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After a Commonwealth Conference by Ama Ata Aidoo
Because
you are here
to remind me to be grateful to
– it must be The Lord –
for small mercies,
I shall not
wail
shave my hair or
do another fasting trip at the dawn of a
day that has put more bile on my tongue.
But Child,
out there where
our thousands are dying and
our millions
do not have food to
choose to eat or
not,
how does one tell the story of men
who are nothing at all, and
leaders who are only
skilled in the art of anti-people treachery?
Child,
I hear you: and since
wisdom
does not always grow with our grey hairs,
may be,
you can tell me
what to do with
my shame, and
Our Continent once more
betrayed?
General Introduction
"After a Commonwealth Conference" by Ama Ata Aidoo is a reflective poem on the disillusionment and frustration felt by many African citizens regarding their leaders and the dire socio-economic conditions on the continent. The poem is set against the backdrop of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Vancouver in 1986. It portrays the disheartening reality of political betrayal and the suffering of ordinary people, juxtaposed with the ineffective leadership and empty promises of those in power.
Title
The title "After a Commonwealth Conference" immediately sets the scene and context for the poem. It implies a post-event reflection, indicating that the poem will explore the outcomes or aftermath of the conference. This title suggests a critical examination of the conference's impact, particularly on African nations and their people.
Themes
1. Disillusionment with Leadership
- The poem expresses deep disillusionment with African leaders, who are depicted as "skilled in the art of anti-people treachery." This theme highlights the betrayal and corruption prevalent among those in power, leading to widespread suffering.
2. Poverty and Hunger
- Aidoo vividly describes the dire conditions faced by many Africans: "our millions / do not have food to / choose to eat or / not." This theme underscores the severe poverty and food insecurity that plague the continent, exacerbated by ineffective governance.
3. Despair and Helplessness
- The poet's sense of despair is evident in lines such as "a day that has put more bile on my tongue." This theme captures the emotional toll of witnessing continuous suffering and injustice, leading to a feeling of helplessness.
4. Generational Wisdom and Change
- The poem addresses the younger generation, suggesting that "wisdom / does not always grow with our grey hairs." This theme highlights the hope that younger people might bring new perspectives and solutions to the continent's problems.
5. Betrayal of the Continent
- The repeated question, "Our Continent once more / betrayed?" emphasizes the recurring theme of betrayal, where African nations feel let down by their leaders and the international community.
Literary Devices
1. Imagery
- Aidoo uses vivid imagery to depict suffering: "our millions / do not have food to / choose to eat or / not." This stark picture of hunger and deprivation makes the reader visualize the dire conditions.
2. Irony
- The poem's irony is evident in the line "leaders who are only / skilled in the art of anti-people treachery." Leaders, who should protect and uplift their people, are ironically the ones betraying them.
3. Repetition
- The repetition of the word "Child" emphasizes the dialogue and the generational gap, suggesting a passing of responsibility or seeking advice from the younger generation.
4. Juxtaposition
- Aidoo juxtaposes the "small mercies" with the vast suffering "out there where / our thousands are dying." This contrast highlights the disconnect between minor positives and overwhelming negatives.
5. Rhetorical Question
- The poem ends with a rhetorical question, "Our Continent once more / betrayed?" This device emphasizes the recurring theme of betrayal and leaves the reader contemplating the cyclical nature of political deceit.
6. Symbolism
- The act of "shave my hair" symbolizes mourning and despair, traditional expressions of grief in many African cultures. This symbolism enriches the poem's emotional depth.
Language and Mood
The language of the poem is both direct and evocative, employing simple yet powerful words to convey complex emotions and situations. The mood is predominantly somber and reflective, with a tone of disillusionment and frustration. The use of conversational language, especially in addressing "Child," adds a personal and intimate touch to the poem, bridging the gap between generations and emphasizing the shared plight.
Context
Ama Ata Aidoo, a renowned Ghanaian author, playwright, and poet, often addresses themes of post-colonialism, gender, and social justice in her work. This poem reflects the socio-political context of the 1980s, a period marked by economic difficulties, political instability, and a struggle for genuine leadership in many African countries. The reference to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting highlights the global context and the often ineffective diplomatic engagements that fail to address the real issues faced by the people.
Conclusion
"After a Commonwealth Conference" by Ama Ata Aidoo is a powerful critique of political leadership and its failure to address the fundamental needs of the people. Through its evocative language and rich thematic content, the poem highlights the disillusionment, despair, and hope for change that characterize the African experience. By addressing the younger generation, Aidoo suggests that true wisdom and solutions may lie beyond the traditional leaders, in the hands of those who have yet to be corrupted by power.
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