Renewal by Chris Abani: The Poem and Analysis

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General Introduction

"Renewal" by Chris Abani is a poignant and introspective poem that delves into themes of loss, forgiveness, reconciliation, and the transformative power of love. Through vivid imagery and a contemplative tone, Abani explores the complex emotions surrounding familial relationships and the healing process.

The Poem

Renewal by Chris Abani

I set you free that night, father.

When you came back in that yellow Volkswagen,

in that dream.

I made a boat of honor for you.

Woven of poems and words and not words.

I set it on the ocean.

Father Obuna said to me,

a gift is freely given and a gift

is freely returned.

It has taken me thirty years

to understand this.

Yemenya has your heart now.

May she be merciful.

May she love you.

The wound bleeds no more.

Which is to say,

what I have desired is like salt

left out all night and gone.

This is not a lamentation, damn it.

This is a love song.

This is a love song.

Like reggae—it all falls on the off beat.

If there is a way, it is here.

They say you cannot say this in a poem.

That you cannot say, love, and mean anything.

That you cannot say, soul, and approach heaven.

But the sun is no fool, I tell you.

It will rise for nothing else.

Title

The title "Renewal" suggests a theme of rebirth or regeneration, indicating a process of spiritual or emotional renewal that the speaker undergoes throughout the poem.

Themes

1. Forgiveness and Reconciliation:  

   The speaker reflects on forgiving his father and setting him free, symbolized by the boat of honor he sends out to sea.  

   "I set you free that night, father."

2. Loss and Healing:  

   The poem explores the speaker's journey of healing from the wounds of the past, symbolized by the cessation of bleeding.  

   "The wound bleeds no more."

3. Love and Sacrifice:  

   Despite the pain and complexity of their relationship, the speaker's actions are driven by love and a desire for his father's well-being.  

   "May she be merciful. May she love you."

4. Spirituality and Faith:  

   The poem references Father Obuna and suggests a spiritual dimension to the speaker's journey towards understanding and acceptance.  

   "Father Obuna said to me, a gift is freely given and a gift is freely returned."

5. Transformation and Growth:  

   The poem's conclusion, comparing desired things to salt left out all night and gone, suggests a recognition of the impermanence of desires and a shift towards a more profound understanding of love and life.  

   "What I have desired is like salt left out all night and gone."

Literary Devices:

1. Metaphor:  

   "I made a boat of honor for you. Woven of poems and words and not words." - The boat symbolizes the act of letting go and honoring the father's memory.

2. Symbolism:  

   The yellow Volkswagen and the ocean symbolize the father's return and the vastness of forgiveness and love.  

   "When you came back in that yellow Volkswagen, in that dream. I made a boat of honor for you. Woven of poems and words and not words. I set it on the ocean."

3. Repetition:  

   The repetition of "This is a love song" emphasizes the speaker's affirmation of love amidst the complexities of his feelings.  

   "This is a love song. This is a love song."

4. Alliteration:  

   "I set you free that night, father." - The repeated "f" sound emphasizes the act of setting free and adds a sense of finality to the action.

5. Imagery:  

   The poem is rich in imagery, particularly in descriptions of the boat, the ocean, and the sun, which evoke a sense of place and emotion.  

   "Woven of poems and words and not words."

6. Irony:  

   The statement "This is not a lamentation, damn it. This is a love song" juxtaposes the traditional notions of lamentation and love song, highlighting the complexity of the speaker's emotions.

Language and Mood

The language of the poem is reflective and emotive, conveying a sense of catharsis and acceptance. The mood shifts from introspective and melancholic to hopeful and affirming, mirroring the speaker's journey towards renewal and understanding.

Context

Chris Abani, known for his exploration of identity, exile, and political turmoil in his works, often draws from his personal experiences. "Renewal" may be seen as a reflection on Abani's own relationship with his father and the process of forgiveness and healing.

Conclusion

"Renewal" is a profound exploration of love, forgiveness, and healing, expressed through vivid imagery and introspective language. Through the speaker's journey of setting his father free and coming to terms with his past, the poem ultimately conveys a message of hope and renewal, highlighting the transformative power of love and understanding.