To Ararimeh At Two by Funso Aiyejina
Blessed are they who know how to deploy anger
In the defense of dreams; against nightmares.
They shall inherit futures brimming with life
Forever succulent like the flesh of the cactus …
Blessed are they who know how to deploy anger
Against sages who boast of knowing the prayer
With which to embrace the baobab tree of wisdom
But who, come mid-night, sneak off to the vulture
With multiple offerings – escorts to secret requests
For instant cures for their hereditary baldness …
Against those quick to arrest whispering leaves
But never deem it fit to question raging storms
Which alone sow the seed of recurrent restlessness
Among the virgin branches of our forest of a thousand dreams.
You point angry fingers at their stars
Whenever they crash into our laughter
Via their channel 9 at 9, every night.
Does their rank arrogance recall those nights:
Your pre-conscious encounters with their agents
Who embraced darkness, made it their garment
And were guided to us by hooded informants?
Do you wonder why as one of their many victims
I do not join you in pointing my rage at them?
Do you wonder what has become of my gift of anger?
The well is silent: The well is shallow: A child’s logic!
I am pointing. I am angry: If only you could see into my head!
But not at those who hold the yams and the knives. No.
They are well out of it. Even as they sign our death warrants.
Look beyond them, beyond their thrones, to aide-de-camps
Stiff with the anticipation of a future to be measured in gold:
First ladies lodged in the sanctuary of State Houses
Concubines recruited from virgins’ pools by trusted aides
At home in safe houses and unlisted official annexes
All equipped with state of the art basement chambers
Designed for the ultimate comfort of those parrots
Who are too daft to learn from the three wise monkeys.
Blessed are they who live to celebrate their dreams
They shall not number among the framed and accidentalized.
General Introduction
"To Ararimeh At Two" by Funso Aiyejina is a reflective and powerful poem that explores themes of anger, corruption, wisdom, and the pursuit of dreams. The poem's structure and language are rich with imagery and literary devices, inviting the reader to delve into the deeper meanings behind the lines. Aiyejina's work often addresses socio-political issues and human experiences, and this poem is no exception. It serves as a meditation on the use of anger as a tool for justice and the complexities of confronting systemic corruption and hypocrisy.
Title
The title "To Ararimeh At Two" suggests a dedication to a young child, possibly indicating that the poem is a message or lesson intended for future generations. The name Ararimeh could hold cultural or personal significance, adding a layer of intimacy and specificity to the poem's address. The reference to "two" might symbolize the beginning of life, innocence, or the foundational years where early impressions are formed.
Themes
1. Anger as a Tool for Defense
- The poem opens with the line, "Blessed are they who know how to deploy anger / In the defense of dreams," indicating that anger can be a righteous and protective force when used correctly. This theme is repeated throughout, emphasizing the constructive use of anger.
2. Corruption and Hypocrisy
- Aiyejina critiques those in power who claim wisdom but act hypocritically: "Against sages who boast of knowing the prayer / With which to embrace the baobab tree of wisdom / But who, come mid-night, sneak off to the vulture." This imagery underscores the duplicity of leaders who preach virtue but practice vice.
3. Injustice and Oppression
- The poem addresses the systemic oppression and the silence of those who suffer: "Does their rank arrogance recall those nights: / Your pre-conscious encounters with their agents / Who embraced darkness, made it their garment." This theme highlights the pervasive and often hidden nature of oppression.
4. The Power of Dreams and Hope
- The closing lines, "Blessed are they who live to celebrate their dreams / They shall not number among the framed and accidentalized," suggest that despite the corruption and challenges, there is hope for those who persist in their dreams.
5. The Role of the Individual in Society
- The poem reflects on personal responsibility and the individual's role in addressing societal issues: "I am pointing. I am angry: If only you could see into my head! / But not at those who hold the yams and the knives." This theme explores the complexity of directing anger and taking action.
Literary Devices
1. Imagery
- The poem is rich with vivid imagery, such as "futures brimming with life / Forever succulent like the flesh of the cactus" and "virgin branches of our forest of a thousand dreams," which create a visual and emotional landscape for the reader.
2. Metaphor
- Aiyejina uses metaphors extensively, for example, "the baobab tree of wisdom" and "the vulture / With multiple offerings." These metaphors convey deeper meanings about wisdom and corruption.
3. Repetition
- The repeated phrase "Blessed are they" at the beginning of several stanzas emphasizes the poem's contemplative and sermonic tone, akin to the Beatitudes.
4. Irony
- There is a sense of irony in lines like "Blessed are they who know how to deploy anger / Against sages who boast of knowing the prayer," highlighting the contrast between appearance and reality.
5. Symbolism
- Symbols such as "yams and the knives" represent power and control, while "the vulture" symbolizes death and decay, enriching the poem's exploration of societal issues.
6. Allusion
- The poem alludes to cultural and religious practices, such as "knowing the prayer / With which to embrace the baobab tree of wisdom," grounding its themes in a broader cultural context.
Language and Mood
The language of the poem is both lyrical and critical, employing a formal tone that elevates its message. The mood shifts from contemplative and reflective to angry and accusatory, mirroring the emotions associated with the themes of anger and injustice. The use of rich, descriptive language engages the reader and conveys the urgency of the poem's message.
Context
Funso Aiyejina is a Nigerian poet and playwright known for his works that address social, political, and cultural issues. This poem reflects Aiyejina's engagement with themes of justice, wisdom, and societal critique. The references to African symbols such as the baobab tree and cultural practices provide a specific cultural context that informs the poem's themes and imagery.
Conclusion
"To Ararimeh At Two" is a profound and layered poem that delves into the complexities of anger, corruption, and the pursuit of dreams. Aiyejina's use of literary devices and rich imagery enhances the poem's impact, inviting readers to reflect on their own roles in addressing societal issues. The poem ultimately offers a message of hope and resilience, encouraging the righteous use of anger as a tool for defending dreams and confronting injustice.
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