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The Wizard's Pride by Yao Eglewogbe
When the story shall be told,
No matter whose death it shall report,
Then shall we, bold ones in
Black companionship,
Clothe ourselves in white;
The rising tomb
Shall be our lazy chair;
The place for brave men is the wilderness.
Death is everywhere;
So let ours come in the ripe season.
One by one our fruits shall desert
The mother tree,
And the fruit tree turned firewood.
So when the story shall be told,
No matter whose death it shall report,
Then shall we, bold ones in
Black companionship,
Clothe us in white;
The rising tomb
Shall be our lazy chair;
The place for brave men is in the wilderness.
Then, when at last the Death finds me out
The sun will now show;
The heavy clouds will sustain their tears
And the hush village shall lie
Under the canopy of ugly vultures.
Oh, do not weep; only
Send my body to the unhallowed ground.
There leave me and weep not
Lest you give too much in tears
To one who had so often drawn hot tears
From your sad faces.
Send me to barren spot;
I go alone that had killed so many;
I had leaved and died a man,
So strip my hollow face
With white chalk
And let dry leaves be my bed.
Let the drummer move the priestess to madness
Whose god shall claim
Honour my death.
Only do not weep
But leave me there in a solitary pride.
Lay me in with no mournful groan;
Rather signs of relief should stir the neighbouring grass.
The spirit world grudges not
My well-worn victory.
The souls of my victims shall bow
Before the mighty dread
That pushed them untimely
Into eternity.
Now leave me in this barren place
Alone.
My bold spirit shall know no fear.
Let no stony cross
Curse this black cemetery; instead, let
The mouldering leaves of neglected shrubs
Hide my proud bones
Form the ridiculous eyes of the world
I never really loved.
Your tears are well preserved;
You shall need them soon;
For when the story shall be told,
No matter whose death it shall report;
Other men shall be dressed in white
And rest their proud heads on rising tombs
Till death
Rends them cut. Then they shall come
Here, where only bold ones
In black companionship,
Can have a restful bed.
General Introduction
Yao Eglewogbe is a Ghanaian poet known for his thought-provoking works that explore themes of mortality, pride, and the human condition. His poems often delve into the complexities of life, death, and the moral choices that define a person’s existence. "The Wizard’s Pride" is a powerful poem that reflects Eglewogbe's contemplation on death, pride, and the isolation that comes with living a life of ruthlessness and strength. The poem likely belongs to a period when African literature was deeply engaged with themes of tradition, existentialism, and postcolonial identity. Eglewogbe’s work, while modern, echoes the ancient griot tradition of storytelling, which imparts wisdom through metaphor and allegory.
Title
The title, "The Wizard's Pride," immediately evokes a sense of mystery and power. The word "wizard" suggests a figure of immense power, knowledge, and perhaps fear, someone who is beyond the ordinary. "Pride" here may refer to an unyielding sense of self, an arrogance, or a dignified sense of achievement. Together, the title hints at themes of authority, control, and the inevitable solitude that accompanies such a powerful existence. It sets a tone of foreboding and suggests that the poem will explore the costs of pride and power.
Themes of "The Wizard's Pride" by Yao Eglewogbe
"The Wizard’s Pride" by Yao Eglewogbe is rich with thematic content that explores complex ideas such as mortality, pride, isolation, and the inevitable consequences of a life lived in power. Below is an in-depth exploration of the central themes presented in the poem:
1. Mortality and Death
Mortality is a dominant theme in the poem, as the speaker repeatedly reflects on the inevitability of death. The poem begins and ends with the refrain, "When the story shall be told, / No matter whose death it shall report," emphasizing that death is a universal experience that comes for everyone, regardless of status or power. The speaker's acceptance of death is evident in the lines "The rising tomb / Shall be our lazy chair," where death is portrayed as a place of rest rather than something to fear. The poem presents death as an inescapable reality, one that the speaker has come to terms with, even embracing it as a natural conclusion to life.
2. Pride and Individualism
Pride is central to the poem, as suggested by the title. The speaker displays an unwavering sense of self-worth and dignity, even in the face of death. This pride is not just in life but extends to death as well. The speaker's desire to be buried in a "barren spot" and to be left alone without weeping or mourning indicates a strong sense of individualism and self-reliance. The speaker refuses to be pitied, instead choosing to die with the same pride that characterized his life. The phrase "solitary pride" encapsulates the speaker's refusal to conform to societal expectations, opting instead for a death that honors his individual strength and autonomy.
3. Isolation and Alienation
The theme of isolation is closely linked to the speaker's pride. Throughout the poem, the speaker emphasizes a preference for solitude, both in life and death. The wilderness, a symbol of isolation, is described as "The place for brave men," suggesting that true courage lies in embracing solitude. The speaker’s choice to be buried in a "barren spot" and his rejection of communal mourning rituals further highlight his desire for isolation. The speaker’s alienation is not just physical but also emotional, as he distances himself from the world he never "really loved." This isolation is presented as a source of strength, allowing the speaker to maintain his pride and dignity.
4. The Consequences of Power
Power and its consequences are also central to the poem. The speaker alludes to a life lived with authority and dominance, as seen in the lines, "I go alone that had killed so many; / I had lived and died a man." The speaker’s power is portrayed as both a source of pride and a cause of isolation. The reference to the "souls of my victims" bowing before him in death suggests that the speaker’s power came at a cost, leading to the untimely deaths of others. The speaker’s victory in life, achieved through power and strength, is acknowledged even by the "spirit world," yet this victory comes with a price—eternal isolation in death.
5. The Rituals of Death
The poem is steeped in the cultural rituals surrounding death, particularly within the African context. The use of "white chalk" to strip the speaker's face and the bed of "dry leaves" are traditional elements associated with burial and purification. However, the speaker subverts these rituals, choosing to reject the communal aspects of death, such as mourning and the placement of a "stony cross." Instead, the speaker embraces a more personal and isolated ritual, one that aligns with his sense of pride and autonomy. This theme reflects the tension between tradition and individualism, as the speaker redefines the rituals of death to suit his unique perspective.
6. Acceptance of Fate
A subtle yet significant theme in the poem is the acceptance of fate. The speaker’s calm and deliberate tone suggests a complete resignation to the inevitable. Death is not resisted but accepted as a natural and even necessary part of life. The repeated refrain reinforces this acceptance, with the speaker acknowledging that death comes for everyone, and what matters is how one faces it. The speaker’s pride and isolation are not just expressions of individualism but also an acknowledgment of the fate that awaits everyone. The poem’s final lines, "My bold spirit shall know no fear," encapsulate this acceptance, emphasizing that the speaker faces death with courage and without regret.
"The Wizard’s Pride" by Yao Eglewogbe is a profound exploration of mortality, pride, and the human condition. Through the themes of death, pride, isolation, power, and the rituals of death, Eglewogbe delves into the complexities of life and the inevitable end that awaits us all. The poem's themes are interwoven with cultural, existential, and moral reflections, making it a rich and multi-layered work. Ultimately, "The Wizard’s Pride" challenges the reader to consider the nature of pride, the consequences of power, and the dignity of facing death on one’s own terms.
Literary Devices
1. Repetition: The lines "When the story shall be told, / No matter whose death it shall report," are repeated in the poem, emphasizing the inevitability of death and the narrator's indifference to whose death is being recounted. This repetition underscores the central theme of mortality.
2. Imagery: The poet uses vivid imagery, such as "The rising tomb / Shall be our lazy chair" and "The heavy clouds will sustain their tears," to create powerful visual scenes. These images evoke a sense of calm resignation in the face of death, portraying it as both a natural and an expected part of life.
3. Metaphor: The metaphor "The place for brave men is the wilderness" suggests that true courage is found in isolation and facing the unknown, rather than in the safety of civilization. The wilderness represents both a literal and a metaphorical place of solitude and challenge.
4. Personification: Death is personified in lines like "Then, when at last the Death finds me out," where Death is given the agency to seek out the speaker. This personification adds a sense of inevitability and fate to the poem’s tone.
5. Alliteration: The line "Bold ones in black companionship" uses alliteration with the repetition of the 'b' sound. This device emphasizes the unity and solidarity among those who embrace death fearlessly.
6. Symbolism: The "white chalk" and "dry leaves" symbolize purity and decay, respectively, juxtaposing the ideas of ritual cleansing and the natural return to the earth. The use of these symbols highlights the duality of life and death.
Language and Diction
The language in "The Wizard’s Pride" is formal and deliberate, with a measured cadence that reflects the gravity of the poem’s subject matter. The diction is rich with words that convey death, isolation, and inevitability, such as "tomb," "wilderness," "barren spot," and "unhallowed ground." Eglewogbe’s choice of words such as "proud bones," "victory," and "solitary pride" conveys a tone of defiance and self-assurance, even in the face of death. The language is devoid of sentimentality, reflecting the speaker's acceptance and even embrace of his fate.
Mood and Tone
The mood of the poem is somber and reflective, creating an atmosphere of calm acceptance in the face of mortality. There is also a sense of foreboding, as the poem delves into themes of death and the isolation that comes with it. The tone is resolute and unyielding, characterized by the speaker's pride and defiance. There is no fear of death, only a stoic acceptance and a demand for respect even in death.
Context
"The Wizard’s Pride" was written in a time when African literature was exploring themes of identity, power, and existentialism. The poem reflects a cultural context where death is not feared but is seen as an inevitable part of life’s journey. The reference to traditional rituals, such as the use of white chalk and dry leaves, ties the poem to African cultural practices surrounding death and burial. The speaker’s solitary pride and refusal to be mourned reflect a rejection of communal expectations, emphasizing the importance of individual dignity and self-worth.
Conclusion
"The Wizard’s Pride" by Yao Eglewogbe is a profound meditation on death, pride, and isolation. Through the use of repetition, imagery, metaphor, and other literary devices, Eglewogbe crafts a poem that is both haunting and powerful. The formal language and somber tone underscore the themes of mortality and pride, while the cultural context roots the poem in African traditions. Ultimately, the poem speaks to the dignity of facing death with courage and the importance of maintaining one's pride and individuality even in the face of inevitable demise.
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