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Song by John Pepper Clark
I can look the sun in the face
But the friends that I have lost
I dare not look at any. Yet, I have held.
Them all in my arms, shared with them
The same bath and bed, often
Devouring the same dish, drunk as soon
On tea as on wine, at that time
When but to think of an ill, made
By God or man, was to find
The cure prophet and physician
Did not have. Yet, to look
At them now I dare not,
Though I can look the sun in the face.
General Introduction
The poem "Song" is written by John Pepper Clark, a prominent Nigerian poet, playwright, and scholar. Clark was part of the first generation of modern Nigerian writers who emerged during the 1950s and 1960s, a time when Nigeria was moving towards independence. His work often reflects the complexities of Nigerian society, touching on themes of tradition, modernity, loss, and the human experience. Clark's style is known for its lyrical quality, blending African oral traditions with modernist techniques. The poem "Song" embodies his reflective and poignant style, exploring themes of friendship, loss, and the passage of time.
Title
The title "Song" suggests a lyrical quality, hinting that the poem might be a personal or emotional expression, much like a song. The simplicity of the title could be seen as a contrast to the depth of emotion and reflection within the poem, setting a tone that is both introspective and melancholic.
Themes in "Song" by John Pepper Clark
1. Friendship and Loss
The primary theme in "Song" is the profound sense of loss experienced by the poet due to the death or departure of friends. The poet reflects on the closeness he once shared with his friends, describing intimate moments like "shared with them the same bath and bed" and "devouring the same dish." These lines depict the deep bonds and camaraderie that existed between them. However, the poet’s inability to "look at any" of these friends now, despite being able to "look the sun in the face," reveals the intense pain and sorrow that accompanies the loss of such cherished relationships. The poet mourns not only the physical absence of his friends but also the emotional connection that has been severed. This theme highlights the inevitability of loss in human relationships and the enduring impact it leaves on those who remain.
2. Memory and Nostalgia
Memory plays a crucial role in the poem, as the poet recalls the times he spent with his friends. The act of reminiscing is bittersweet, filled with both the joy of shared experiences and the pain of their loss. The detailed recollection of moments like "drunk as soon on tea as on wine" suggests a longing for the past, where life was simpler and filled with the companionship of friends. However, these memories also become a source of anguish, as the poet finds it unbearable to confront them in the present. The theme of memory in the poem reflects the dual nature of nostalgia—where the past is cherished but also haunts the present, making it difficult to move on.
3. The Passage of Time
The poem subtly addresses the theme of time and its effects on relationships. The phrase "at that time when but to think of an ill, made by God or man, was to find the cure" indicates a period when life was less burdened by the worries that now plague the poet. The passage of time has brought about change, distance, and ultimately, loss. The poet’s reflection on the past juxtaposes the vibrancy of his memories with the harsh reality of the present, where those he once held dear are no longer with him. Time, in this sense, becomes both a healer and a thief—allowing the poet to recall joyful moments while also taking away the people who made those moments meaningful.
4. Mortality and the Inevitability of Death
Mortality is an underlying theme in "Song," though it is never explicitly mentioned. The poem’s focus on the lost friends and the poet’s inability to confront their memory hints at the inevitability of death. The sun, which the poet can look at, symbolizes the constancy of life’s challenges—something that can be faced and endured. In contrast, the friends represent mortality, an aspect of existence that the poet cannot bear to confront. The poem reflects the human struggle with accepting death and the lingering impact it has on the living. The poet’s reluctance to face the memory of his friends suggests an unwillingness or inability to accept the finality of death, highlighting the universal fear and sorrow associated with mortality.
5. Isolation and Alienation
The poem conveys a deep sense of isolation experienced by the poet. Despite the vivid memories of companionship, the poet now finds himself alone, unable to reconnect with the past. The line "I dare not look at any" symbolizes the emotional distance the poet has placed between himself and the memories of his lost friends. This self-imposed isolation is both a defense mechanism and a sign of alienation—where the pain of loss is so great that it leads to a detachment from those once held dear. The poet’s isolation is further emphasized by the stark contrast between his ability to face the sun, a symbol of life’s trials, and his inability to face the memories of his friends, suggesting a deep emotional rift within him.
6. The Contrast Between Past and Present
Throughout the poem, there is a clear contrast between the past and the present. The poet reflects on a time when he and his friends were inseparable, sharing everything from food and drink to thoughts and feelings. However, the present is marked by absence and loss, with the poet unable to face the reality of his friends' departure. This contrast highlights the theme of change and the inevitable shift from togetherness to separation. The poet's longing for the past and his sorrow in the present underscores the transient nature of life, where moments of joy are fleeting, and loss becomes a defining feature of the human experience.
"Song" by John Pepper Clark is a rich exploration of themes that resonate with universal human experiences. The poem delves into the nature of friendship, the pain of loss, the power of memory, and the inevitable passage of time. Through these themes, Clark captures the bittersweet essence of life, where joy and sorrow coexist, and where the past constantly influences the present. The poem’s reflections on mortality, isolation, and the contrast between past and present make it a poignant meditation on the complexities of human relationships and the enduring impact of loss.
Literary Devices
1. Metaphor: The poet uses metaphor to convey deep emotions, such as in the lines, "I can look the sun in the face / But the friends that I have lost / I dare not look at any." Here, the "sun" metaphorically represents something difficult yet bearable, whereas the lost friends symbolize a deeper, more painful reality that the poet cannot confront.
2. Repetition: The phrase "I dare not look at any" is repeated, emphasizing the poet's overwhelming sense of loss and his inability to face the reality of his departed friends. This repetition reinforces the emotional weight of the poem.
3. Contrast: The poet contrasts his ability to "look the sun in the face" with his inability to look at his lost friends. This contrast highlights the intensity of his grief, suggesting that facing the sun is easier than facing the memories of those he has lost.
4. Imagery: Vivid imagery is used throughout the poem to evoke a sense of closeness and shared experience, as in the lines, "I have held them all in my arms, shared with them the same bath and bed." This imagery creates a picture of intimate relationships, making the sense of loss more poignant.
5. Enjambment: The poem makes use of enjambment, where one line flows into the next without a pause, as seen in "Yet, I have held. / Them all in my arms, shared with them / The same bath and bed, often." This device mirrors the continuous flow of memories and emotions, suggesting that the poet's thoughts and feelings are overwhelming and uncontainable.
6. Alliteration: There is subtle alliteration in the line "But the friends that I have lost," where the repetition of the "f" sound adds a rhythmic quality to the expression of loss, enhancing the musicality of the poem.
Language and Diction
The language of the poem is simple yet profound, with a focus on the emotional weight of loss. Clark’s diction is direct, using everyday language to describe deep feelings and shared experiences. Words like "bath," "bed," "dish," and "wine" evoke ordinary moments of life, which are now tinged with sorrow. The formal yet intimate language reflects the poet's attempt to grapple with the inevitability of loss, while the conversational tone draws the reader into the poet's personal reflections.
Mood and Tone
The mood of the poem is melancholic and reflective, evoking a sense of deep sadness and introspection. The tone is somber and resigned, as the poet expresses a profound sense of loss and the passage of time. The repeated phrase "I dare not look" conveys a tone of avoidance and regret, as the poet seems unable to confront the memories of his lost friends.
Context
John Pepper Clark wrote during a period of significant social and political change in Nigeria. His poetry often reflects the tensions of a society in transition, dealing with themes of loss, identity, and the passage of time. "Song" can be seen as a reflection on the personal losses that come with the changes in life, possibly hinting at the poet’s own experiences with friendship, mortality, and the inevitable separation that time brings. The poem’s universal themes of loss and memory resonate beyond its immediate context, making it relevant to readers across different cultures and eras.
Conclusion
John Pepper Clark's "Song" is a poignant exploration of loss and memory, conveyed through simple yet powerful language. The poet uses various literary devices to express his deep sense of grief and the difficulty of confronting the past. The contrast between the poet's ability to face the sun and his inability to face the memories of his lost friends highlights the intensity of his emotions. The poem's lyrical quality, enhanced by its title, underscores the universal nature of its themes, making it a timeless reflection on the human experience.
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