Poem and Analysis of I won't forget by Mxolisi Nyezwa

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General Introduction

"I Won't Forget" is a poignant poem by South African poet Mxolisi Nyezwa. Nyezwa is a contemporary poet known for his evocative imagery and deep engagement with the socio-political realities of post-apartheid South Africa. His work often explores themes of memory, resilience, and the struggles of everyday life. This poem is emblematic of his style, blending personal and collective experiences to create a vivid tapestry of life in South Africa.

I won't forget

even though it becomes hard,

i won't forget

to plant a flower in the night —

at night the sky is cold,the sea never settles,

at night i won't forget to remember

to put on the light,to forget to lead

the men out at sea,with a cold chill on their back,

gathering war with weakened hands.

i won't forget these men who tug at night

and who sleep in the bay

with hope of seeing light,

the blue light of the next day.

i won't forget how spring tums out and turns in

the sprig of summer

that lapses out,the frigid mystery that is gone —

strange people fill up the streets,

broken glass cuts through twines

keeping the child to its juvenile mother.

i won't forget that we are men on this earth

with numbed emotions

nabbing at shadows

hidden from sight.

i won't forget how tough it is

to plant a flower in the wind,

to start a garden in the sand,

to raise a child in the ghetto.

i won't forget that man who walks alone at night,

who listens for God in every street,

whose dreams are like the ship's beacon,

in the stillness of each haunted night.

 Title

The title "I Won't Forget" immediately sets a tone of remembrance and determination. It suggests a commitment to holding onto memories, despite difficulties, and hints at the themes of resilience and memory that are explored throughout the poem. The repetitive nature of the title phrase implies a mantra or vow, underscoring the emotional weight and personal significance of the act of remembering.

 Themes

1. Resilience in Adversity

   - The poem speaks to the determination to persevere despite hardships. This is evident in lines like "even though it becomes hard, / i won't forget / to plant a flower in the night." The imagery of planting a flower in adverse conditions symbolizes the human spirit's resilience.

2. Memory and Remembrance

   - Nyezwa emphasizes the importance of remembering past struggles and those who endure them. "i won't forget these men who tug at night / and who sleep in the bay / with hope of seeing light" highlights the act of keeping the memory of others' hardships alive.

3. Hope and Despair

   - The poem oscillates between hope and despair, reflecting the complex emotional landscape of its subjects. "with a cold chill on their back, / gathering war with weakened hands" juxtaposes the cold, harsh reality with the faint hope of a new day.

4. Human Struggle

   - Nyezwa captures the daily struggles faced by individuals, particularly those marginalized by society. "to raise a child in the ghetto" speaks to the broader societal challenges and the personal battles fought by individuals in difficult circumstances.

5. Isolation and Seeking

   - The theme of isolation is poignantly captured in the lines "i won't forget that man who walks alone at night, / who listens for God in every street." This reflects the loneliness and spiritual seeking of individuals trying to find meaning in their lives.

 Literary Devices

1. Imagery

   - Nyezwa uses vivid imagery to bring his themes to life. For example, "the sky is cold, the sea never settles" creates a stark visual and sensory experience of the night.

2. Repetition

   - The phrase "i won't forget" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a rhythmic mantra that underscores the poem's themes of memory and perseverance.

3. Symbolism

   - The act of planting a flower is a powerful symbol of hope and resilience. "to plant a flower in the night" suggests nurturing life and beauty in the face of darkness and difficulty.

4. Juxtaposition

   - The poem juxtaposes hope and despair, light and darkness. Lines like "with a cold chill on their back, / gathering war with weakened hands" highlight the contrast between the harshness of reality and the flicker of hope.

5. Personification

   - Nyezwa personifies elements of nature to enhance their emotional impact. For instance, "the sea never settles" and "spring turns out and turns in" give life to natural elements, making them active participants in the poem's narrative.

6. Metaphor

   - The poem is rich with metaphors, such as "dreams are like the ship's beacon," comparing hopes and aspirations to a guiding light in the darkness.

 Language and Diction

Nyezwa's diction is simple yet powerful, with a conversational tone that enhances the poem's emotional impact. The language is accessible, allowing the depth of the themes to resonate with a wide audience. The use of everyday language and imagery makes the poem relatable, while the occasional use of more poetic language, such as "the frigid mystery that is gone," adds layers of meaning.

 Mood and Tone

The mood of the poem is contemplative and melancholic, with an underlying current of hope. The tone is reflective and earnest, as Nyezwa examines the difficulties of life while maintaining a sense of determination. The repetition of "i won't forget" adds a resolute tone, emphasizing the commitment to remembrance and resilience.

 Context

"I Won't Forget" is set against the backdrop of post-apartheid South Africa, a period marked by both hope for a new future and the lingering struggles of socio-economic inequality. The poem reflects the realities faced by many South Africans, including the challenges of rebuilding lives in a society still grappling with its past. The themes of resilience, memory, and human struggle are deeply influenced by this historical and cultural context.

 Conclusion

"I Won't Forget" by Mxolisi Nyezwa is a powerful exploration of memory, resilience, and human struggle. Through vivid imagery, repetitive structure, and rich symbolism, Nyezwa crafts a poem that speaks to the perseverance of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The poem's contemplative mood and earnest tone, combined with its socio-cultural context, make it a poignant reflection on the challenges and hopes of life in post-apartheid South Africa.