Poem and Analysis of For Bessie Head By Ama Ata Aidoo

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For Bessie Head

By Ama Ata Aidoo

To begin with

there’s the small problem of address:

calling you

by the only name some of us

knew you by,

hailing you by titles

you could not possibly

have cared for,

referring you to

strange and clouded

origins that eat into

our past our pain

like prize-winning cassava tubers in

abandoned harvest fields…

Some of us never ever met you.

And who would believe

that but those who know

the tragedies of our land

where

non-meetings,

visions unopening and other such

abortions are

every day reality?

To continue a

confession of sorts,

‘Miss Head’ will just not do

‘Bessie’ too familiar

Bessie Head,

your face swims into focus

through soft clouds of

cigarette smoke and from behind the

much much harder barriers erected by some

quite unbelievable

20th. century philosophy,

saying more of

your strength

than all the tales

would have us think.

For the moment,

we fear and

dare not accept that

given how things

are,

poetry almost becomes

dirges and

not much more.

But

we hold on to knowing

ourselves as daughters of

darklight women

who are so used to Life

– giving it

feeding it –

Death

was always

quite unwelcome;

– taking them by surprise –

an evil peevish brat

to be flattered,

cleaned

oiled

pomaded

over-dressed and perfumed…

We fear to remember:

fatigued as we are by so much

death and dying and

the need to bury and

to mourn.

Bessie Head:

such a fresh ancestress!

If you chance

on a rainy night

to visit,

if you chance

on a sunny day

to pass by,

look in to see

– how well we do

– how hard we fight

– how loud we scream

against the plots

– to kill our souls our bodies too

– to take our land, and

– feed us shit.

Come

benevolently,

Dear Fresh Spirit,

that rejoining

The Others,

you can tell them

now more than ever,

do we need

the support

the energy

to create

recreate and

celebrate…

nothing more

absolutely

nothing less.

 General Introduction

"For Bessie Head" by Ama Ata Aidoo is a tribute to the renowned South African writer Bessie Head. Written in 1988, the poem reflects on Head's influence, struggles, and legacy. Aidoo, a celebrated Ghanaian author, captures the essence of Head's life and the impact she had on African literature and consciousness. The poem is both a reflection and a call to action, urging the living to continue the fight for freedom, creativity, and identity amidst adversity.

 Title

The title "For Bessie Head" immediately establishes the poem as a dedication. Bessie Head, a writer known for her profound narratives on identity and displacement, serves as a muse for Aidoo. The title signifies respect, remembrance, and an acknowledgment of Head's contributions to literature and society.

 Themes

1. Identity and Recognition

   - The poem grapples with the challenge of properly addressing and recognizing Bessie Head: “calling you by the only name some of us knew you by.” This reflects the broader struggle of African identity and the importance of correct recognition.

2. Legacy and Memory

   - Aidoo speaks to the enduring legacy of Bessie Head: “your face swims into focus through soft clouds of cigarette smoke.” This imagery suggests that while Head's physical presence may be gone, her influence remains vivid.

3. Struggle and Resilience

   - The poem emphasizes the ongoing struggles faced by African women and writers: “how hard we fight – how loud we scream against the plots – to kill our souls our bodies too.” Aidoo highlights the resilience required to overcome these challenges.

4. Connection and Continuity

   - Aidoo expresses a longing for connection with Head: “If you chance on a rainy night to visit, if you chance on a sunny day to pass by.” This yearning underscores the desire for continuity between the past and present generations.

5. Resistance and Defiance

   - The poem underscores a theme of resistance: “against the plots – to kill our souls our bodies too – to take our land, and feed us shit.” This powerful declaration reflects defiance against oppression and exploitation.

 Literary Devices

1. Imagery

   - Aidoo uses vivid imagery to evoke emotions and set the tone: “your face swims into focus through soft clouds of cigarette smoke.” This creates a visual of Bessie Head’s enduring presence.

2. Metaphor

   - The metaphor of “prize-winning cassava tubers in abandoned harvest fields” signifies the lost potential and neglected legacies of African heritage.

3. Personification

   - Death is personified as “an evil peevish brat to be flattered, cleaned oiled pomaded over-dressed and perfumed.” This personification underscores the unnaturalness and intrusiveness of death.

4. Repetition

   - The repeated phrase “if you chance” emphasizes the hope for Bessie Head’s spirit to visit and provide guidance, creating a rhythmic longing in the poem.

5. Alliteration

   - Aidoo employs alliteration to enhance the poem’s musicality: “quite unbelievable 20th century philosophy.” The repetition of the ‘q’ and ‘u’ sounds adds to the poem’s lyrical quality.

6. Juxtaposition

   - The juxtaposition of life and death: “We hold on to knowing ourselves as daughters of darklight women who are so used to Life – giving it feeding it – Death was always quite unwelcome.” This highlights the contrasting forces that shape human existence.

 Language and Mood

The language of the poem is contemplative and reverent, reflecting deep respect and admiration for Bessie Head. Aidoo's tone shifts from nostalgic to defiant, capturing the complexities of honoring a legacy while grappling with present struggles. The mood is a blend of melancholy and hope, underscoring the enduring spirit of resistance and creativity.

 Context

Written in 1988, the poem is set against the backdrop of post-colonial Africa, a period marked by intense political and social upheaval. Bessie Head, who experienced significant personal and professional challenges, symbolizes the broader struggles of African writers and intellectuals. Aidoo, a contemporary of Head, uses the poem to bridge the gap between past and present, highlighting the continued relevance of Head’s work and the ongoing fight for justice and recognition in African society.

 Conclusion

"For Bessie Head" is a powerful homage to a pioneering African writer. Through rich imagery and reflections, Ama Ata Aidoo celebrates Bessie Head's legacy while calling attention to the ongoing struggles faced by African women and writers. The poem is a testament to the enduring spirit of resistance and the importance of remembering and honoring those who have paved the way for future generations.