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Fragments Out Of The Deluge VIII: But The Sunbird by Christopher Okigbo
BUT the Sunbird –
Listen under the oilbean shadows –
Repeats, repeats,
over the oilbean shadows …
A fleet of eagles
over the oilbean shadows
Holds the square
under curse of their rank breath.
Beaks of bronze, wings of
hard-tanned felt,
The eagles flow
over man mountains,
Steep walls of voices,
horizons;
The eagles furrow
dazzling over the voices
With wings like
combs in the wind’s hair
Out of the solitude,
The fleet,
out of the solitude,
Intangible
like the silk thread of the sunlight,
The eagles ride low,
resplendent… resplendent …
And small birds sing in shadows,
Wobbling under their bones.
So squatting,
A blind dog howls at his godmother –
YUNICE at the passageway,
Singing the moon to sleep over the hills,
YUNICE at the passageway –
Give him no chair, they say,
The crier of the dawn,
Riding with gods and the angry stars
Toward the great sunshine.
General Introduction
"Fragments Out of the Deluge VIII: But The Sunbird" is a poem by the renowned Nigerian poet Christopher Okigbo. Okigbo is one of Africa's most celebrated poets, known for his complex and symbolic language, rich imagery, and deep engagement with African traditions, mythology, and the tumultuous socio-political landscape of postcolonial Nigeria. Born in 1932, Okigbo's work often intertwines personal, cultural, and spiritual themes, reflecting both his Igbo heritage and the broader African experience. The poem was written during the period of political instability in Nigeria, leading up to the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), during which Okigbo tragically lost his life. His poetry is often viewed as prophetic, addressing themes of destiny, destruction, and rebirth.
Title
The title "But The Sunbird" immediately evokes a contrast or a sense of interruption, indicated by the word "But." The Sunbird, a small, vibrant bird native to Africa, often symbolizes beauty, freedom, and the spirit of life. The title hints at the themes of resilience and beauty amidst the shadow of destruction and despair, setting a tone of both conflict and hope within the poem.
Themes of the Poem
"Fragments Out of the Deluge VIII: But The Sunbird" by Christopher Okigbo is a poem rich in symbolism and layered meanings. The themes in the poem reflect both personal and collective experiences, drawing from Okigbo's context as a Nigerian poet writing during a period of political turmoil. Below are some of the key themes explored in the poem:
1. Conflict and Destruction:
- The poem is imbued with imagery and symbolism that suggest an ongoing or impending conflict. The "fleet of eagles" with "beaks of bronze, wings of hard-tanned felt" symbolizes a powerful, possibly destructive force. These eagles, described in militaristic terms, appear to dominate the landscape, suggesting a scene of conquest or invasion. This theme of destruction is further emphasized by the "curse of their rank breath," which could signify the toxic influence or devastating impact of the eagles (perhaps representing war or colonial forces) on the land and its people. The poem reflects the atmosphere of tension and fear that permeated Nigeria during the 1960s, particularly as the country approached the Nigerian Civil War.
2. Hope and Resilience:
- In contrast to the theme of conflict is the presence of the Sunbird, which symbolizes hope, beauty, and resilience. The Sunbird, although small, is persistent, "repeats, repeats," despite the overwhelming presence of the eagles. This resilience in the face of adversity is a key theme, representing the endurance of the human spirit, cultural identity, and the possibility of renewal. Even in the darkest of times, the Sunbird's presence suggests that there is always a glimmer of hope.
3. Nature and Spirituality:
- Okigbo’s use of natural imagery and spiritual references points to a deep connection between the natural world and the spiritual realm. The Sunbird, eagles, oilbean shadows, and other natural elements are not merely descriptive but are imbued with spiritual significance. The Sunbird, for instance, could be seen as a spiritual guide or a symbol of the soul’s persistence. The poem’s reference to "gods and the angry stars" also underscores a theme of spirituality, where cosmic or divine forces are at play in the unfolding human drama. This intertwining of nature and spirituality reflects Okigbo's engagement with African cosmology and his belief in the spiritual dimension of existence.
4. Cultural Identity and Ancestry:
- The repeated mention of "oilbean shadows" and other culturally specific symbols like the "Sunbird" and the figure "YUNICE" reflect the theme of cultural identity. The oilbean tree, significant in many African cultures, represents roots, heritage, and the presence of ancestors. The shadows it casts may symbolize the protective, yet sometimes oppressive, influence of tradition and ancestry. Okigbo explores the tension between maintaining cultural identity and navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing world, particularly in a postcolonial context. The figure of YUNICE, who sings "the moon to sleep over the hills," could represent a guardian of tradition or a maternal figure, further emphasizing the theme of cultural continuity.
5. Impermanence and Mortality:
- The poem grapples with the themes of impermanence and mortality, as seen in the fleeting beauty of the Sunbird and the ominous presence of the eagles. The line "Wobbling under their bones" suggests fragility and the precariousness of life. The "blind dog howls at his godmother" may symbolize the futile struggle against fate or the inevitability of death. This theme is reflective of Okigbo’s broader poetic exploration of life’s transient nature and the ever-present shadow of mortality, a preoccupation that perhaps grew more intense as the specter of war loomed over Nigeria.
6. Power and Oppression:
- The eagles in the poem can also be interpreted as symbols of power and oppression. Their dominance over the landscape, "flow over man mountains," and their "resplendent" yet menacing presence suggest an external force exerting control over a vulnerable population. This theme of oppression is connected to Nigeria's historical experience of colonization, and later, the internal struggles for power that led to the civil war. Okigbo’s depiction of the eagles could be read as a critique of these oppressive forces, whether they be colonial, military, or otherwise.
7. Destiny and Prophecy:
- There is a sense of inevitability and destiny woven into the poem, particularly with the reference to "the crier of the dawn, riding with gods and the angry stars toward the great sunshine." This line suggests a movement towards a significant, perhaps fateful, event. The "crier of the dawn" could be a prophetic figure, heralding the arrival of a new era or a cataclysmic change. This theme reflects Okigbo's role as a poet-prophet, one who foresaw the coming crisis in Nigeria and sought to articulate the deeper currents of destiny that he believed were shaping his nation's future.
"Fragments Out of the Deluge VIII: But The Sunbird" is a thematically rich poem that explores the tension between destruction and resilience, the interplay of nature and spirituality, and the profound connection between cultural identity and ancestral heritage. Through its exploration of conflict, hope, impermanence, and destiny, the poem offers a powerful reflection on the human condition, particularly in the context of Nigeria's turbulent history. Christopher Okigbo's intricate use of symbolism and imagery invites readers to contemplate the complexities of life, the inevitability of change, and the enduring power of hope amidst despair.
Literary Devices
1. Repetition:
- The phrase "Repeats, repeats" and "over the oilbean shadows" is repeated, creating a sense of echo or persistence. This repetition emphasizes the continuous nature of the events or the omnipresence of the Sunbird, as well as the looming presence of the oilbean shadows.
2. Imagery:
- Okigbo uses vivid imagery throughout the poem. For example, "Beaks of bronze, wings of hard-tanned felt" creates a powerful visual image of the eagles, conveying their strength and the harshness of their presence. Similarly, "With wings like combs in the wind’s hair" conjures a delicate and intricate picture, contrasting the previous harsh imagery.
3. Symbolism:
- The Sunbird symbolizes beauty and hope, while the eagles represent a looming, possibly destructive force. The oilbean shadows may symbolize the ancestral or cultural roots, casting a protective or oppressive shadow over the scene. The "blind dog" can symbolize blindness or ignorance, howling at "his godmother," possibly indicating a futile or misguided cry for help or recognition.
4. Alliteration:
- The poem employs alliteration to enhance its musicality and rhythm, as seen in "steep walls of voices" and "furrow dazzling over the voices." These alliterative phrases create a flowing, almost hypnotic sound, contributing to the poem's ethereal quality.
5. Personification:
- Okigbo personifies natural elements, such as "the wind's hair" and "the moon to sleep," giving them human-like qualities. This personification adds depth to the natural world in the poem, making it more alive and intertwined with human emotions and actions.
6. Contrast:
- The poem contrasts the grandeur and power of the eagles with the small, wobbling birds and the blind dog's helplessness. This contrast highlights the disparity between strength and weakness, power and vulnerability, creating a layered and dynamic narrative.
Language and Diction
Okigbo's diction is deliberate and richly evocative, blending formal language with symbolic and mythological references. Words like "resplendent," "intangible," and "resplendent" convey a sense of grandeur and mystery, while phrases like "over man mountains" and "wobbling under their bones" ground the poem in a more tangible, corporeal reality. The use of African fauna, such as the Sunbird and eagles, roots the poem in its geographical and cultural context, while the elevated language reflects the poet's engagement with universal themes of life, death, and spiritual conflict.
Mood and Tone
The mood of the poem is one of ominous tension, juxtaposed with moments of fleeting beauty. The tone is both reverent and foreboding, as Okigbo weaves together images of natural beauty with symbols of impending doom. The repetition and rhythm create a meditative quality, yet the content suggests an undercurrent of unrest, as the poet seems to anticipate or respond to an inevitable crisis.
Context
The poem is steeped in the socio-political context of Nigeria during the 1960s, a time of immense upheaval, leading up to the Nigerian Civil War. The "fleet of eagles" could symbolize the military forces or the impending conflict, while the "blind dog" might represent the masses or the leadership, lost and unable to see the danger ahead. The Sunbird, in this context, could represent the fragile hope for peace or the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. Okigbo's deep connection to his Igbo heritage and his prophetic awareness of the looming crisis in Nigeria profoundly shape the poem's themes and imagery.
Conclusion
"Fragments Out of the Deluge VIII: But The Sunbird" is a powerful and complex poem that reflects Christopher Okigbo's mastery of language and symbolism. Through its rich imagery, use of literary devices, and deep engagement with both personal and collective identity, the poem captures a moment of tension and anticipation, set against the backdrop of Nigeria's turbulent history. The interplay of beauty and destruction, hope and despair, makes this poem a poignant exploration of the human condition in times of crisis.
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