The Poem
Death, awesome in its totalitarian amour of conceit
Throws arrogant affronts in the face of humanity
Ignoring the power and the glory of memory
Our immortal antidote against the sting of mortality
Our invincible armour against all doctored history
The gentle fingers of dew drops forming before sunrise
On whose invisible wings the promise of bloom rides
Over generations of sand dunes, along the primal path
Of Ogun, pathfinders and pathmender, to an oasis of hope …
Today, men of iron have banished past truths and deeds
And decreed their hirelings into new royal legends
To be installed in bunkers inside custom built palaces
Fitted out with regulation pools, overflowing with milk –
Human milk; protected by blind, deaf and mute walls
Designed to shut out the babble of the market place
Insulate their royal highnesses within a magical comfort
From which, unhindered, they continue to mastermind us
Into the holding bays designed into their castles.
For consolation, let us tickle the armpit of memory
Awake, into gentle horses of speech on whose back
We may ride triumphant into the eternal city of hope
Submerged somewhere inside our past ruins and scope
And beyond to when kings kept faith with their subjects
and watched over the teeming masses in the markets
Listening intensely and always to bold human voices
Intuiting muttered hopes into fulfilled prophecies
Such that the people saw and hailed them as wise
Prostrating themselves, before and after, in gratitude.
General Introduction
"The Power And Glory Of Memory" by Funso Aiyejina is a reflective poem on the interplay between mortality, memory, and history. Aiyejina, a prominent Nigerian poet, often explores themes of African identity, history, and cultural memory. This poem critiques contemporary power structures while highlighting the enduring strength of collective memory as a form of resistance and hope. Through vivid imagery and rich language, Aiyejina invokes historical and cultural symbols to underscore the resilience of human memory against the erasure of history by authoritarian regimes.
Title
The title "The Power And Glory Of Memory" immediately sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that memory possesses both strength and magnificence. "Power" implies that memory has a formidable influence, while "Glory" hints at its revered and exalted status. Together, they encapsulate the central idea that memory serves as a powerful tool against the forces that seek to obliterate truth and history.
Themes
1. Mortality vs. Immortality
- The poem juxtaposes the transient nature of life ("the sting of mortality") with the enduring power of memory ("Our immortal antidote"). Memory is portrayed as a means of achieving a form of immortality, preserving truths that outlive physical existence.
2. Resistance Against Oppression
- The poem highlights memory as a tool of resistance against oppressive forces ("Death, awesome in its totalitarian amour of conceit"). By recalling and honoring past truths, people can resist and challenge the manipulative narratives imposed by tyrants.
3. Corruption of Power
- Aiyejina critiques contemporary rulers who distort history for their gain ("men of iron have banished past truths and deeds"). These leaders create self-serving legends and insulate themselves from reality, showcasing the corrupting influence of unchecked power.
4. Historical Continuity and Legacy
- The poem references the enduring legacy of cultural and historical figures, such as Ogun, the Yoruba deity of war and iron, representing the continuous path of history ("Of Ogun, pathfinders and pathmender"). This continuity provides hope and a sense of identity.
5. Hope and Redemption
- Despite the grim reality of oppressive regimes, the poem ends on a hopeful note, emphasizing the potential for memory to guide humanity towards a better future ("we may ride triumphant into the eternal city of hope"). This theme underscores the redemptive power of remembering and learning from the past.
Literary Devices
1. Personification
- Death is personified as having "totalitarian amour of conceit," suggesting an arrogant, almost human quality to its finality. This device helps convey the menacing nature of mortality.
2. Metaphor
- Memory is described as "Our invincible armour," a metaphor that highlights its protective and resilient qualities against the erasure of history.
3. Alliteration
- The phrase "gentle fingers of dew drops" uses alliteration with the repetition of the 'd' sound, enhancing the musical quality of the poem and emphasizing the delicate, almost ethereal nature of memory.
4. Imagery
- Vivid imagery is used throughout the poem, such as "dew drops forming before sunrise" and "tickle the armpit of memory." These images evoke a sense of natural beauty and tactile experience, making abstract concepts more tangible.
5. Irony
- There is a bitter irony in the depiction of rulers who "decreed their hirelings into new royal legends," as these fabricated legends starkly contrast with the genuine, honorable deeds of past leaders remembered by the people.
6. Symbolism
- The "eternal city of hope" symbolizes an ideal state of existence where truth and justice prevail. It represents the ultimate goal and aspiration of humanity, achievable through the power of memory.
Language and Mood
The language of the poem is rich and evocative, filled with metaphors, personifications, and vivid imagery. Aiyejina's choice of words, such as "totalitarian amour," "invincible armour," and "magical comfort," creates a stark contrast between oppressive power and the redemptive quality of memory. The mood shifts from a somber reflection on mortality and oppression to a hopeful envisioning of a future shaped by the lessons of the past.
Context
Funso Aiyejina is a Nigerian poet, playwright, and scholar known for his works that explore African culture, history, and identity. "The Power And Glory Of Memory" reflects his deep engagement with the themes of collective memory and resistance against oppression. The poem resonates within the broader context of postcolonial Africa, where historical erasure and the manipulation of narratives by authoritarian regimes are prevalent issues. By invoking cultural symbols and historical continuity, Aiyejina emphasizes the importance of remembering and honoring the past to forge a better future.
Conclusion
"The Power And Glory Of Memory" by Funso Aiyejina is a powerful meditation on the role of memory in resisting oppression and preserving truth. Through its rich language, vivid imagery, and profound themes, the poem underscores the resilience of human memory against the erasure of history by authoritarian forces. Aiyejina's work serves as a reminder of the enduring strength of cultural and historical legacies, offering hope and guidance for future generations.
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