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Hearty Garlands by S.O.H. Afriyie–Vidza
For a person who has lived as long
And one who, as well, has done much
As you
Life’s whole process blooms into stark beauty
And failures give no trite, crippling regrets
Yet. On occasion, shamed, horrid green-eyed
Envy fights benign Felicitation exclusively couched
For you
By us who won’t be left out of today’s joy
And must send you warm hearty birthday garlands
You must, you wondrous mentor of rouges like us,
Receive copious blessings today; d stay well blessed
To you
Age eighty-five is life’s smiley, cloudless dawn
It is the gainful twilight of fulfilled dreams
Hope now nods in contented concert with spent desires
Now restful Hope neither nags nor raves nor rants
At you
But your heart sits on garlanded satis shores
Looking out to sea for health delivering vessels
From the subdued heights of your lofty conquered toils
And from flights of vanquished steps, at five and eighty,
Must you
Watch us strive and beat your mahogany chest in pride
You must shake your own hands like iroko agama
March on, old boy, do, and clinch yonder untamed gain
For yon lies mop-up work and higher tasks still
By you
To be accomplished; then must you hear trumpet sound
That to a guru must blow solo musical bravo
As you give yourself a cozy comfy treat today
Reclining in reminiscing and fondling a lingering smile
Could you
A certain style of locomotion all your own recall,
Best and aptly but simply dubbed ‘poetic walking’?
General Introduction
The poem "Hearty Garlands" was penned by S.O.H. Afriyie–Vidza. The poet, a contemporary figure, focuses on celebrating life and acknowledging the beauty of lived experiences. The style of Afriyie-Vidza, based on this poem, is reflective and celebratory, engaging deeply with themes of aging, wisdom, and legacy. "Hearty Garlands" is a tribute, possibly written for an elder, celebrating their life achievements and the grace that comes with advanced age. The period in which the poem was written is modern, considering its contemporary language and themes, though it retains a classical sense of respect and admiration often found in traditional poetry.
Title
The title "Hearty Garlands" hints a celebratory and affectionate tone. "Hearty" conveys warmth, sincerity, and enthusiasm, while "Garlands" are typically associated with honor, celebration, and tribute. The title sets the stage for a poem that will likely offer praise, celebrate a milestone, or pay homage to someone cherished. The use of the word "garlands" specifically indicates that the poem is metaphorically offering something of beauty and significance, often tied to festive occasions or moments of recognition.
Themes of "Hearty Garlands" by S.O.H. Afriyie–Vidza
1. Celebration of Aging and Wisdom:
One of the central themes of "Hearty Garlands" is the celebration of aging and the wisdom that comes with it. The poem reflects on the life of an individual who has reached the age of eighty-five, a significant milestone that the poet equates with a "smiley, cloudless dawn" and the "gainful twilight of fulfilled dreams." These metaphors suggest that old age is a time of peace, contentment, and the harvest of life’s experiences. The poet emphasizes that reaching this age is not just about the passage of time but about the accumulation of wisdom, the fulfillment of dreams, and the satisfaction that comes from a life well-lived.
The poem portrays aging not as a decline but as a process of blooming into "stark beauty," where even failures do not result in "trite, crippling regrets." This perspective challenges the often negative connotations associated with aging, presenting it instead as a period of reflection, accomplishment, and serene wisdom. The individual being celebrated is portrayed as someone who has conquered life’s challenges and now looks back with pride and satisfaction.
2. The Role of Mentorship:
Another prominent theme is the role of mentorship and the impact of a mentor on the lives of others. The person being honored in the poem is described as a "wondrous mentor of rogues like us," indicating that they have played a significant role in guiding, teaching, and influencing others. The term "rogues" suggests that the mentees may have been wayward or in need of guidance, and it is through the mentor’s influence that they have found direction or purpose.
The poem highlights the respect and admiration that the mentor commands, as seen in the lines where the speaker imagines the mentor "watch[ing] us strive and beat[ing] your mahogany chest in pride." This suggests that the mentor takes pride in the achievements of those they have guided, reinforcing the idea that mentorship is not just about imparting knowledge but also about taking satisfaction in the growth and success of others.
3. The Interplay of Envy and Felicitation:
The poem also explores the complex emotions that accompany success and celebration, particularly the interplay of envy and felicitation. The poet acknowledges that while the individual being celebrated is deserving of praise, there may be those who feel "shamed, horrid green-eyed / Envy" in the face of their achievements. However, this envy is contrasted with "benign Felicitation," which is the genuine and kind-hearted congratulations offered by others.
This theme speaks to the universal experience of mixed emotions when witnessing the success of others. The poet recognizes that envy is a natural human response but suggests that it is ultimately overpowered by sincere admiration and the desire to celebrate the achievements of others. This interplay of emotions adds depth to the poem, acknowledging the complexities of human relationships and the challenge of overcoming envy to offer heartfelt congratulations.
4. The Continuation of Purpose in Old Age:
The poem also addresses the theme of purpose and the continuation of meaningful activity in old age. Despite reaching the significant age of eighty-five, the poet suggests that there are still "higher tasks" to be accomplished. The line "March on, old boy, do, and clinch yonder untamed gain" implies that the individual is encouraged to continue striving, even in their advanced years, as there is still work to be done and goals to be achieved.
This theme challenges the notion that old age is a time of inactivity or retirement from meaningful pursuits. Instead, the poet suggests that life continues to offer opportunities for growth, achievement, and contribution, even in the later stages. The reference to "mop-up work" and "trumpet sound" further implies that there are final accomplishments to be made before one’s life is fully complete, reinforcing the idea that purpose does not diminish with age.
5. The Peace and Contentment of Fulfilled Desires:
Another important theme is the peace and contentment that comes from fulfilled desires. The poem describes how "Hope now nods in contented concert with spent desires" and how this "restful Hope neither nags nor raves nor rants." This suggests that the individual being celebrated has reached a point in life where their desires and ambitions have been largely fulfilled, leading to a state of inner peace and satisfaction.
This theme highlights the idea that contentment comes from the resolution of one’s hopes and dreams. The absence of "nagging" or "raving" hopes indicates that the individual no longer feels the pressure of unfulfilled desires, but instead enjoys a calm and serene existence, having achieved what they set out to do. This state of contentment is portrayed as a reward for a life well-lived, where the individual can now rest and reflect on their achievements without the burden of unmet aspirations.
6. The Legacy of a Life Well-Lived:
Finally, the poem touches on the theme of legacy and the lasting impact of a life well-lived. The repeated references to garlands, blessings, and the individual’s influence on others suggest that their legacy is one of positivity, inspiration, and lasting impact. The poem implies that the individual’s life has been one of significance, leaving behind a legacy that others celebrate and admire.
The line "you must shake your own hands like iroko agama" suggests that the individual can take pride in their accomplishments and the legacy they leave behind. The mention of the "trumpet sound" and "solo musical bravo" further reinforces the idea that the individual’s legacy will be celebrated and remembered with great respect and admiration.
This theme of legacy speaks to the universal desire to be remembered for one’s contributions and the lasting impact one has on others. The poem suggests that the individual being celebrated has achieved this, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and influence others long after they are gone.
"Hearty Garlands" is rich with themes that explore the beauty of aging, the importance of mentorship, the complexities of human emotion, the continuation of purpose in old age, the peace of fulfilled desires, and the lasting legacy of a life well-lived. These themes are intricately woven throughout the poem, creating a deep and meaningful tribute to the individual being celebrated.
Literary Devices
1. Metaphor:
- The poem uses metaphor extensively, comparing life’s progress to the blooming of a process into "stark beauty" and failures as lacking "trite, crippling regrets." This suggests that the person being celebrated has lived a life of significance, where even failures are viewed as part of a beautiful journey.
- "Age eighty-five is life’s smiley, cloudless dawn," compares the age of eighty-five to a serene and clear morning, indicating a time of peace and fulfillment in the person's life.
2. Personification:
- Hope is personified in the lines "Hope now nods in contented concert with spent desires / Now restful Hope neither nags nor raves nor rants." Here, hope is given human characteristics, emphasizing how it has transformed into a gentle, satisfied force rather than a demanding or anxious presence.
- "Your heart sits on garlanded satis shores," personifies the heart as sitting on shores, suggesting a state of contentment and peace after a life well-lived.
3. Alliteration:
- The poem features alliteration, such as in "Life’s whole process blooms into stark beauty" where the repetition of the "b" sound in "blooms" and "beauty" adds a rhythmic quality to the line, emphasizing the transformation of life into something beautiful.
- Another example is "benign Felicitation," where the repetition of the "b" sound creates a soothing and gentle tone, fitting the context of congratulations and celebration.
4. Imagery:
- Vivid imagery is present throughout, particularly in "your heart sits on garlanded satis shores / Looking out to sea for health delivering vessels." This image evokes a peaceful scene of someone at the shore, watching for something beneficial to arrive, symbolizing hope for continued good health.
- The imagery of "smiley, cloudless dawn" and "gainful twilight of fulfilled dreams" paints a picture of a serene and fulfilling stage of life, reinforcing the theme of contentment in old age.
5. Anaphora:
- The repetition of "To you" at the beginning of several stanzas serves to emphasize the direct address to the person being celebrated. It creates a rhythmic and formal structure, reinforcing the poem's tone of homage and respect.
6. Irony:
- There is a subtle irony in the line "horrid green-eyed / Envy fights benign Felicitation," where the natural human tendency towards envy is juxtaposed with the benign, almost harmless, congratulations. The poet acknowledges envy but undercuts it with the suggestion that it is ultimately powerless in the face of genuine joy and celebration.
Language and Diction
The diction of the poem is formal yet infused with warmth. Words like "bloom," "felicitation," "garlands," and "blessings" contribute to the celebratory tone of the poem. The language is rich and evocative, designed to convey respect and admiration. The choice of words like "benign," "contented," and "fulfilled" suggests a deep sense of peace and satisfaction with life’s journey. The poem’s language also includes a mixture of metaphorical and literal expressions, blending abstract ideas with concrete imagery to convey complex emotions in a relatable way.
Mood and Tone
The mood of the poem is celebratory, reflective, and reverent. It creates an emotional atmosphere that is warm and appreciative, inviting the reader to join in the celebration of a life well-lived. The tone is respectful and admiring, indicating deep affection and esteem for the person being honored. The poet’s attitude is one of profound appreciation, not only for the individual but for the journey of life itself, as it leads to a place of peace and fulfillment.
Context
The poem is written in a contemporary context but with an appreciation for traditional themes such as aging, wisdom, and the celebration of life’s milestones. It reflects a culture that values respect for elders and recognizes the importance of life experiences in shaping who we become. The mention of "age eighty-five" indicates that the person being celebrated has reached a significant milestone, and the poem is likely part of a cultural practice of honoring elders on such occasions. The use of imagery related to nature, like "cloudless dawn" and "satis shores," suggests a connection to universal themes of time, growth, and the natural progression of life.
Conclusion
"Hearty Garlands" by S.O.H. Afriyie–Vidza is a beautifully crafted poem that celebrates the life and achievements of an elder, possibly on their eighty-fifth birthday. Through rich metaphors, personification, and vivid imagery, the poet conveys a deep sense of admiration and respect for the individual. The poem's formal yet warm diction, combined with its reflective and celebratory mood, makes it a fitting tribute to a life well-lived. It not only honors the individual but also offers a broader reflection on the beauty of aging and the contentment that comes with a life of fulfillment and wisdom.
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