Who Says the Drought Was Here by Niyi Osundare : Poem and Analysis

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General Introduction 

"Who Says the Drought Was Here" is a poem by Nigerian writer Niyi Osundare. It celebrates the transformative power of rain after a period of drought. The poem uses vivid imagery and a catchy refrain to depict the dramatic change that rain brings to the environment. It's a celebration of nature's renewal and the life-giving power of water.

The Poem

Who says that drought was here?

By Niyi Osundare

With these green guests around

Who says that drought was here?

The rain has robed the earth

in vests of verdure

the rain has robed an earth

licked clean by the fiery tongue of drought …

 … With these green guests around

Who says that drought was here?

Aflame with herbal joy

trees slap heaven’s face

with compound pride

of youthful leaves

drapering twigs into groves

once skeletal spires in

the unwinking face of the baking sun

With these green guests around

Who says that drought was here?

And anthills throw open their million gates

and winged termites swarm their welcome

of compassionate twilights

and butterflies court the fragrant company

of fledgling flowers

and milling moths paste wet lips

on the translucent ears of listening windows

and the swallow brailles a tune

on the copper face of the gathering lake

and weaverbirds pick up the chorus

in leafening heights…

soon crispy mushrooms will break

the fast venturing soles

With these green guests around

Who says that drought was here?

General Analysis 

This power of nature as provider and protector is taken up again in the poem ‘Who Says the Drought was Here’. The obvious metaphor used here is that of the green guest. Green guest means rain. The green guest has the power to decorate the earth with the verdure of green which signifies progress, increase and reproduction. The poem is one of Osundare’s clearest celebrations of earth as provider, giver and protector.

The rain has robed the earth in vests of verdure the rain has robed an earth licked clean by the fiery tongue of drought… with these green guests around who says that drought was here? And anthills throw open their million gates and winged termites swarm the warm welcome of compassionate twilights and butterflies court the flagrant company of fledgling flowers and milling moths paste wet lips on the translucent ears of listening windows and the swallow barillas a tune on the copper face of the gathering lake and weaver birds pick up the chorus in the leavening heights… (Osundare The Eye of The Earth, 35).

These lines, reminiscent of ‘Forest Echoes’ are just a celebration of the giver and sustainer of life. The deeper meaning here is that the rain is the agent of the difference between plenty and famine, life and death. In other words, Osundare confers a god-like status on rain. It is a regulator of joy and pain, lack and plenty, life and death. This same idea of rain as a divinity which could confer joy and pain on man receives adequate treatment in the poem ‘But Sometimes When it Rains’. Here are a few memorable lines from the poem:

But sometimes when it rains and an angry thunder raps earth’s ears with its hand of fire

sometimes when it rains and a heartless storm beheads the poor man’s house like some long-convicted felon sometimes when it rains you wonder who sent the skies weeping (Osundare The Eye of the Earth, 36).

The power of rain as an aspect of nature alternates between good and evil, life and death. In other words, rain (an aspect of nature) has a double-edge sword. This very idea of an inherent evil existing in nature is grandly celebrated in Alfred Tennyson’s poem ‘In memoriam A.H.H.’ For Osundare, rain is a divinity worthy of veneration because of its dual nature. The desecration of earth by powerful forces in society is the theme of the poem. ‘They Too are the Earth’. The poem is worth mentioning here because of its dual thematic preoccupation. Apart from celebrating earth, our home, the poem also talks about suffering humanity. The main message in the poem is that the hordes of beggars on the streets, the hewers and carriers of wood, the suffering women who die unknown in the villages are all children of the earth. The poem is relevant because it redirects attention to earth, the home of man. In doing this the poem raises fundamental questions about the predators and despoilers.

Are they of this earth who fritter the forest and harry the hills Are they of this earth who live that earth may die Are they? (Osundare, The Eye of The Earth, 33).

Finally, in Osundare’s nature poetry, earth and the rain have great relevance and significance. Earth is considered to be the source of life and wealth. But between earth and man, there is the rain serving as an agent or regulator. Through careful introspection and nostalgia, Osundare examines and celebrates these two aspects of nature in his poetry. In his celebration of the theme of nature also Osundare makes the suggestion that the despoliation of the land by certain forces in society is capable and can actually endanger the full existence of man as a human being.

Literary Styles 

 Theme: Renewal, the power of rain, nature's cycle

 Structure: The poem uses a simple structure with a repeated refrain ("With these green guests around. Who says that drought was here?") after each stanza.

 Imagery: The poem is full of vivid descriptions that contrast the harshness of drought with the lushness brought on by rain.

 Detailed Themes in "Who Says the Drought Was Here" by Niyi Osundare

The poem "Who Says the Drought Was Here" by Niyi Osundare explores several themes beyond just the beauty of rain. Here's a breakdown of some key themes:

1. Renewal and Resilience of Nature: Osundare emphasizes the earth's ability to recover from hardship. The drought may have ravaged the land, but with rain, life springs back with even greater vigor. This reflects the cyclical nature of life and death, with the promise of rebirth. 

2. Life-Giving Power of Rain: The poem portrays rain as a savior, a "green guest" that brings life back to a parched land. The imagery of the "fiery tongue of drought" being replaced by "vests of verdure" highlights the transformative power of rain. It sustains not just plants but also the livelihood and well-being of those who depend on the land. 

3. Contrast Between Devastation and Abundance: The poem creates a stark contrast between the state of the land during the drought and the flourishing landscape after the rain. This emphasizes the devastating impact of drought and the abundance that rain brings. It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of nature and our dependence on it.

4. Hope and Celebration: The poem is ultimately a celebration of hope and resilience. It shows that even in the face of hardship, there is always the potential for renewal. The repeated refrain, "With these green guests around. Who says that drought was here?", reinforces this message of hope and the transformative power of nature.

5. Human Dependence on Nature: While the poem celebrates nature's renewal, it also subtly reminds us of our dependence on the environment. The barren land during the drought suggests the hardship faced by people who rely on fertile land for their survival. This aspect adds a layer of social commentary to the poem.  

 Additional Theme:

 Power of Memory vs. Renewal: There could be an argument for a theme of the power of memory vs. renewal. While the land recovers and the speaker says "who says drought was here," the memory of the devastation may linger. 

These are some of the key themes explored in "Who Says the Drought Was Here." By examining these themes, we gain a deeper understanding of the poem's message about nature's power, resilience, and the hope it offers.

Literary Devices 

The poem "Who Says the Drought Was Here" by Niyi Osundare utilizes several literary devices to bring its themes to life. Here's a breakdown of some key devices:

1. Imagery: Vivid imagery is the cornerstone of the poem. Osundare paints contrasting pictures:

Drought: "fiery tongue of drought," "earth licked clean," "cracked earth," "thirsty throat" - These descriptions evoke a sense of harshness, emptiness, and desperation.

Rain and Renewal: "vests of verdure," "green guests," "streams in silver sashes," "earth in emerald embrace" - These create a feeling of lushness, abundance, and rebirth.

2. Metaphor:

Rain as a Guest: Rain is personified as a "green guest," signifying its welcome arrival and the life it brings.

Drought as a Devouring Force: The "fiery tongue of drought" metaphorically depicts drought as a destructive force that consumes the land.

3. Refrain: The repeated line "With these green guests around. Who says that drought was here?" acts as a refrain. It emphasizes the transformation brought by rain and reinforces the poem's theme of renewal. It also adds a sense of celebration and questioning the memory of the drought.

4. Personification: The "thirsty throat" of the earth and the "streams in silver sashes" personify elements of nature, giving them human characteristics and making them more relatable.

5. Symbolism:

Green: The color green symbolizes life, growth, and abundance.

Rain: Rain is a symbol of hope, renewal, and life-giving power.

Cracked Earth: Cracked earth symbolizes the devastation and hardship caused by drought.

These devices work together to create a powerful and evocative poem that celebrates the transformative power of nature and the hope it offers.

Imagery and Language 

 Imagery and Language in "Who Says the Drought Was Here" by Niyi Osundare

The poem "Who Says the Drought Was Here" by Niyi Osundare relies heavily on vivid imagery and evocative language to portray the transformative power of rain after a period of drought. Let's delve deeper into how these elements work together:

Contrasting Imagery:

 Drought: Osundare uses harsh imagery to depict the devastation caused by drought. Phrases like "fiery tongue of drought" and "earth licked clean" create a sense of emptiness and scorching heat. "Cracked earth" and "thirsty throat" further emphasize the land's suffering.

 Rain and Renewal: The imagery shifts dramatically after the rain arrives. The land is adorned with "vests of verdure" and embraced by "emerald." "Streams in silver sashes" add a touch of movement and elegance to the revitalized landscape. These contrasting images highlight the dramatic change brought about by rain.

Metaphors and Personification:

 Rain as a Guest: Rain is not simply a force of nature, but a welcomed visitor – a "green guest." This metaphor personalizes rain and emphasizes its positive impact.

 Drought's Devouring Force: The "fiery tongue of drought" metaphorically depicts drought as a destructive force that consumes the land, highlighting its devastating nature.

 Personification of Nature: The "thirsty throat" of the earth and the "streams in silver sashes" go beyond simple descriptions. By giving them human characteristics, the poet makes the natural world more relatable and emphasizes its response to the drought and rain.

Impact of Language:

 Choice of Words: Osundare uses evocative words like "licked," "parched," and "emerald" to create a strong sensory experience for the reader.

 Simple Yet Powerful Language: The poem uses relatively simple language, making it accessible to a wide audience. However, the imagery and metaphors ensure the language packs a powerful punch. 

The Refrain:

 "With these green guests around. Who says that drought was here?" This repeated line serves multiple purposes. It acts as a powerful statement of renewal, emphasizing the transformation brought about by rain. It also adds a sense of celebration and questioning the memory of the harsh drought. 

Overall Effect:

These elements work together to create a poem that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. The contrasting imagery vividly portrays the devastation of drought and the life-giving power of rain. The metaphors and personification add depth and emotional connection to the poem. The simple yet powerful language makes the message accessible, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. 

The Place of the Poem in Osundare's Work

 "Who Says the Drought Was Here" in Osundare's Work on Nature

"Who Says the Drought Was Here" by Niyi Osundare fits well within his broader body of work that explores themes of nature and its connection to humanity. Here's how the poem contributes to his overall exploration:

 Celebration of Nature's Power: This poem is a clear example of Osundare's appreciation for nature's power and resilience. The poem doesn't shy away from the harshness of drought, but ultimately celebrates nature's ability to recover and bring forth new life.

 Social Commentary: While celebrating nature, Osundare often weaves in social commentary. The poem subtly reminds us of our dependence on the environment, especially for those who rely on fertile land for survival. The devastation of drought can have a profound social impact.

 Hope and Renewal: A recurring theme in Osundare's nature poetry is hope and renewal. Even in the face of hardship, poems like "Who Says the Drought Was Here" offer a message of hope and the possibility of a better future.

 Accessibility and Celebration: Osundare's poetry is known for its accessibility and use of traditional African forms. "Who Says the Drought Was Here" exemplifies this with its simple yet powerful language and use of a catchy refrain. It allows a wider audience to connect with the beauty and importance of nature.

Connecting to Other Works:

 Poems like "The Vulture Culture" and "Green Leaves" also celebrate the life-giving power of nature.

 Poems like "Agric labourer" delve deeper into the social impact of environmental degradation and dependence on fertile land.

"Who Says the Drought Was Here" serves as a microcosm of Osundare's approach to nature in his poetry. It celebrates its power, acknowledges its challenges, and offers a message of hope for the future. 

Importance of Rain in African Culture 

Rain holds immense cultural significance across Africa, deeply woven into traditions, spirituality, and even survival. Here's a breakdown of its importance:

Life-Sustaining Force: In many African regions, agriculture forms the backbone of communities. Without rain, crops fail, leading to famine and hardship. Rain is seen as a life-sustaining force, a divine gift that ensures prosperity and well-being.

Spiritual Connection: Many African cultures have belief systems that connect rain to the spirit world, ancestors, or deities. Rain ceremonies and rituals are expressions of gratitude or attempts to appease these forces to bring much-needed rainfall.

Symbolism and Celebration: Rain is often associated with positive symbolism. It represents fertility, abundance, cleansing, and renewal. After a period of drought, the arrival of rain is a cause for immense celebration and thanksgiving.

Rainmaking Traditions: The dependence on rain has led to the development of rich rainmaking traditions across Africa. These practices vary but often involve rituals, offerings, and dances to influence the spirits or deities believed to control rain.

Examples of Cultural Significance:

 Rain Festivals: Many cultures hold vibrant rain festivals to celebrate the arrival of rain or to plead for it during droughts. These festivals involve music, dance, prayers, and offerings.

 Rainmakers: Some communities have designated rainmakers – individuals believed to possess the power to influence the weather through rituals and spiritual connection.

 Proverbs and Stories: Folktales and proverbs about rain abound across Africa, reflecting its cultural significance and the importance of appreciating its arrival.

Modern Challenges: Climate change and unpredictable rainfall patterns pose a threat to these traditions and the livelihoods that depend on rain. However, the cultural significance of rain in Africa remains strong, a testament to its deep connection to the land and the life it sustains.