Poem and Analysis Wrong Number Number Two by Ama Ata Aidoo

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Wrong Number Number Two

by Ama Ata Aidoo 

No,

There’s no “Mr. Coleman” here.

And no, no.

You mustn’t stay to chat me up.

To warn you historical ancient,

every ominous note intended,

Please stranger, do not tarry.

The path here was

Only accidental.

The voice whose music so draws you

Perchance lies in the throat of

The serpentine protrusion

A 1000 leagues long and a 1000 bushels wide,

That has within its span,

Great mansions whose interiors of

Iroko, oak, cedars and sandalwood

Goblets of gold and silver from mines

Long collapsed, and now hidden under

Wild flowers and foliage of the valley.

Please return to the humdrum

Unromantic life you knew

Before you called the wrong number.

Be safe.

 General Introduction

"Wrong Number Number Two" by Ama Ata Aidoo is a brief yet evocative poem that explores the themes of miscommunication and the unintended consequences of seemingly minor actions. Aidoo, a renowned Ghanaian author and poet, often imbues her work with a deep sense of cultural and historical context, and this poem is no exception. Through vivid imagery and a distinct narrative voice, Aidoo transforms a mundane event—a wrong number call—into a moment of reflection and caution.

 Title

The title "Wrong Number Number Two" immediately sets the stage for the poem, suggesting a common yet irritating occurrence of dialing the wrong number. The repetition in the title indicates that this is not an isolated event but a recurring one, highlighting the frustration and disruption caused by such mistakes. It also hints at a sequence, implying there could be multiple responses or incidents related to wrong numbers, each with its own story or message.

 Themes

1. Miscommunication and Its Consequences

   - "No, There’s no 'Mr. Coleman' here."

   - The poem begins with a clear indication of a miscommunication—a caller reaching the wrong person. This simple error becomes the catalyst for the poem's exploration of unintended consequences.

2. Caution Against Strangers

   - "Please stranger, do not tarry. The path here was Only accidental."

   - Aidoo warns the caller, a stranger, not to linger or pursue further conversation. The accidental nature of the call serves as a metaphor for unplanned encounters that may lead to unforeseen complications.

3. Historical and Cultural Imagery

   - "Great mansions whose interiors of Iroko, oak, cedars and sandalwood Goblets of gold and silver from mines Long collapsed"

   - The poem is rich with references to historical and cultural elements, invoking images of grandeur and decay. This reflects a deeper connection to Ghanaian heritage and the passage of time.

4. The Allure of the Unknown

   - "The voice whose music so draws you Perchance lies in the throat of The serpentine protrusion"

   - The mysterious allure of the unknown is captured in the enchanting voice that tempts the caller. This theme highlights the human tendency to be drawn to mystery and the potentially dangerous consequences of succumbing to that allure.

5. Return to Reality

   - "Please return to the humdrum Unromantic life you knew Before you called the wrong number."

   - The poem concludes with a plea for the caller to return to their mundane reality, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded and avoiding the pitfalls of chasing after unknown and potentially hazardous intrigues.

 Literary Devices

1. Metaphor

   - "The serpentine protrusion"

   - This metaphor compares the enchanting voice to a snake, suggesting both its allure and potential danger.

2. Imagery

   - "Great mansions whose interiors of Iroko, oak, cedars and sandalwood Goblets of gold and silver"

   - The poem paints vivid pictures of opulence and historical richness, evoking a sense of place and time.

3. Irony

   - "Be safe."

   - The final line is ironic, as the poet has just described potentially dangerous and alluring elements, making the seemingly simple farewell loaded with underlying meaning.

4. Personification

   - "The voice whose music so draws you"

   - The voice is personified as having musical qualities that draw the listener in, adding a layer of seduction to the call.

5. Symbolism

   - "Mines Long collapsed, and now hidden under Wild flowers and foliage of the valley."

   - The collapsed mines symbolize lost wealth and forgotten history, now obscured by nature, representing the passage of time and neglect.

6. Alliteration

   - "historical ancient"

   - The repetition of the 'h' sound emphasizes the age and weight of history being referenced.

 Language and Mood

The language of the poem is both direct and rich with descriptive imagery. Aidoo employs a conversational tone that becomes increasingly formal and cautionary as the poem progresses. The mood shifts from irritation and dismissal to one of warning and reflection, creating a layered emotional experience for the reader.

 Context

Ama Ata Aidoo, a prominent Ghanaian writer and academic, often explores themes related to African identity, culture, and post-colonial experience. This poem, while focusing on a seemingly trivial incident, went into deeper issues of history, identity, and the unforeseen consequences of everyday actions. It reflects Aidoo's ability to transform the mundane into a profound commentary on human experience.

 Conclusion

"Wrong Number Number Two" is a multifaceted poem that uses a simple miscommunication to explore themes of caution, allure, history, and reality. Aidoo's use of rich imagery and literary devices creates a vivid and thought-provoking piece that resonates with the complexities of human interaction and cultural heritage. The poem serves as a reminder of the importance of mindfulness in our encounters, both accidental and intentional.