Complete Analysis of Let Us Remember by Funso Aiyejina

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General Introduction

"Let Us Remember" by Funso Aiyejina is a reflective poem on the socio-political challenges and collective memory of a society facing the aftermath of corruption, broken promises, and unfulfilled dreams. The poet uses vivid imagery and language to evoke a sense of loss, frustration, and the need for remembrance and accountability. Aiyejina's work is often marked by a deep engagement with political themes and a commitment to highlighting the struggles and resilience of his people.

 Title

The title "Let Us Remember" serves as a clarion call to collective memory and reflection. It urges the audience to recall the past, acknowledge the present, and perhaps contemplate the future. The imperative "let us" signifies a communal act of recollection, emphasizing that the experiences described in the poem are shared by all members of society.

 Themes

1. Corruption and Betrayal

   - The poem discusses how "bandits demanded donations with which to refill / treasuries they had looted into family pots," highlighting the betrayal of public trust by those in power. This theme underscores the pervasive corruption and the personal enrichment of leaders at the expense of the populace.

   

2. Lost Dreams and Aspirations

   - The imagery of "fragments of kites / and strands of thread / entangled on high voltage cables" symbolizes the shattered dreams and aspirations of the people. These lines convey a sense of hopes being cut short and aspirations being dangerously entangled in insurmountable obstacles.

   

3. Environmental and Agricultural Devastation

   - The stanza describing "clouds / that eventually burst into storms / and left us aghast as our crops / became feeders to ocean bound streams" points to the environmental and agricultural destruction. This theme reflects the vulnerability of the people's livelihood to natural and perhaps man-made disasters.

   

4. Cultural and Societal Disintegration

   - The mention of "cripples from new tribes / walk around on stilts and trample / our pre-harvest fields of crops to death" suggests the erosion of cultural integrity and societal disintegration. It reflects the disruptive impact of new influences that threaten the established way of life.

   

5. Political Disillusionment

   - The line "how men of parliament vacationed the electorate" captures the political disillusionment and the abandonment of the electorate by those elected to serve them. This theme points to the disconnection between the government and the governed, leading to a sense of disenfranchisement.

 Literary Devices

1. Imagery

   - Aiyejina employs vivid imagery throughout the poem, such as "smell the stench of dead pigeons" and "fragments of kites / and strands of thread." These images evoke strong sensory experiences that enhance the reader's engagement with the poem's themes.

2. Metaphor

   - The poem is rich in metaphors, for instance, "stream-flow of seminal blood / out of tune with monthly cycles" metaphorically represents thwarted potential and unnatural disruptions. Another metaphor is "power dissolved the people," which signifies the erasure of the populace's influence by those in power.

3. Symbolism

   - Symbols such as "high voltage cables" and "waterless fountains" are used to represent danger and desolation, respectively. These symbols deepen the reader's understanding of the underlying issues addressed in the poem.

4. Alliteration

   - Alliteration is present in phrases like "feline skunks" and "sacred flutes," which create a rhythmic quality and emphasize particular aspects of the poem's critique.

5. Personification

   - The poem personifies elements of nature and abstract concepts, such as "silences abort" and "cripples from new tribes walk around on stilts." This personification brings the inanimate to life, making the issues more relatable and impactful.

6. Irony

   - There is a strong sense of irony in lines like "men of parliament vacationed the electorate," highlighting the absurdity and injustice of the situation. The irony underscores the poem's critical tone towards political leaders.

 Language and Mood

The language of the poem is dense with imagery and symbolism, creating a mood of solemn reflection and profound disillusionment. Aiyejina's choice of words is deliberate and evocative, aiming to elicit a deep emotional response from the reader. The mood shifts between somber recollection and a call to consciousness, maintaining a tone that is both critical and contemplative.

 Context

Funso Aiyejina is a Nigerian poet, playwright, and academic known for his engagement with political and social issues. "Let Us Remember" reflects his concern with the impact of political corruption, social disintegration, and the need for collective memory. The poem can be seen as a response to the socio-political climate in Nigeria and other similar post-colonial contexts, where the promise of independence has often been marred by subsequent misrule and disenfranchisement.

 Conclusion

"Let Us Remember" by Funso Aiyejina is a powerful and evocative poem that calls for collective reflection on the challenges faced by society. Through its rich imagery, metaphors, and symbolic language, the poem addresses themes of corruption, lost dreams, environmental devastation, cultural disintegration, and political disillusionment. Aiyejina's work serves as a reminder of the importance of memory and the need for accountability in the face of socio-political challenges.