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Dark where loneliness hides by Tatamkhulu Afrika
Cat’s small child cries
in the dark where loneliness hides.
Cat’s small child beats
its breast in the soft
furriness of its need.
Cats don’t beat their breasts,
cats yell with lust
in the dark where loneliness hides?
Is it I, then, that cries,
mad child running wild?
Is it I that lies
in the dark where loneliness hides,
that listens as the wild geese wing
past short of the stars,
rime my roof with their dung?
Cat’s mewling, sky’s
sibilances, these
are the thieves of my ease?
What else waits
in the dark where loneliness hides?
My song has a crooked spine.
Should I break a bone
as I straighten it?
Or birth its crookedness in
the dark where loneliness hides?
General Introduction
"Dark where loneliness hides" by Tatamkhulu Afrika is a poem that delves into the deep, often unsettling emotions associated with loneliness and introspection. Afrika, known for his vivid imagery and emotional depth, explores themes of isolation, identity, and the human condition through a poignant and reflective narrative. The poem uses animal imagery and the metaphor of darkness to convey the pervasive nature of loneliness and the internal struggle it evokes.
Title
The title "Dark where loneliness hides" sets the tone for the entire poem. It suggests a place or state of being where loneliness resides, hidden from the light and the outside world. This darkness is not just physical but also metaphorical, representing the inner recesses of the mind where one grapples with solitude and existential questions.
Themes
1. Loneliness:
- The poem repeatedly references loneliness, both explicitly and implicitly. The line "in the dark where loneliness hides" is a refrain that underscores the persistent presence of solitude throughout the poem.
2. Identity:
- The speaker questions their own identity and actions, as seen in the lines "Is it I, then, that cries, / mad child running wild?" This introspection highlights a struggle with self-recognition and understanding.
3. Nature and the Wild:
- The imagery of "wild geese wing / past short of the stars" and "rime my roof with their dung" connects the speaker's internal world with the natural world, emphasizing a sense of being part of something larger yet still feeling isolated.
4. Human and Animal Comparison:
- The poem juxtaposes human and animal behavior, particularly with the line "Cats don’t beat their breasts, / cats yell with lust," suggesting a contrast between human emotional expression and animalistic instincts.
5. Internal Conflict:
- The speaker’s contemplation of their "crooked spine" and the choice to "break a bone / as I straighten it" symbolizes the internal struggle to reconcile one’s flaws and the potential pain involved in self-improvement or acceptance.
Literary Devices
1. Metaphor:
- "My song has a crooked spine" uses metaphor to represent the speaker's life or self-expression as flawed and imperfect.
2. Repetition:
- The phrase "in the dark where loneliness hides" is repeated throughout the poem, reinforcing the central theme of hidden loneliness.
3. Personification:
- Loneliness is personified as something that can hide, giving it an almost tangible presence.
4. Imagery:
- Vivid imagery is used to create a sensory experience, such as "soft furriness" and "sky’s sibilances," which evoke tactile and auditory senses.
5. Rhetorical Questions:
- The poem includes rhetorical questions like "Is it I, then, that cries?" and "What else waits / in the dark where loneliness hides?" These questions express the speaker’s inner turmoil and search for understanding.
6. Alliteration:
- Alliteration is present in phrases like "beats its breast" and "crooked spine," adding a rhythmic quality to the poem.
Language and Mood
The language of the poem is introspective and laden with metaphors. It uses a conversational tone, marked by rhetorical questions and personal reflections. The mood is somber and contemplative, as the speaker delves into their feelings of loneliness and self-doubt. The use of dark and natural imagery contributes to the melancholic and introspective atmosphere.
Context
Tatamkhulu Afrika, born Mogamed Fu’ad Nasif, was a South African poet and writer who often explored themes of identity, displacement, and the human condition. This poem reflects his personal struggles and observations, likely influenced by his own experiences of isolation and reflection. The use of animal imagery and natural elements is a common feature in his work, serving to bridge the personal and universal aspects of human experience.
Conclusion
"Dark where loneliness hides" is a poignant exploration of solitude and self-reflection. Through its use of metaphor, imagery, and rhetorical questions, the poem captures the pervasive and often hidden nature of loneliness. Afrika’s introspective narrative invites readers to ponder their own experiences with isolation and the inner conflicts that accompany it. The poem’s melancholic tone and vivid language make it a compelling piece that resonates with the universal human condition.
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