(toc) #title= (Table of Content)
Crow On The Mango By Stephen Kofi Okleme
The contrast is very striking
Perched on the dense green foliage
Of the prolific mango tree
Was this colourful crow.
Black underbelly, white chest
Black head and black beak
Comfortably ensconced
On the leafy-green mango dome.
Neck twisting left and right
Like a ball in a socket
Suggesting some uneasiness
Or wonderment at life's ironies
Suddenly from the distance is heard
The kwaa kwaa of a lonely friend
Attracting both the response
And sudden flight of this gorgeous bird
Life's wonders will never cease
In Rwanda and Bosnia Herzegovina
Men tear one another into useless shreds
While in the free skies above them
Common crows are craving for companionship
General Introduction
"Crow On The Mango" by Stephen Kofi Okleme captures the serene yet poignant juxtaposition of nature and human conflict. Through the vivid imagery of a crow perched on a mango tree, Okleme explores themes of contrast, unease, and the paradoxes of life, ultimately reflecting on the absurdity of human violence.
Title
The title "Crow On The Mango" immediately sets the scene, juxtaposing a common bird with a fruit-bearing tree, suggesting a setting rich with natural imagery and everyday occurrences.
Stanza by Stanza Analysis
Stanza 1:
>The contrast is very striking
>Perched on the dense green foliage
>Of the prolific mango tree
>Was this colourful crow.
The poem opens with a vivid description of a crow perched on a lush mango tree. The contrast between the dark crow and the green foliage is highlighted, emphasizing the crow's vibrant appearance against the backdrop of nature.
Stanza 2:
>Black underbelly, white chest
>Black head and black beak
>Comfortably ensconced
>On the leafy-green mango dome.
This stanza provides a detailed description of the crow's appearance, emphasizing its distinct black and white coloring. The crow's comfortable position on the "leafy-green mango dome" suggests a sense of belonging and tranquility.
Stanza 3:
>Neck twisting left and right
>Like a ball in a socket
>Suggesting some uneasiness
>Or wonderment at life's ironies
The crow's movements, described as its neck twisting like "a ball in a socket," introduce a sense of unease or curiosity. The poem hints at the crow's contemplation of life's ironies, possibly mirroring human introspection.
Stanza 4:
>Suddenly from the distance is heard
>The kwaa kwaa of a lonely friend
>Attracting both the response
>And sudden flight of this gorgeous bird
The sudden call of another crow in the distance breaks the tranquility, leading to the crow's abrupt departure. This interaction underscores the theme of companionship and the natural response to loneliness.
Stanza 5:
>Life's wonders will never cease
>In Rwanda and Bosnia Herzegovina
>Men tear one another into useless shreds
>While in the free skies above them
>Common crows are craving for companionship
The final stanza shifts from the natural scene to a broader reflection on human conflict and violence, specifically referencing Rwanda and Bosnia Herzegovina. The contrast between human destructiveness and the simple companionship sought by crows highlights the absurdity and tragedy of war.
Themes
1. Contrast
The poem prominently features the theme of contrast, both visually and thematically. The crow, described with its "black underbelly" and "white chest," stands out against the "dense green foliage" of the mango tree. This visual contrast underscores the poem’s deeper thematic contrasts: the serene natural world versus the violent human world.
2. Nature's Tranquility
Nature is depicted as a place of peace and beauty. The crow is "comfortably ensconced" on the mango tree, suggesting a harmonious existence. This tranquility is abruptly disturbed by human conflict, highlighting the inherent peace of the natural world in stark contrast to the chaos created by humans.
3. Companionship
The crow's response to the distant call of another crow highlights the universal need for companionship. Despite the crow's initial solitude, it is drawn to the call of its "lonely friend," underscoring the natural instinct for connection and mutual support, a stark contrast to the division and violence among humans.
4. Irony of Life
The poem explores the ironies of life, particularly through the crow’s actions and the human context provided. The crow’s neck twisting "left and right" suggests a sense of unease or contemplation, mirroring human curiosity about life's paradoxes. The most profound irony is the coexistence of peaceful crows seeking companionship and humans engaged in destructive conflicts.
5. Absurdity of Human Conflict
The poem critiques the senselessness of human violence by juxtaposing it with the simple lives of crows. References to "Rwanda and Bosnia Herzegovina," sites of horrific violence, emphasize the contrast between human brutality and the natural world's simplicity. While "common crows are craving for companionship," humans "tear one another into useless shreds," highlighting the absurdity and tragedy of human conflicts.
Detailed Elaboration of Themes
Contrast
The visual imagery of the crow against the green foliage serves as a metaphor for the broader contrasts explored in the poem. The crow’s striking appearance amidst the greenery symbolizes the stark differences between the peaceful natural world and the violent human world. This contrast is further emphasized by the crow’s serene existence compared to the turmoil of human society.
Nature's Tranquility
The depiction of the crow "comfortably ensconced" on the mango tree conveys a sense of natural harmony. The mango tree, described as "prolific," suggests abundance and life, reinforcing the idea of nature as a nurturing and peaceful environment. This tranquility is juxtaposed with the disruptive nature of human actions, highlighting the disparity between the natural world's peace and human-created chaos.
Companionship
The theme of companionship is illustrated through the crow's reaction to the call of its "lonely friend." This interaction underscores the natural instinct for connection and mutual support. In the context of the poem, the crows' companionship contrasts with the human propensity for conflict and division, suggesting that companionship is a fundamental aspect of existence, often overlooked by humans.
Irony of Life
The crow’s movements, described as "neck twisting left and right," suggest contemplation or unease, reflecting the ironies of life. This imagery parallels human introspection and the search for meaning. The irony is further deepened by the contrast between the crow’s simple existence and the complex, often destructive, actions of humans. The poem highlights the absurdity of human violence in the face of life’s simpler, more fundamental truths.
Absurdity of Human Conflict
The poem's critique of human violence is stark and poignant. References to Rwanda and Bosnia Herzegovina, regions known for their brutal conflicts, emphasize the tragic consequences of human actions. The juxtaposition of these violent scenes with the peaceful existence of crows highlights the absurdity of human conflicts. While crows seek companionship and connection, humans engage in destructive behaviors that lead to "useless shreds," underscoring the futility and senselessness of such violence.
The themes in "Crow On The Mango" by Stephen Kofi Okleme are intricately woven to reflect on the contrasts between nature and human society, the ironies of existence, and the fundamental need for companionship. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful contrasts, the poem critiques the senselessness of human violence and celebrates the simplicity and tranquility of the natural world.
Structure and Form
The poem is composed of five stanzas, each with four lines, using a free verse structure that allows for a natural flow of thoughts and images. The lack of a strict rhyme scheme reflects the unpredictability and complexity of life.
Literary Devices
1. Imagery: Vivid descriptions of the crow and the mango tree create a strong visual impression (e.g., "dense green foliage," "black underbelly, white chest").
2. Contrast: The poem contrasts the crow's peaceful existence with human conflict (e.g., "In Rwanda and Bosnia Herzegovina / Men tear one another into useless shreds").
3. Simile: The crow's neck movements are compared to "a ball in a socket," highlighting its unease.
4. Personification: The crow's actions and responses are given human-like qualities, suggesting contemplation and companionship.
5. Irony: The peaceful life of the crow is set against the backdrop of human violence, highlighting the absurdity of human actions.
6. Alliteration: Repetition of consonant sounds for emphasis (e.g., "kwaa kwaa of a lonely friend").
Language and Diction
The poem uses simple yet evocative language, making it accessible while conveying deep emotions and themes. Words like "striking," "gorgeous," and "useless shreds" are carefully chosen to highlight the contrasts and ironies presented.
Mood and Tone
The mood shifts from serene and contemplative to reflective and critical. The tone is both appreciative of nature's simplicity and critical of human violence.
Context
The references to Rwanda and Bosnia Herzegovina place the poem in the context of real-world conflicts, emphasizing the ongoing nature of human violence and its contrast with the natural world.
Conclusion
"Crow On The Mango" by Stephen Kofi Okleme masterfully juxtaposes the serene beauty of nature with the brutality of human conflict. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful contrasts, the poem reflects on life's ironies and the universal need for companionship, ultimately critiquing the senselessness of violence.
Leave a comment behind