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Harvest of War by Catherine Obianuju Acholonu
something is taking its course
wailing echoes
and re-echoes
through long corridors
of life and death
where four roads meet
where two roads cross
where four roads meet
there is coming
and there is going
allow me to use
your oval passage
o maid
after the hospitality
after a sojourn
of nine moons
may i wriggle
through
the bush-path
there are streams
of blood yet to be split
I crossed the seven seas
and planted myself
a seed that grew
in water and blood
and now
to let me a lease of life
she lies
plucking pangs of pain
gliding on the chess-board
of life and death
forgotten is the ecstasy
the pineapple-sweet apple
mutually devoured
it’s harvest time
the farm is all ablaze
and she
undaunted and fearless
searches the heart of the fire
for the seed
that planted itself
in water
and blood
it knows neither day or night
neither war nor peace
no danger even in the face of death
a world in a world
a subtle settler
another harvest
and you wet the soil
with teardrops
bring a spade
bring a coffin
there are no more coffins
wrap it up wrap it up in a mat
General Introduction
"Harvest of War" by Catherine Obianuju Acholonu is a poignant poem that delves into the deep impact of war on individuals and communities. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, the poet captures the devastation of conflict and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of profound loss.
Title
The title "Harvest of War" suggests a metaphorical reaping of the consequences of war, indicating that the poem explores the aftermath and the enduring effects of conflict.
Themes
1. Impact of War: The poem reflects on the devastating effects of war, portraying scenes of destruction and loss. This is seen in lines such as "the farm is all ablaze," which symbolizes the destruction of communities and livelihoods.
2. Resilience: Despite the hardships depicted, there is a theme of resilience and determination. The speaker's resolve to find the "seed" amidst the "fire" symbolizes the human spirit's ability to endure and seek hope in the midst of chaos.
3. Cycle of Life and Death: The poem explores the cyclical nature of life and death, as symbolized by the imagery of roads meeting and crossing. This theme suggests that even in the face of death, life continues in a perpetual cycle.
4. Sacrifice and Loss: The poem touches on themes of sacrifice and loss, particularly through the imagery of bloodshed and the reference to planting a seed that grows in "water and blood." This imagery conveys a sense of sacrifice and the enduring impact of loss.
5. Desire for Peace: Amidst the turmoil of war, there is a longing for peace and an end to the violence. This is implied in the speaker's plea for a "lease of life" and the desire to find a way through the chaos.
Literary Devices
1. Repetition: The repetition of phrases such as "where four roads meet" and "in water and blood" emphasizes key ideas and adds to the poem's rhythm and intensity.
2. Imagery: The poem is rich in imagery, such as "the farm is all ablaze" and "streams of blood yet to be split," which vividly depict the horrors of war and its aftermath.
3. Metaphor: The use of metaphors, such as "the heart of the fire" and "she/undaunted and fearless/searches the heart of the fire," adds depth to the poem's exploration of resilience and determination.
4. Symbolism: The "seed" symbolizes hope and the potential for new life amidst destruction, while the "chess-board of life and death" symbolizes the precariousness of existence in times of war.
5. Personification: The personification of war as knowing "neither day or night" and "no danger even in the face of death" adds a haunting quality to the portrayal of conflict.
6. Alliteration: The use of alliteration, such as in "undaunted and fearless," enhances the poem's musicality and reinforces the speaker's bravery in the face of adversity.
Language and Mood
The language of the poem is evocative and powerful, conveying a mood of sadness, resilience, and determination. The imagery and metaphors used create a vivid picture of the devastation of war and the human spirit's response to it.
Context
Written by Catherine Obianuju Acholonu, a Nigerian poet and writer, "Harvest of War" likely draws on the poet's experiences or observations of conflict, possibly reflecting on the Nigerian Civil War or broader themes of war and its impact on society.
Conclusion
"Harvest of War" is a moving poem that explores the profound effects of war on individuals and communities. Through its rich imagery, powerful language, and thematic depth, the poem invites readers to reflect on the human cost of conflict and the enduring spirit of resilience in the face of adversity.
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