Aftermath by Funso Aiyejina : Poem and Analysis

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(For Fatima Vatsa)

Each new life is a descendant of a graying form

Every new season a rebellion against an older norm

But the cactus survives the swing of the pendulum

Not through the collusive allegiance of a chameleon

But through a tenacity of will and a clarity of vision.

Poetry is rebellion, insists Neruda. The poet in rebellion

Is a cactus in bloom, nurtured by miracles in the subsoil.

Was the warrior-poet a desert cactus, a carrier of our anguish?

For you and others who knew them in less dangerous roles

As tenants, friends, husbands and fathers

Yours are grieving tongues and loving hearts

From which cynical questions may not be asked.

Mindful of your intense personal pains and tears

Over lost privileges, we join you in singing dirges

With which to coax them on to their now inevitable posting.

Blessed are they whose coups succeed:

They shall own the yams and wield the knives

And songs shall be erected naming them saviours

Until after the next night of the long knives …

 General Introduction

"Aftermath" by Funso Aiyejina is a contemplative and poignant poem dedicated to Fatima Vatsa. The poem explores themes of life, resilience, rebellion, and the cyclical nature of power and loss. Through the metaphor of the cactus, Aiyejina reflects on the tenacity required to endure and thrive amidst adversity. The poem also addresses the complex emotions surrounding the aftermath of political upheaval and personal loss, emphasizing the enduring strength of the human spirit.

 Title

The title "Aftermath" immediately suggests a period following a significant event, often associated with consequences and reflection. It hints at the poet's focus on the repercussions of political actions and personal loss, urging the reader to consider what comes after moments of upheaval.

 Themes

1. Rebellion and Resistance

   - The poem draws a parallel between life and rebellion: "Every new season a rebellion against an older norm." This suggests that each new generation challenges the status quo, embodying a natural cycle of resistance and change.

2. Resilience and Survival

   - The cactus symbolizes resilience: "But the cactus survives the swing of the pendulum / Not through the collusive allegiance of a chameleon / But through a tenacity of will and a clarity of vision." The cactus, thriving in harsh conditions, represents the strength and determination necessary to endure hardships.

3. Poetry and Revolution

   - Aiyejina aligns poetry with rebellion: "Poetry is rebellion, insists Neruda. The poet in rebellion / Is a cactus in bloom, nurtured by miracles in the subsoil." This highlights the transformative power of poetry and its role in challenging and changing society.

4. Personal Loss and Mourning

   - The poem addresses the personal grief of those who have lost loved ones to political turmoil: "Yours are grieving tongues and loving hearts / From which cynical questions may not be asked." It underscores the deep emotional impact of loss and the sanctity of personal mourning.

5. The Cyclical Nature of Power

   - Aiyejina comments on the transient nature of power: "Blessed are they whose coups succeed: / They shall own the yams and wield the knives / And songs shall be erected naming them saviours / Until after the next night of the long knives." This highlights the temporary and often brutal nature of political power, which is constantly in flux.

 Literary Devices

1. Metaphor

   - The cactus is a central metaphor representing resilience and endurance: "The poet in rebellion / Is a cactus in bloom."

2. Personification

   - Life and seasons are personified to emphasize their dynamic nature: "Each new life is a descendant of a graying form / Every new season a rebellion against an older norm."

3. Allusion

   - The poem references Pablo Neruda: "Poetry is rebellion, insists Neruda." This allusion connects the poem's themes to a broader literary tradition of poetry as a form of resistance.

4. Imagery

   - Vivid imagery is used to evoke the harsh realities and resilience of the cactus: "nurtured by miracles in the subsoil."

5. Symbolism

   - The "night of the long knives" symbolizes violent political purges and the cyclical nature of political power.

6. Irony

   - There is an ironic tone in the depiction of power: "Blessed are they whose coups succeed: / They shall own the yams and wield the knives." This highlights the often violent and transient nature of political success.

 Language and Mood

The language of the poem is reflective and evocative, employing rich metaphors and vivid imagery to convey complex emotions and themes. The mood shifts from contemplative and mournful to critical and ironic, capturing the multifaceted nature of the aftermath of political and personal upheaval.

 Context

Funso Aiyejina is a Nigerian poet and academic known for his exploration of African political and social issues through his poetry. "Aftermath" is dedicated to Fatima Vatsa, likely referencing the political climate and the personal losses experienced during periods of political instability in Nigeria. The poem reflects on the enduring human spirit and the inevitable cycles of power and resistance.

 Conclusion

"Aftermath" by Funso Aiyejina is a profound exploration of resilience, rebellion, and the human cost of political power. Through the metaphor of the cactus and the allusion to poetry as rebellion, Aiyejina captures the strength required to endure and thrive amidst adversity. The poem's rich imagery, reflective language, and shifting mood underscore the complexity of mourning personal loss while navigating the turbulent cycles of political change.