Poem and Analysis of Before They Came Calling In The Middle Of The Night by Funso Aiyejina

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The Poem 

Way back when, before chickens became toothless

And turned champion devourers of back-up grains …

Before drunk agents came crashing into our dreams

Armed and ready to arrest metaphors in our streams

On the orders of a General high on syndicated acclaims

Galloping full-speed ahead of our children’s fervent pleas,

I believed with the innocent citizens of our nation

In the open-arm one-on-one embrace of salutation.

But after seeing wily foxes at work in our forests

Spiders spinning deadly webs in and out of contexts,

I now know why, even as they bury comrades freshly killed

Fists of the children of Soweto remain forever clenched.

We have always had their likes: inheritors and usurpers

Who, too cowardly to confront the truths in our songs

Would don the dirty garb of aberrant masquerades

Determined to waylay and strangle singers of tales

Long before the ascension of this General Tortoise.

Today, descendants of those same insolent renegades,

Protected by the anonymity of their choice profession,

Courageously finger the homes of witnesses of truth

Forgetting like their ancestors now condemned to oblivion

That the outstanding relatives of a condemning finger

Are inevitably aimed back at the heart of the pointer.

Whatever darkness conceals, dawn is bound to reveal.

Why argue with men who insist they are really clad

In exotic robes when it is too dark to investigate?

Let them dance. Let them prance. Like the intoxicated.

Daylight, when it arrives on the silent wings of dawn

Will reveal them as wearers of rags before the town.

Men like them are not new; we always had their kind:

Men who conveniently forget that when an order

Fit only for slaves is forced on us we must deliver

Such with the wisdom and courage of the free

Instead of kicking in wide open doors with glee.

To such men our ancestors sent collective ritual curses

Causing them to die abominable deaths, swollen with greed.

 General Introduction

"Before They Came Calling In The Middle Of The Night" by Funso Aiyejina is a profound and evocative poem that addresses themes of oppression, resistance, and the cyclical nature of tyranny. Aiyejina, a prominent Nigerian poet and academic, often captures political and social issues in his work, reflecting the turbulent history and struggles of his homeland. This poem vividly portrays the clash between corrupt authority figures and the resilient spirit of the oppressed, using rich imagery and metaphor to convey its message.

 Title

The title, "Before They Came Calling In The Middle Of The Night," sets a foreboding tone, hinting at an impending confrontation or invasion. The phrase "in the middle of the night" suggests secrecy and malevolence, evoking a sense of fear and vulnerability. It implies a time before the forces of oppression struck, suggesting a nostalgic reflection on a more innocent past.

 Themes

1. Oppression and Corruption

   - The poem vividly describes the intrusion of "drunk agents" who "came crashing into our dreams," symbolizing the invasive and destructive nature of corrupt authorities. The "General high on syndicated acclaims" represents a tyrannical leader, indifferent to the pleas of the people, highlighting the pervasive nature of corruption.

2. Innocence and Disillusionment

   - The poet contrasts the past belief "in the open-arm one-on-one embrace of salutation" with the present realization of "wily foxes at work in our forests." This shift from innocence to disillusionment underscores the betrayal felt by the citizens who once trusted their leaders.

3. Resistance and Resilience

   - The poem celebrates the enduring spirit of resistance, exemplified by "the children of Soweto" whose "fists...remain forever clenched." This imagery signifies ongoing defiance against oppression, honoring those who continue to fight for justice despite the dangers.

4. Historical Cycles of Tyranny

   - Aiyejina draws parallels between past and present oppressors, stating, "We have always had their likes: inheritors and usurpers." This theme underscores the cyclical nature of tyranny and the recurring appearance of corrupt leaders throughout history.

5. Truth and Revelation

   - The poet emphasizes the eventual triumph of truth over deception, noting, "Whatever darkness conceals, dawn is bound to reveal." This theme reflects a belief in the inevitable exposure of lies and corruption, advocating for patience and faith in the power of truth.

 Literary Devices

1. Metaphor

   - "Before chickens became toothless / And turned champion devourers of back-up grains" uses chickens metaphorically to represent vulnerable entities that have turned destructive, highlighting the betrayal of trust.

2. Personification

   - "Spiders spinning deadly webs in and out of contexts" personifies spiders, representing deceitful individuals weaving traps for the unsuspecting, emphasizing the pervasiveness of treachery.

3. Imagery

   - "Galloping full-speed ahead of our children’s fervent pleas" creates a vivid image of a ruthless leader ignoring the desperate cries of the young, emphasizing the cruelty of the regime.

4. Irony

   - The line "Why argue with men who insist they are really clad / In exotic robes when it is too dark to investigate?" uses irony to mock the self-deception of corrupt leaders who believe in their own lies despite clear evidence to the contrary.

5. Symbolism

   - "Fists of the children of Soweto remain forever clenched" symbolizes enduring resistance and defiance against oppression, representing the collective struggle for freedom.

6. Allusion

   - References to "General Tortoise" and the "children of Soweto" allude to specific historical and cultural contexts, enriching the poem’s thematic depth by connecting it to real-world events and figures.

 Language and Mood

The language of the poem is rich and evocative, filled with vivid imagery and metaphors that convey a sense of urgency and gravity. The mood shifts from nostalgic reflection to bitter disillusionment, ultimately settling on a tone of resolute defiance and hope. The poet's use of language creates a powerful emotional impact, drawing the reader into the experiences and struggles of the oppressed.

 Context

Funso Aiyejina, a Nigerian poet, often writes about political and social issues, drawing on the history and experiences of his homeland. This poem reflects the broader context of African nations grappling with post-colonial governance, corruption, and the fight for justice. The references to Soweto and the depiction of tyrannical leaders resonate with historical and contemporary struggles across the continent.

 Conclusion

"Before They Came Calling In The Middle Of The Night" is a powerful poem that encapsulates the themes of oppression, resistance, and the cyclical nature of tyranny. Through rich imagery, metaphor, and historical allusion, Aiyejina vividly portrays the enduring spirit of the oppressed and the inevitable triumph of truth. The poem serves as a call to remember the past, recognize the present struggles, and maintain hope for a future where justice prevails.