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Remembering by Tatamkhulu Afrika
I am looking back a long way now:
will the circle close?
Why does the city this morning seem
so much like that other city,
its lines imposed upon its lines:
the same slow sweep of waves,
the same dust-haze,
the same crumbling buildings sinking into the salt sea,
the same sad, unstoppable malaise:
this garden I pause beside,
its dahlias sun-dried,
the nasturtiums neutered,
a solitary palm-tree bending towards Siwa,
begging its moisture
as little and as bitter as urine on the sand —
nothing dies:
all that I thought long-dead
is rising up again:
the little house where first they slapped me into life,
took off the tip of my manhood as the religion demands,
the red sand slipping into the blue Mediterranean,
the smell of incense on the khamsin wind —
so much remembered,
so many old lamps burning again —
lamps whose wicks I thought had long since charred —
and from the night beyond their light
a face is floating,
bending over mine —
its sweetness is effulgence,
its fragrance is of flowers . . .
General Introduction
"Remembering" by Tatamkhulu Afrika is a reflective poem that delves into the themes of memory, time, and the enduring nature of past experiences. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Afrika transports the reader to different moments and places in his life, drawing parallels between past and present. The poem captures a sense of nostalgia and contemplation, as the speaker grapples with the persistence of memories that resurface, intertwining with current reality.
Title
The title "Remembering" sets the tone for the poem, indicating a reflective journey into the past. It suggests an act of recollection where the speaker revisits significant memories and experiences that continue to shape their present. The use of the gerund form emphasizes the ongoing nature of this process, implying that remembering is an active, continuous experience.
Themes
1. Memory and Time:
- The poem explores how memories resurface and affect the present: "nothing dies: / all that I thought long-dead / is rising up again."
- The speaker reflects on how past experiences remain vivid and influential, suggesting that time does not erase them.
2. Nostalgia and Loss:
- There is a sense of longing for the past, coupled with the recognition of loss: "the same sad, unstoppable malaise."
- The speaker mourns the deterioration and changes over time, highlighting a poignant sense of loss.
3. Identity and Heritage:
- The poem touches on personal and cultural identity through references to rituals and heritage: "took off the tip of my manhood as the religion demands."
- This highlights how formative experiences and cultural practices shape one's identity.
4. Nature and Environment:
- The poem vividly describes natural and urban landscapes, drawing connections between them: "the same slow sweep of waves, / the same dust-haze."
- These descriptions underscore the continuity and changes in the environment, reflecting the passage of time.
5. Resilience and Continuity:
- Despite the changes and decay, there is a sense of resilience and continuity: "so much remembered, / so many old lamps burning again."
- The persistence of memories and cultural practices suggests an enduring resilience.
Literary Devices
1. Imagery:
- Afrika uses rich, sensory imagery to evoke vivid scenes: "the red sand slipping into the blue Mediterranean, / the smell of incense on the khamsin wind."
- This imagery helps the reader visualize and feel the environments described.
2. Symbolism:
- The poem uses symbols like "lamps" to represent memories and the past: "so many old lamps burning again."
- The "solitary palm-tree" symbolizes resilience and survival in harsh conditions.
3. Simile:
- Comparisons enhance the vividness of the scenes: "its sweetness is effulgence, / its fragrance is of flowers."
- These similes help convey the emotional impact of the memories.
4. Repetition:
- The repetition of "the same" emphasizes the similarities between past and present: "the same slow sweep of waves, / the same dust-haze."
- This device reinforces the idea of cyclical time and recurring experiences.
5. Personification:
- Afrika personifies nature and inanimate objects to create a more immersive experience: "the nasturtiums neutered."
- This gives life to the surroundings and deepens the emotional resonance.
6. Alliteration:
- The use of alliteration adds a musical quality to the poem: "same sad, unstoppable malaise."
- This device enhances the poem's rhythm and mood.
Language and Mood
The language of the poem is descriptive and evocative, rich with sensory details that create a vivid and immersive experience. Afrika's choice of words and phrases, such as "effulgence" and "khamsin wind," evoke a sense of nostalgia and contemplation. The mood is reflective and melancholic, as the speaker delves into memories that evoke both longing and loss.
Context
Tatamkhulu Afrika, born as Mogamed Fu’ad Nasif in Egypt and later known as Ismail Joubert, was a South African poet and writer who experienced a life marked by political activism, imprisonment, and a deep connection to his cultural heritage. "Remembering" reflects Afrika's personal history and the impact of his diverse experiences, including his early life in Egypt and later years in South Africa. The poem's references to religious and cultural practices, as well as the vivid depiction of landscapes, resonate with Afrika's background and the themes he often explored in his work.
Conclusion
"Remembering" by Tatamkhulu Afrika is a poignant exploration of memory, identity, and the passage of time. Through vivid imagery, symbolism, and a reflective tone, Afrika captures the enduring nature of past experiences and their influence on the present. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own memories and the ways in which the past continues to shape their lives, highlighting the resilience and continuity of human experience.
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