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The Breast of the Sea by Syl Cheney-Coker
After our bloody century, the sea will groan
under its weight, somewhere between breasts and anus.
Filled with toxins, her belly will not yield new islands
even though the orphans of East Timor wish it so.
The sea is only capable of so much history:
Noah's monologue, the Middle Passage's cargoes,
Darwin's examination of the turtle's shit,
the remains of the Titanic, and a diver's story
about how the coelacanth was recaptured.
Anything else is only a fractured chela
we cannot preserve, once the sea's belly
has washed itself clean of our century's blight.
Throbbing, the sea's breasts will console some orphans,
but Sierra Leone won't be worth a raped woman's cry,
despite her broken back, this shredded garment,
her hands swimming like horrors of red corals.
But do you, O Sea, long-suffering mistress,
have the balm to heal the wound of her children,
hand to foot the axe, alluvial river flowing into you?
General Introduction
"The Breast of the Sea" is a powerful poem by Syl Cheney-Coker, a distinguished poet and novelist from Sierra Leone. Born in 1945, Cheney-Coker’s work often reflects the socio-political realities of Africa, particularly the turbulent history of his homeland. His writing is known for its profound engagement with themes of colonialism, post-colonial disillusionment, and the scars left by historical injustices. This poem is a stark reflection of the devastation and trauma endured by African nations, particularly Sierra Leone, in the wake of war and exploitation. Written during a period of intense conflict and upheaval, Cheney-Coker’s poem serves as a lamentation for the ravages of the 20th century, particularly the impact of war, colonization, and environmental degradation on the African continent.
Title
The title, "The Breast of the Sea," immediately evokes a sense of nurturing and sustenance juxtaposed with the vastness and power of the sea. The "breast" symbolizes nourishment and care, typically associated with motherhood, while the "sea" suggests both a source of life and a formidable force of nature. The title sets a tone of contrast between the nurturing aspect of the sea and the harsh, destructive realities that the poem will explore. It hints at the themes of destruction, loss, and the wounded state of nature and humanity.
Themes of The Breast of the Sea by Syl Cheney-Coker
"The Breast of the Sea" by Syl Cheney-Coker is a rich and complex poem that explores several interwoven themes. These themes reflect the deep scars left by historical events, the exploitation of the environment, and the human condition in the face of such devastation. The themes in the poem are intricately connected, revealing the poet’s profound concerns about the consequences of human actions on both history and nature.
1. The Devastation of War and Conflict
One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the devastation caused by war and conflict. Cheney-Coker references various historical events, such as the Middle Passage and the civil war in Sierra Leone, to highlight the catastrophic impact of violence on nations and individuals. The line "Sierra Leone won't be worth a raped woman's cry" poignantly illustrates the immense suffering and dehumanization that occurs during war. The "orphans of East Timor" further symbolize the innocent victims of conflict, emphasizing the tragic cost of war on the most vulnerable members of society. The poem laments the destructive legacy of the 20th century, a period marred by some of the bloodiest conflicts in human history, and the irreversible damage they have inflicted on nations like Sierra Leone.
2. Environmental Degradation and Pollution
Environmental degradation is another key theme in "The Breast of the Sea." Cheney-Coker paints a bleak picture of the sea, once a symbol of life and sustenance, now poisoned by human activity. The "toxins" in the sea’s "belly" symbolize the pollution and environmental damage caused by industrialization and warfare. The sea, which has borne witness to human history, is now burdened by the "blight" of the 20th century, unable to "yield new islands" or sustain life. This theme reflects the poet’s concern with the environmental consequences of human actions, particularly the exploitation of natural resources and the neglect of ecological balance. The sea, once a source of life, is now depicted as a "long-suffering mistress," bearing the scars of humanity’s recklessness.
3. Historical Memory and the Burden of the Past
The theme of historical memory runs deeply throughout the poem. Cheney-Coker uses the sea as a metaphorical repository of history, containing the "remains of the Titanic" and "Noah’s monologue." These references serve as reminders of the significant events that have shaped human history, from biblical times to the modern era. The poem suggests that the sea, and by extension nature, carries the weight of these historical events, bearing witness to humanity’s triumphs and tragedies. However, this historical memory is also a burden, as the sea is "only capable of so much history" before it must cleanse itself of the "century's blight." The poem reflects on the idea that history, while important to remember, can also be a source of pain and trauma that must eventually be confronted and released.
4. Human Suffering and Injustice
Human suffering and injustice are central themes in the poem, particularly as they relate to the experiences of marginalized and oppressed peoples. Cheney-Coker’s references to the Middle Passage and the plight of Sierra Leone highlight the long history of exploitation and violence against African people. The image of a "raped woman’s cry" and the "broken back" of Sierra Leone serve as powerful symbols of the physical and emotional trauma inflicted by colonialism, slavery, and war. The poem suggests that this suffering is often ignored or minimized by those in power, as indicated by the line "Sierra Leone won't be worth a raped woman's cry," underscoring the poet’s critique of the indifference shown towards the victims of such injustices.
5. The Futility of Human Endeavors
There is a recurring theme of the futility of human endeavors in the poem, particularly in the face of nature’s vastness and power. Cheney-Coker’s reference to Darwin’s "examination of the turtle’s shit" and the "remains of the Titanic" suggests that despite humanity’s attempts to conquer and understand the world, these efforts often end in failure or insignificance. The sea, as a symbol of nature, remains indifferent to human achievements and disasters alike, washing itself clean of the "century’s blight" and continuing on. This theme reflects a sense of existential despair, as the poem questions the value and impact of human actions in the grand scheme of time and nature.
6. The Intersection of Nature and Humanity
Finally, the poem explores the intersection of nature and humanity, particularly how human actions have disrupted the natural world. The sea, personified as a "long-suffering mistress," symbolizes nature’s enduring patience and resilience in the face of human exploitation. However, the poem also suggests that this resilience has limits, as the sea can only endure so much before it must "groan under its weight" and cleanse itself of human-caused pollution. This theme underscores the interconnectedness of nature and humanity, suggesting that the fate of one is inextricably linked to the fate of the other. The poem serves as a warning of the consequences of disrupting this delicate balance, urging a reconsideration of humanity’s relationship with the natural world.
"The Breast of the Sea" by Syl Cheney-Coker is a deeply reflective poem that tackles heavy themes such as the devastation of war, environmental degradation, historical memory, and human suffering. Through vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and a tone of mourning, Cheney-Coker addresses the lasting impact of the 20th century’s traumas on both humanity and nature. The poem serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of human actions, urging readers to reflect on the historical, environmental, and ethical implications of their choices. Each theme in the poem is interwoven to create a tapestry of sorrow and reflection, making it a poignant commentary on the state of the world.
Literary Devices
1. Metaphor: The sea is personified and given human-like qualities throughout the poem, starting with the title. The "breast" of the sea is a metaphor for the nurturing aspect of nature, which is burdened by the "bloody century" (line 1), symbolizing the devastation caused by human actions. The metaphor extends to describe the sea as having a "belly" (line 3) that is "filled with toxins," representing the pollution and environmental degradation caused by human activity.
2. Allusion: Cheney-Coker alludes to significant historical events and figures to underscore the weight of human history on the sea. References to "Noah's monologue" (line 6) and the "Middle Passage's cargoes" (line 7) evoke biblical and historical moments that are tied to survival, suffering, and the exploitation of Africans during the transatlantic slave trade.
3. Imagery: The poem is rich in vivid and often disturbing imagery. The "fractured chela" (line 11) conjures a broken, fragile image, symbolizing the irreparable damage done to nature and history. The imagery of a "diver’s story" about the recaptured coelacanth (line 9) brings to mind the depths of the ocean and the mysteries it holds, now tainted by human interference.
4. Personification: The sea is personified throughout the poem, most notably in the description of its "groan under its weight" (line 2) and "throbbing, the sea's breasts" (line 12). This personification emphasizes the sea's suffering, making it a character that bears the burden of human history and environmental destruction.
5. Symbolism: The "orphans of East Timor" (line 4) symbolize the innocent victims of war and conflict, representing all those who suffer due to the actions of the powerful. Similarly, Sierra Leone is used as a symbol of a nation ravaged by war and exploitation, where "a raped woman's cry" (line 14) signifies the deep and painful scars left by violence.
6. Irony: There is a bitter irony in the line "Sierra Leone won't be worth a raped woman's cry" (line 13), as it highlights the utter disregard for the suffering of individuals in the face of larger, impersonal forces like war and exploitation. The irony underscores the theme of human indifference to the devastation caused by their actions.
Language and Diction
The language in "The Breast of the Sea" is both stark and evocative, reflecting the grim realities of the 20th century. Cheney-Coker’s choice of words like "bloody," "toxins," "groan," and "fractured" all contribute to a tone of despair and mourning. The diction is formal and somber, appropriate for the weighty themes of historical trauma and environmental degradation. The use of formal language lends a gravitas to the poem, reinforcing its themes of loss and devastation.
Mood and Tone
The mood of the poem is one of deep sorrow and mourning, as it reflects on the immense suffering caused by human actions throughout history. The tone is elegiac and reflective, with a sense of resignation to the irreparable damage done to both humanity and the natural world. Cheney-Coker’s attitude towards the subject matter is one of lamentation, as he mourns the loss of innocence and the destruction of nature.
Context
"The Breast of the Sea" was written in the context of the late 20th century, a period marked by numerous conflicts, environmental crises, and the ongoing legacy of colonialism in Africa. The poem reflects the historical and social realities of post-colonial Africa, particularly the impact of the transatlantic slave trade, European colonization, and the brutal civil wars that ravaged nations like Sierra Leone. The poem also touches on global issues, such as environmental degradation and the exploitation of natural resources, making it a reflection on the broader consequences of human actions on the world.
Conclusion
Syl Cheney-Coker’s "The Breast of the Sea" is a poignant reflection on the devastation wrought by human actions on both history and nature. Through powerful metaphors, vivid imagery, and a tone of deep lamentation, Cheney-Coker captures the weight of history and the irreversible damage done to the world. The poem serves as a reminder of the consequences of war, exploitation, and environmental destruction, urging readers to reflect on the cost of human progress.
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