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Devil in the Stone by Tatamkhulu Afrika
Sometimes I think I glimpse
a glitter of its glance within my own,
an insolence in a smile that is not mine,
and know, then,
that the bold-eyed devil my heart hides
is wanting to be out
of the straitening stone that would have me believe
that I and it are one,
that all I am is a stone.
But my blood knows,
as do my nerve-ends,
even my passionless amends,
eddying, wavering,
with a life that is the variable wind's,
that I am cunningly other; am
desires that I laser in the womb,
or let be born though they are doomed
to the sterile seeding of my own stone.
And I am the trash bin
at the leftwards kinking of the lane,
its cover that I let fall,
clangingly, to the stone,
its telling like a bellowing bell
of the shames that are my lies because
I lie in denial of the wildhaired,
honed one
in its trap of stone.
And I am the junkie at the end of the line,
shafted and reeling as a bull in a ring,
death row killer smelling rain
other side the alienating iron,
but still the back-to-the-wall,
never-so-alive,
rebellious beast that I am though I smile
with the grimaces of griffins or goons -
or ape the impassivity of their stone.
And I am every other such
twilight or deep-night
irreverent flesh,
pulsing the punk
washboards of my sides,
weeping my marijuana tears,
shearing my soles as I walk
the razor-edge of my wild
side's pretending I am stone.
Sometimes my bones grow light
as with an imminence of flight;
I blaze with a red
rebelliousness of eyes,
gather for a cleaving of the iron of the sky,
shattering of the mosaics of restraint,
pace, then,
my unchanging slow,
acquiescent step of stone.
General Introduction
"Devil in the Stone" by Tatamkhulu Afrika explores the inner conflict between a restrained outer self and a rebellious inner nature. The poem vividly portrays the struggle of suppressing one's true desires and the facade one maintains to conform to societal expectations. Through rich imagery and poignant metaphors, Afrika delves into themes of identity, rebellion, and self-deception.
Title
The title "Devil in the Stone" metaphorically represents the inner self or true nature (the "devil") that is trapped or hidden within the constraints of societal norms and personal inhibitions (the "stone"). The title suggests a duality within the speaker, a conflict between a wild, untamed spirit and a rigid, unchanging exterior.
Themes
1. Inner Conflict: The primary theme of the poem is the struggle between the inner self and the outer persona. The speaker describes "a glitter of its glance within my own" and "the bold-eyed devil my heart hides," highlighting the tension between his true desires and the facade he presents to the world.
2. Rebellion: The poem frequently references rebellion against societal constraints. Phrases like "I blaze with a red rebelliousness of eyes" and "pulsing the punk washboards of my sides" emphasize the speaker's desire to break free from the metaphorical stone that confines him.
3. Identity and Self-Deception: The theme of identity is central, as the speaker grapples with the perception of himself versus his true nature. Lines like "that I and it are one, that all I am is a stone" reflect the struggle to reconcile his inner and outer selves, while "I lie in denial of the wildhaired, honed one" underscores self-deception.
4. Suppression and Restraint: The imagery of stone symbolizes suppression and restraint. The speaker's true self is described as being trapped in "the straitening stone," indicating the rigid boundaries imposed by society or self-imposed limitations.
5. Desperation and Hopelessness: There is a pervasive sense of desperation and hopelessness, as seen in "junkie at the end of the line" and "death row killer smelling rain other side the alienating iron." These images convey a profound sense of entrapment and yearning for freedom.
Literary Devices
1. Metaphor: The poem is rich in metaphor, with the stone symbolizing the rigid constraints of societal norms and the devil representing the true, untamed self. For example, "the bold-eyed devil my heart hides" conveys the inner desires suppressed by the speaker.
2. Imagery: Vivid imagery is used throughout the poem to create a sense of the speaker's internal struggle. Phrases like "marijuana tears" and "blaze with a red rebelliousness of eyes" evoke strong visual and emotional responses.
3. Personification: The speaker personifies his inner nature, referring to it as "the wildhaired, honed one" and "the rebellious beast." This personification emphasizes the intensity and vitality of his true self.
4. Alliteration: Afrika uses alliteration to create rhythm and emphasize certain phrases. Examples include "pulsing the punk washboards" and "shearing my soles," which draw attention to the rebellious and painful aspects of the speaker's journey.
5. Symbolism: The stone symbolizes rigidity and suppression, while the devil represents the untamed, true self. The "razor-edge of my wild side's pretending I am stone" symbolizes the precarious balance between conforming and embracing one's true nature.
6. Simile: Similes are used to draw comparisons and enhance the imagery. For example, "shafted and reeling as a bull in a ring" likens the speaker's struggle to a bull being manipulated and controlled, emphasizing his feelings of entrapment and resistance.
Language and Mood
The language of the poem is intense and evocative, with a tone that oscillates between desperation and defiance. Words like "blaze," "rebelliousness," and "shattering" convey a fierce desire for freedom and self-expression. The mood is dark and tumultuous, reflecting the inner turmoil of the speaker.
Context
Tatamkhulu Afrika, a South African poet, often explored themes of identity, resistance, and the human condition in his work. "Devil in the Stone" reflects his broader concerns with the struggle for self-identity and the constraints imposed by societal norms, a common theme in his poetry, influenced by his own experiences of political and social oppression.
Conclusion
"Devil in the Stone" is a powerful exploration of the conflict between one's true nature and the facades imposed by society. Through vivid imagery, metaphors, and a tone of defiant desperation, Tatamkhulu Afrika captures the essence of inner rebellion and the painful process of confronting and embracing one's authentic self. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the universal struggle for identity and freedom amidst societal constraints.
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