Poem and Analysis of A Falling by Ama Ata Aidoo

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 A Falling by Ama Ata Aidoo 

A thud and a

Yellowy presence.

Before that

It was the gentle wave and weight of the wind

That brought you.

We are not talking gold here:

Liquid yet self-assured and tough

Tactile and malleable

Restless, rust-less, regal,

Forever found, never lost.

My Sister, it’s about yellow.

Modest, organic,

Soft as the music that played

The morning they wheeled out our mother’s

We-dare-not-mention.

Yellow, my Brother, is a farewell.

It’s what gets left

When the greening is gone,

And before the crystal white, the copious brown, and

The grim grey of our

Putrefaction.

 General Introduction

"A Falling" by Ama Ata Aidoo is a reflective and evocative poem that explores the theme of change and the passage of time through the metaphor of color and the natural process of decay. The poem's language is rich and symbolic, engaging readers in a contemplation of life's transitions, the inevitable end, and the continuity of memory and existence beyond physical decay. 

 Title

The title "A Falling" suggests a process of decline or descent. It sets the tone for the poem, indicating a movement from one state to another, possibly from life to death or from vibrancy to decay. This falling can be seen as both a literal and metaphorical descent, highlighting the inevitability of change and the natural cycle of life.

 Themes

1. The Passage of Time: The poem reflects on the inevitability of time passing and the changes it brings. "When the greening is gone, / And before the crystal white, the copious brown, and / The grim grey of our / Putrefaction" shows the stages of life and decay, emphasizing the transient nature of existence.

2. Death and Decay: The theme of death is central to the poem, as it discusses the end of life and the process of decay. "The morning they wheeled out our mother’s / We-dare-not-mention" alludes to the loss of a loved one and the societal reluctance to discuss death openly.

3. Memory and Legacy: The poem addresses how memories and legacies persist even after physical decay. "Forever found, never lost" suggests that certain qualities or memories remain eternal, hinting at the enduring nature of legacies.

4. Nature and Change: The poem uses natural imagery to discuss the changes in life, such as "the gentle wave and weight of the wind" and "Yellow, my Brother, is a farewell," indicating the natural progression from life to death.

5. Cultural Perception of Colors: The poem explores the symbolism of colors, particularly yellow, in the context of life and death. "My Sister, it’s about yellow. / Modest, organic, / Soft as the music that played" reflects on cultural and personal associations with colors, especially in the context of farewell and remembrance.

 Literary Devices

1. Metaphor: The poem uses metaphors to convey deeper meanings, such as "Yellow, my Brother, is a farewell" where yellow symbolizes the end of life or a phase.

2. Imagery: Vivid imagery is used throughout the poem, such as "It was the gentle wave and weight of the wind / That brought you," creating a sensory experience for the reader.

3. Personification: The poem personifies concepts like the wind, "That brought you," giving it a human-like quality and a sense of intentionality.

4. Symbolism: Colors are used symbolically in the poem, particularly yellow, which represents farewell and transition. "Yellow, my Brother, is a farewell" emphasizes this symbolism.

5. Alliteration: The use of alliteration is evident in phrases like "Restless, rust-less, regal," enhancing the musical quality of the poem.

6. Juxtaposition: The poem juxtaposes different colors and states of being to highlight contrasts and transitions, such as "before the crystal white, the copious brown, and / The grim grey of our / Putrefaction."

 Language and Mood

The language of the poem is rich and descriptive, employing a mixture of poetic devices to convey its themes. The mood is reflective and somber, yet also carries a sense of acceptance and understanding of life's natural cycles. The use of colors and natural elements creates a contemplative atmosphere, inviting readers to ponder the deeper meanings behind the imagery and symbolism.

 Context

Ama Ata Aidoo is a renowned Ghanaian writer known for her works that often explore themes of identity, culture, and societal issues. "A Falling" fits within her broader oeuvre by delving into universal experiences such as change, loss, and memory. The poem may reflect cultural attitudes towards death and remembrance, highlighting the ways in which individuals and communities cope with loss and the passage of time.

 Conclusion

"A Falling" by Ama Ata Aidoo is a meditation on the themes of change, decay, and remembrance. Through its use of rich imagery, symbolism, and metaphor, the poem invites readers to reflect on the inevitable transitions of life and the enduring nature of memory. It underscores the natural cycles of existence and the cultural significance of colors in marking farewells and transitions, making it a deeply resonant piece of poetry.