirit and traditions associated with harvest.

 On a deeper level, "Harvestcall" might be a metaphor for the importance of reaping what we sow, both literally and figuratively. 

In Conclusion

"Harvestcall" is a vibrant poem that celebrates the harvest season while raising subtle concerns about its potential decline. By blending traditional Yoruba praise poetry with contemporary English, Osundare creates a dynamic and thought-provoking work that reminds us of the importance of food security, cultural heritage, and the cyclical nature of life.

Further Exploration

 Research the traditional Yoruba harvest festivals and their significance.

 Explore other poems by Niyi Osundare that explore themes of tradition, change, and the environment. 

 Consider how the poem resonates with contemporary issues of food production, sustainability, and the connection between humans and the land.