Ritual Is Journey by Chris Abani: Poem and Analysis

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General Introduction

"Ritual Is Journey" by Chris Abani delves into the complexities of identity, p

articularly the intersections of race, gender, and heritage. Through vivid imagery and introspective language, the poem explores the challenges and aspirations of being a black man, highlighting the importance of connection to one's roots and the impact of societal constructs on personal growth

Ritual Is Journey

by Chris Abani

And suddenly it’s raining, streaking train windows.

And light becomes a bird, a particular flutter.

What shadows let slip, tattoo patterns on skin,

repairs with needle and ink,

and the whisper of lineage.

To be a man, to be black, to be a black man,

is a dangerous journey. My heart is a knot

burling a staff, wisdom won blow by blow.

Father, I say, father.

Mercy. Come mercy, come.

Brother, we share genes so old

England was still black, and Africa

was the only present tense in the world.

As we unzip tracks in flashes of light,

I seek an impossible dream.

Yet all rivers flow to the ocean.

All the doors white men

closed in my father’s face,

cannot compare to the void,

in which my mother found no door.

Mercy. Come mercy, come.

This is no lament; women deserve our awe.

In Africa we say, he who strikes a woman strikes stone.

If women called out from all their loss

and in all their power, blood would drown everything.

And does that first black woman regret letting us live?

Still, ritual is journey, atonement is real.

As you lay dying, I asked, what is your biggest regret?

Every kindness withheld, you said.

Every flicker of pleasure denied, you said.

Look, you said, sunlight.

Title

The title, "Ritual Is Journey," suggests a thematic exploration of rites of passage and the transformative nature of personal and cultural rituals.

Themes

1. Identity and Heritage:  

   The poem reflects on the significance of one's heritage and the rituals that shape personal identity. Abani writes, "What shadows let slip, tattoo patterns on skin, / repairs with needle and ink," emphasizing the lasting impact of ancestral lineage on the self.

2. Race and Society:  

   Abani confronts the challenges of being a black man, alluding to historical injustices and the struggle for acceptance. He writes, "To be a man, to be black, to be a black man, / is a dangerous journey," highlighting the complexities of racial identity.

3. Gender and Power:  

   The poem acknowledges the strength and resilience of women, suggesting a reverence for their role in society. Abani writes, "In Africa we say, he who strikes a woman strikes stone," recognizing the power and endurance of women.

4. Transformation and Growth:  

   Through the imagery of rain and light, the poem symbolizes transformation and the journey towards personal growth. Abani explores the idea of atonement and the quest for wisdom, suggesting that every experience, even regret, contributes to one's journey.

5. Connection and Belonging:  

   The poem emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity, suggesting that despite differences, all paths lead to a shared destination. Abani writes, "Yet all rivers flow to the ocean," symbolizing the universal nature of human experience.

Literary Devices

1. Metaphor:  

   The line "And light becomes a bird, a particular flutter" employs metaphor to depict the transformative nature of light, suggesting a shift in perspective or understanding.

2. Symbolism:  

   The imagery of rain and light symbolizes purification and enlightenment, reflecting the themes of transformation and growth.

3. Alliteration:  

   The repetition of the "b" sound in "My heart is a knot / burling a staff" creates a rhythmic quality, emphasizing the emotional intensity of the speaker's journey.

4. Personification:  

   The line "What shadows let slip, tattoo patterns on skin" personifies shadows, suggesting a deliberate and impactful influence on the self.

5. Anaphora:  

   The repetition of "Mercy. Come mercy, come" serves as an anaphora, emphasizing the speaker's plea for compassion and understanding.

6. Imagery:  

   Abani utilizes vivid imagery, such as "streaking train windows" and "flashes of light," to create a sensory experience that immerses the reader in the speaker's journey.

Language and Mood

The language in the poem is introspective and contemplative, evoking a sense of introspection and self-discovery. The mood shifts between moments of reflection and urgency, capturing the complexity of the speaker's emotional journey.

Context

"Ritual Is Journey" is part of Chris Abani's broader body of work, which often explores themes of identity, exile, and cultural heritage. Abani, a Nigerian-American writer, draws on his own experiences to examine the intricacies of belonging and the impact of societal expectations on personal growth.

Conclusion

"Ritual Is Journey" by Chris Abani is a poignant exploration of identity, race, and heritage. Through vivid imagery and introspective language, the poem invites readers to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery and the transformative power of personal and cultural rituals. Abani's work continues to resonate, offering a compelling narrative that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit.