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The Boogie Woogie Story by Catherine Obianuju Acholonu
I
For renée (my black american twin sister)
sister i’ve strained myself
to tell the boogie woogie story
but the right words
will not come
words are too wretched
for events so profound
see?
so i leave it to you
perhaps you can engrave
the boogie woogie story
on canvass
from your side of the shore
i remember these scenes from boston
a snack bar
in a derelict neighbourhood
an equally derelict clientèlle
all hooked to the drug
and gliding about
like astronauts on the moon
like ghosts of ancestors
come to steal sacrifices
from callous descendants
II
a young girl
trembling with shattered nerves
laughs out aloud
in a crackled voice
exposing foul teeth
through lips overreddened
with excessive lipstick
eyes masked with artificial whimpers
and heavily saddled
with black mascara
a supermini miniskirt
a pair of tired legs
perched on unlucky
but very high hills
she flicks back
a tangled mass
of artificial blond hair
and with an air of
rehearsed arrogance
says to bar tender:
fix me two legs of chicken
will ya
bar tender takes no notice
cause he knows
she aint got money to pay
then she slumps
into a chair
and begins
to cry her heart out
smearing black mascara
all over that horrifying face
III
then comes the ‘sisi’
with robust chest
a prominent adams apple
a square jaw
and a deep throaty voice
straining to chirp
like a bird
in line with assumed femininity
lips display with stubborn prominence
a scarlet hue of lipstick
from one ear dangles
luxuriously
the extravagant earring
of the flamenco dancer
this one flips an eyelash
at bar tender
and says in mock shyness
mh h brother
fix me a cheezeburger
will ya
bar tender yells in disgust
we don’t serve sisis
you get the hell out of here
once again the tears tumble down
as disappointed man/woman
makes about turn
IV
listen sister
there’s one episode
of boogie woogie
that breaks my heart
this uncle of ours
up there in boston
the one who was never sober
always neck-deep in rum
uncle timmy’s second name
could have been
derilium tremens
oblivion or near madness
uncle timmy’s sole property
was a battered old suitcase
locked up in a railway compartment
from fifty years of factory work
this was all uncle timmy
could show for it
what invaluable treasure
lay hidden in that battered case
one day uncle timmy
lay dying
and summoned me
with his last breath
to untie a ragged twine
long married to his trembling hip
that held the key
to the holy of holies
that housed the precious gem
uncle timmy heaved a long sigh
when he saw the case
eyes shone with unuttered anguish
the anticipation of a final embrace
with a parting lover
uncle timmy’s hands trembled
as they carefully uncovered
what might have been
the mummy of tutmoses
or rameses ii
then i glimpsed them
the items that meant the world
to my dear old uncle timmy
a wooden pipe
an armstrong hat
a framed photograph
(this uncle timmy clutched to his heart)
of a very strange uncle timmy
sober
responsible
almost a gentleman
sizwe bansi’s life in death
and this he bequeathed to me
his most beloved niece
the only one who ever cared for dear old uncle timmy
V
so ride on sister
you must tell
the boogie woogie story
as best you can
go on
splash it on canvass
but remember
boogie woogie
did not start
in plantain and sugar plantations
boogie woogie
did not start
in the dirty bowels
of cargo ships
overladen with sweating
naked bodies of ebony
boogie woogie
started right here
on the primeval soil
of my ancestors
when the slave-hunter’s crooked drum
sounded behind the likes
of equiano and ja(w) ja(w)
and fierce wind
was caught in a trap
Analysis
General Introduction
"The Boogie Woogie Story" by Catherine Obianuju Acholonu is a poignant poem that delves into the depths of human experience, particularly focusing on the struggles and tragedies faced by individuals in society. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, the poem explores themes of identity, societal decay, and the legacy of colonialism, inviting the reader to reflect on the complexities of the human condition.
Title
The title, "The Boogie Woogie Story," suggests a narrative that is both rhythmic and lively, contrasting with the somber and introspective tone of the poem. This juxtaposition hints at the complexity of the story Acholonu aims to tell, blending elements of music and dance with themes of hardship and resilience.
Themes
1. Identity: The poem explores the theme of identity, particularly in how individuals construct and express their identities in the face of adversity. This is evident in the portrayal of characters like the young girl and the 'sisi,' who mask their true selves with artificiality, highlighting the struggle to maintain a sense of self in challenging circumstances. Acholonu writes, "a supermini miniskirt / a pair of tired legs / perched on unlucky / but very high hills," illustrating the external facade that conceals internal turmoil.
2. Societal Decay: Acholonu paints a grim picture of societal decay, as seen in the derelict neighborhood and the drug-addicted clientele of the snack bar. This theme is further emphasized through the portrayal of Uncle Timmy, whose life is marred by alcoholism and unfulfilled potential, symbolizing the disillusionment and hopelessness that can pervade communities.
3. Legacy of Colonialism: The poem alludes to the legacy of colonialism, suggesting that the roots of the boogie woogie music and dance, often associated with African American culture, trace back to the African continent. This theme underscores the interconnectedness of cultures and histories, highlighting the enduring impact of colonialism on identity and expression.
4. Resilience and Hope: Despite the bleakness depicted in the poem, there are moments of resilience and hope. This is exemplified in the narrator's relationship with Uncle Timmy, showing a deep bond and sense of care amidst the challenges they face. Acholonu writes, "so ride on sister / you must tell / the boogie woogie story," conveying a sense of determination to share their experiences and preserve their heritage.
5. Family and Belonging: Family and belonging are central themes in the poem, particularly in the relationship between the narrator and Uncle Timmy. Despite his flaws, Uncle Timmy finds solace in his belongings and memories, highlighting the importance of familial connections in finding meaning and comfort in life's hardships.
Literary Devices
1. Imagery: Acholonu employs vivid imagery throughout the poem to evoke strong sensory impressions and emotions. For example, the description of the young girl with "foul teeth / through lips overreddened / with excessive lipstick" creates a stark image of desperation and decay.
2. Metaphor: The poem utilizes metaphor to convey deeper meanings and insights. One such metaphor is the portrayal of the drug-addicted clientele as "astronauts on the moon," highlighting their disconnection from reality and sense of isolation.
3. Symbolism: The items in Uncle Timmy's suitcase, such as the wooden pipe and the framed photograph, serve as symbols of his past and the memories he holds dear. These symbols represent his identity and the life he once lived.
4. Irony: There is irony in the interaction between the 'sisi' and the bartender, where the 'sisi' attempts to assert her femininity but is ultimately rejected. This irony underscores the theme of identity and the complexities of gender expression.
5. Allusion: The poem alludes to historical figures and events, such as Equiano and Ja(w) Ja(w), referencing the African diaspora and the impact of slavery. These allusions enrich the poem's thematic depth and historical context.
6. Repetition: The repetition of phrases, such as "fix me two legs of chicken" and "fix me a cheezeburger," creates a sense of rhythm and pattern, enhancing the poem's musicality and thematic resonance.
Language and Mood
The language in the poem is evocative and emotive, conveying a sense of despair and longing. The mood is somber yet resilient, reflecting the characters' struggles and their determination to persevere despite adversity.
Structure
The poem is divided into five sections, each depicting a different scene or episode in the narrator's life. This episodic structure allows for a deeper exploration of the themes and characters, creating a rich tapestry of experiences and emotions.
Context
Written by Catherine Obianuju Acholonu, a Nigerian writer and scholar, "The Boogie Woogie Story" reflects her engagement with African and African American culture. The poem can be seen as a commentary on the shared experiences of people of African descent, highlighting the impact of colonization and the resilience of cultural identity.
Conclusion
"The Boogie Woogie Story" is a powerful poem that delves into the complexities of human experience. Through vivid imagery, emotive language, and rich symbolism, Acholonu explores themes of identity, societal decay, and the legacy of colonialism, inviting readers to reflect on the universal struggles and triumphs of the human spirit.
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