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No Coffin, No Grave by Jared Angira
He was buried without a coffin
without a grave
the scavengers performed the post-mortem
in the open mortuary
without sterilized knives
in front of the night club
stuttering rifles put up
the gun salute of the day
that was a state burial anyway
the car knelt
the red plate wept, wrapped itself in blood its master’s
the diary revealed to the sea
the rain anchored there at last
isn’t our flag red, black, and white?
so he wrapped himself well
who could signal yellow
when we had to leave politics to the experts
and brood on books
brood on hunger
and schoolgirls
grumble under the black pot
sleep under torn mosquito net
and let lice lick our intestines
the lord of the bar, money speaks madam
woman magnet, money speaks madam
we only cover the stinking darkness
of the cave of our mouths
and ask our father who is in hell to judge him
the quick and the good
Well, his dairy, submarine of the Third World War
showed he wished
to be buried in a gold-laden coffin
like a VIP
under the jacaranda tree beside his palace
a shelter for his grave
and much beer for the funeral party
anyway one noisy pupil suggested we bring
tractors and plough the land.
General Introduction
Poet and Poem
The poem "No Coffin, No Grave" was written by Jared Angira, a renowned Kenyan poet known for his vivid depiction of social and political issues in his works. Angira, born in 1947, is a significant figure in East African literature, often addressing themes of colonialism, post-colonial disillusionment, and social injustice. His poetry is characterized by its directness, social consciousness, and evocative imagery.
Context
Angira wrote during a period marked by political turmoil and social upheaval in Kenya. The post-independence era brought about significant challenges, including corruption, poverty, and the lingering effects of colonial rule. Angira's works reflect his deep engagement with these issues, often criticizing the political elite and highlighting the struggles of the common people.
Title
The title "No Coffin, No Grave" immediately suggests a theme of neglect or disregard for the dignity of the dead. It hints at a burial without the customary rites, symbolizing a lack of respect or honor. This sets a somber and critical tone, preparing the reader for a poem that will likely explore themes of injustice, neglect, and societal failure.
Themes in "No Coffin, No Grave" by Jared Angira
1. Social Injustice and Neglect:
The poem is a stark commentary on social injustice and the neglect of the common people. The image of a burial without a coffin or grave symbolizes a lack of dignity and respect for the deceased. The scavengers performing a post-mortem in an open mortuary without sterilized knives highlights the disregard for proper medical and burial practices, reflecting a broader societal neglect.
2. Political Critique:
Angira's poem serves as a critique of political corruption and the failure of the state to uphold its responsibilities. The ironic reference to a "state burial" that is actually marked by indignity and violence underscores the hypocrisy and inefficacy of the government. The line "when we had to leave politics to the experts" suggests a loss of faith in political leaders, who are seen as detached from the realities of the people's lives.
3. Economic Disparities:
The poem highlights the stark economic disparities within society. The references to brooding on books, hunger, and schoolgirls, and sleeping under torn mosquito nets while enduring the bites of lice, all point to the dire living conditions of the poor. In contrast, the deceased's unfulfilled wish to be buried in a gold-laden coffin beside his palace reflects the wealth and opulence enjoyed by the elite.
4. Disillusionment with Post-Independence Promises:
Angira reflects on the disillusionment that followed Kenya's independence. The expectation that independence would bring prosperity and justice is contrasted with the harsh reality of continued poverty and corruption. The poem's references to the national flag's colors and the "submarine of the Third World War" anchor the themes in the post-colonial context, suggesting that the struggles of the people have persisted despite the promise of a new era.
5. Mortality and Dignity in Death:
The poem grapples with themes of mortality and the dignity of the dead. The lack of a proper burial for the deceased is a powerful statement on how society values or devalues individuals, even in death. The fact that the scavengers, rather than medical professionals, perform the post-mortem, and that this happens in front of a night club, further emphasizes the loss of dignity.
6. Critique of Materialism:
The repeated phrase "money speaks madam" highlights the pervasive influence of materialism and wealth in society. The lord of the bar and the attraction to wealth are critiqued as corrupting forces that overshadow more important human values. The wish for a gold-laden coffin symbolizes a desire for material wealth even in death, contrasting sharply with the actual fate of the deceased.
7. The Role of Tradition and Modernity:
The poem juxtaposes traditional and modern elements, reflecting on how contemporary issues have affected cultural practices. The burial rites are not performed according to tradition, indicating a breakdown of cultural norms in the face of modern social and political challenges. This theme is also evident in the mention of schoolgirls and books, suggesting a tension between traditional ways of life and modern education and aspirations.
8. Hopelessness and Despair:
The tone of the poem conveys a deep sense of hopelessness and despair. The imagery of a neglected burial, the suffering of the people, and the ineffective political system all contribute to a mood of despondency. The poem ends with a suggestion to "bring tractors and plough the land," which can be interpreted as a call for drastic change or a return to basics in the face of overwhelming societal failures.
Jared Angira's "No Coffin, No Grave" is a multi-layered exploration of themes related to social injustice, political corruption, economic disparity, and the disillusionment of post-independence Kenya. Through powerful imagery and poignant irony, Angira critiques the failures of the state and the enduring struggles of the common people, making a compelling statement on the need for dignity and justice in both life and death.
Literary Devices
1. Imagery:
Angira uses vivid imagery to paint a stark picture of the burial. For instance, "the scavengers performed the post-mortem / in the open mortuary" creates a powerful visual of a body being desecrated without dignity or proper procedures.
2. Irony:
The phrase "that was a state burial anyway" is deeply ironic. Despite being termed a state burial, the ceremony is far from honorable, marked instead by chaos and indignity.
3. Symbolism:
The "stuttering rifles" symbolize violence and unrest, while the "red plate" wrapped in blood represents both literal bloodshed and the corruption of power.
4. Alliteration:
Alliteration is used to emphasize certain images and ideas. For example, "sleep under torn mosquito net" uses the repetition of the 's' sound to highlight the precarious living conditions of the people.
5. Metaphor:
Angira employs metaphor in lines such as "the diary revealed to the sea," suggesting the washing away of personal and historical secrets, and "the rain anchored there at last," indicating a sense of finality or inevitability.
6. Repetition:
The phrase "money speaks madam" is repeated to underscore the corrupting influence of wealth and the socio-economic disparities in society.
Language and Diction
Angira's diction is straightforward yet loaded with meaning. He employs a mix of formal and colloquial language to reflect the poem's serious themes and the everyday struggles of the people. Words like "scavengers," "mortuary," and "sterilized knives" contribute to the grim and gritty atmosphere. The use of local references and idiomatic expressions, such as "brood on books" and "grumble under the black pot," ground the poem in its cultural context and highlight the poet's connection to his community.
Mood and Tone
The mood of the poem is somber and critical. The imagery of a body being buried without a coffin or grave evokes a sense of indignity and neglect. The tone is accusatory and reflective, as Angira critiques the social and political conditions that allow such indignities to occur. There is also an undercurrent of irony and bitterness, especially in the depiction of the so-called state burial and the mockery of the deceased's unfulfilled wishes.
Context
Angira wrote "No Coffin, No Grave" during a time of significant political and social change in Kenya. The post-independence period was fraught with challenges, including widespread poverty, corruption, and political instability. The poem reflects these conditions, criticizing the ruling elite's neglect of the common people and the hollow promises of a better future. The references to "our flag red, black, and white" and "the submarine of the Third World War" highlight the national and global dimensions of these struggles.
Conclusion
"No Coffin, No Grave" by Jared Angira is a powerful critique of social and political neglect. Through vivid imagery, irony, and symbolism, Angira paints a stark picture of a society where dignity and respect are denied to the common people, even in death. The poem's language and tone reflect the poet's deep engagement with the injustices of his time, making it a poignant and impactful work that resonates with universal themes of human dignity and social justice.
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