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Mother and Child by Amatoritsero Ede
(for Odia Ofeimun)
I
a foetus nestles in its watery hammock
tiny thumb plugged
into dreaming mouth
sleep-suckled
gently
a curious midwife
hand
plumbs
the throbbing womb
for warmth
mother moans and heaves
expels
the sleepy newborn
who spurned
brokes the water
that dams life
slip-drip-drops
through birth canal
into blood-wet waiting arms
full of succour
II
the newly exiled
exhales sharply
draws first breath
kicks at the dry iodine air
and bursts into mournful song
a poet is born.
hands secure the cry-baby
untie the umbilical bond
between mother and child
the womb that holds life
nurtures dreams
of a reunion
and the severed cord that binds
runs invisible
between natal mound
and the humped grave
General Introduction
"Mother and Child" by Amatoritsero Ede is a poem that explores the profound bond between a mother and her child, from the womb to the moment of birth and beyond. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, the poet captures the universal experience of childbirth and the enduring connection between mother and child.
Title
The title "Mother and Child" immediately sets the thematic focus of the poem on the relationship between a mother and her offspring, highlighting the central theme of maternal love and the cycle of life.
Themes
1. Maternal Love and Sacrifice:
The poem delves deeply into the theme of maternal love and sacrifice, portraying the mother's journey from pregnancy to childbirth. The lines, "mother moans and heaves / expels / the sleepy newborn," exemplify the physical and emotional strain of childbirth, highlighting the selfless act of bringing new life into the world.
2. Life and Rebirth:
Ede uses vivid imagery to depict the moment of birth, emphasizing the miraculous nature of life and the concept of rebirth. The image of the newborn "exhales sharply / draws first breath" symbolizes the beginning of a new life and the cyclical nature of existence.
3. Separation and Connection:
The poem explores the bittersweet experience of separation between mother and child at birth, as the umbilical bond is untied. Despite this physical separation, there remains an invisible connection between them, symbolizing the enduring bond that transcends physical boundaries.
4. Creation and Creativity:
Ede uses the metaphor of childbirth to explore the concept of creation and creativity. The birth of the poet is likened to the emergence of a new creation, as the newborn "bursts into mournful song" and "a poet is born." This reflects the idea that art and poetry are born out of the creative process, mirroring the act of giving birth.
5. Life's Journey:
The poem traces the journey of life from conception to death, touching upon the cyclical nature of existence. The image of the "natal mound" and "the humped grave" symbolizes the journey from birth to death, suggesting that life is a continuous cycle of beginnings and endings.
Literary Devices
1. Imagery:
Ede employs vivid imagery throughout the poem to create a sensory experience for the reader. For example, the image of the "foetus nestles in its watery hammock / tiny thumb plugged / into dreaming mouth" evokes a sense of intimacy and warmth, while the image of the newborn "kicks at the dry iodine air" conveys the immediacy of birth.
2. Metaphor:
The poem uses metaphor to compare childbirth to the creative process. The line "and bursts into mournful song / a poet is born" metaphorically equates the birth of the poet with the act of creation, suggesting that art is a form of rebirth.
3. Symbolism:
The umbilical cord serves as a powerful symbol in the poem, representing the physical and emotional bond between mother and child. Its untethering symbolizes the moment of separation and the beginning of the child's independent journey.
4. Alliteration:
Ede employs alliteration, as seen in the lines "sleep-suckled" and "slip-drip-drops," to create a rhythmic quality to the poem, enhancing its musicality and emotional resonance.
5. Personification:
The poem personifies the womb, portraying it as a nurturing force that "holds life / nurtures dreams." This personification emphasizes the womb's role in both physical and emotional nurturing.
6. Repetition:
The repetition of the phrase "mother moans and heaves" in the first stanza creates a sense of rhythm and emphasizes the mother's struggle during childbirth, highlighting the physical and emotional intensity of the experience.
Language and Mood
The language in "Mother and Child" is rich and evocative, creating a mood of tenderness, awe, and reverence. The use of descriptive language, such as "blood-wet waiting arms" and "dry iodine air," immerses the reader in the sensory experience of childbirth, while the poet's lyrical tone conveys a sense of wonder and admiration for the miracle of life.
Context
Amatoritsero Ede, a Nigerian poet, journalist, and editor, often explores themes of identity, culture, and human experience in his work. "Mother and Child" reflects Ede's interest in the complexities of human relationships and the universal experiences that connect us all. The poem can be seen as a celebration of motherhood and the enduring bond between a mother and her child, themes that resonate across cultures and generations.
Conclusion
"Mother and Child" by Amatoritsero Ede is a moving portrayal of the bond between a mother and her child, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, creation, and the cycle of life. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, the poet captures the transformative journey of childbirth and the enduring connection between mother and child, making it a timeless and universal ode to the miracle of life.
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