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Lament Of The Flutes by Christopher Okigbo
TIDEWASH… Memories
fold-over-fold free-furrow
mingling old tunes with new.
Tidewash…..Ride me
memories, astride on firm
saddle, wreathed with white
lillies & roses of blood…..
Sing to the rustic flute:
Sing a new note…
Where are the Maytime flowers,
where the roses? What will the
Watermaid bring at sundown,
a garland? A handful of tears?
Sing to the rustic flute:
Sing a new note…
Comes Dawn
gasping thro worn lungs,
Day breathes,
panting like torn horse –
We follow the wind to the fields
Bruising grass leafblade and corn…
Sundown: I draw in my egg head.
Night falls
smearing sore bruises with Sloan’s
boring new holes in old sheets –
We hear them, the talkative pines,
And nightbirds and woodnymphs afar off…
Shall I answer their call,
creep on my underself
out of my snug hole, out of my shell
to the rocks and the fringe for cleansing?
Shall I offer to Idoto
my sandhouse and bones,
then write no more snow-patch?
Sing to the rustic flute.
Sing a new note.
General Introduction
Poet and Poem:
"Lament of the Flutes" is a poem by Christopher Okigbo, a renowned Nigerian poet known for his vivid imagery and deep cultural themes. Okigbo's work often explores the complexities of Nigerian identity, spirituality, and the socio-political landscape. He wrote during a time of great change in Nigeria, both before and during the Nigerian Civil War (Biafra War), which deeply influenced his poetry.
Context:
Christopher Okigbo was born in 1932 and was tragically killed in 1967 during the Biafra War. His poetry often reflects his Igbo heritage and the tension between tradition and modernity. Okigbo's style is characterized by a rich use of symbolism, mysticism, and allusions to both Western and African literature. "Lament of the Flutes" exemplifies these traits, blending cultural symbolism with a sense of personal and collective lamentation.
Title
The title "Lament of the Flutes" suggests a mournful tone, as "lament" typically refers to an expression of sorrow or mourning. The use of "flutes" could symbolize a gentle, haunting sound, often associated with traditional music and pastoral scenes. This combination hints at themes of loss, nostalgia, and perhaps a yearning for a simpler or more innocent time.
Themes in "Lament of the Flutes" by Christopher Okigbo
1. Nostalgia and Loss:
One of the central themes of the poem is nostalgia and the sense of loss associated with it. Okigbo evokes a yearning for a past that is no longer attainable, as seen in the line "Where are the Maytime flowers, / where the roses?" The speaker reminisces about a time of beauty and innocence, now lost, possibly due to the ravages of time or socio-political upheaval. This nostalgia is not merely for a personal past but also for a cultural and collective heritage, suggesting a deeper longing for a time when cultural identity and traditions were intact.
2. The Search for Renewal:
The repeated phrase "Sing to the rustic flute: / Sing a new note" underscores a significant theme of the poem—the search for renewal. The "rustic flute" symbolizes the traditional and familiar, while the "new note" represents a desire for change and reinvention. The speaker seems to call for a departure from old patterns and an embrace of new possibilities, reflecting the broader socio-political context of Nigeria during Okigbo's time, where there was a push for modernization and change.
3. The Intersection of Tradition and Modernity:
Okigbo's poem grapples with the tension between tradition and modernity. The rustic flute and references to nature ("tidewash," "pines," "woodnymphs") evoke a sense of the pastoral and traditional. In contrast, the lines "Night falls / smearing sore bruises with Sloan’s" introduce a more modern, perhaps even clinical, imagery. The mention of "Sloan's" (likely a reference to Sloan's Liniment, a topical pain reliever) juxtaposes traditional and contemporary remedies, symbolizing the clash and coexistence of the old and the new.
4. Spiritual and Existential Quest:
The poem also explores spiritual and existential questions, particularly in the lines contemplating whether to "offer to Idoto / my sandhouse and bones." Idoto, a deity or muse, represents a spiritual guide or source of inspiration for the poet. The speaker's consideration of sacrificing "sandhouse and bones"—metaphors for the physical body and mortal life—suggests a contemplation of mortality and the possibility of spiritual transcendence. The existential quest is further emphasized by the question of whether to "creep on my underself / out of my snug hole," indicating a desire to confront one's inner self and the unknown.
5. Nature as a Metaphor for Life's Cycles:
Nature imagery pervades the poem, serving as a metaphor for the cycles of life, death, and renewal. The transitions from "Dawn" to "Sundown" and "Night falls" mirror the human life cycle and the passage of time. The "talkative pines" and "nightbirds" symbolize the continuity of life and the natural world's persistent presence, even as human lives and cultures change. This natural imagery underscores the theme of life's impermanence and the inevitability of change.
6. The Role of the Artist and Art:
Another subtle theme is the role of the artist and the purpose of art. The act of "singing to the rustic flute" and the invocation to "Sing a new note" can be interpreted as a metaphor for artistic creation. The poet seems to be grappling with the challenge of finding new expressions and meanings in a changing world. The contemplation of whether to "write no more snow-patch" suggests a struggle with the relevance and purpose of art in times of personal and societal turmoil.
7. Cultural Disintegration and Identity:
The poem reflects a deep concern with cultural disintegration and the search for identity. The questions posed about the "Maytime flowers" and the offerings of the "Watermaid" symbolize a quest for cultural roots and continuity. The longing for a past cultural identity, juxtaposed with the uncertain present and future, mirrors the broader post-colonial struggle for a cohesive national and cultural identity in Nigeria. The poem captures the tension between holding onto traditional values and embracing the inevitability of change.
8. Alienation and Isolation:
The sense of alienation and isolation is palpable in the poem, particularly in the imagery of retreating "into my egg head" and questioning whether to "creep on my underself / out of my snug hole." This metaphorical language suggests a withdrawal from the world, possibly due to disillusionment or the overwhelming nature of the societal changes taking place. The speaker's introspection and the physical imagery of being in a "shell" or "snug hole" reflect a state of internal conflict and the challenge of navigating a world in flux.
"Lament of the Flutes" by Christopher Okigbo is a rich tapestry of themes that explore the complexity of human experience in the face of cultural, spiritual, and existential challenges. Through its evocative imagery and symbolic language, the poem delves into the tensions between tradition and modernity, the quest for renewal, and the role of the artist in a changing world. It reflects both a personal and collective lamentation, while also expressing a hope for new beginnings.
Literary Devices
1. Imagery:
- The poem is rich in visual imagery, as seen in lines like "wreathed with white / lillies & roses of blood," which conjure images of purity intertwined with violence or sacrifice.
2. Metaphor:
- The phrase "memories, astride on firm / saddle" uses a metaphor, comparing memories to a rider on a horse, suggesting control and a journey through past experiences.
3. Personification:
- Dawn is personified as "gasping thro worn lungs" and "panting like torn horse," giving the morning a tired, almost exhausted quality, perhaps reflecting the poet's own weariness.
4. Symbolism:
- "Idoto" symbolizes the poet's personal deity or spiritual muse, a recurring symbol in Okigbo's work representing inspiration and purification.
- "Sandhouse and bones" symbolize the poet's mortal body and transient life, suggesting a sense of impermanence.
5. Repetition:
- The recurring line "Sing to the rustic flute: / Sing a new note..." emphasizes a desire for renewal or a change from the past, urging a departure from old ways.
6. Alliteration:
- The poem features alliteration, as in "smearing sore bruises," which enhances the musical quality of the verse and draws attention to the imagery of pain and healing.
Language and Diction
Okigbo employs a mix of formal and poetic diction, with a few colloquial expressions. The language is often elevated and lyrical, using words like "lillies," "sundown," and "nymphs" to evoke a timeless, almost mythical quality. The diction reflects a deep engagement with both Western literary traditions and African oral traditions. The use of dialect or specific cultural references is minimal, focusing instead on universal themes expressed through a personal lens.
Mood and Tone
The mood of the poem is reflective and melancholic, with a sense of longing and contemplation. The tone varies from sorrowful to hopeful, particularly in the repeated urging to "Sing a new note," which suggests a desire for change or renewal. There's an underlying tension between acceptance of the past and the anticipation of a new beginning.
Context
"Lament of the Flutes" was written during a period of cultural and political upheaval in Nigeria. The poem reflects Okigbo's concerns with the loss of cultural identity and the impact of modernization. The historical context of the Nigerian Civil War, which was brewing during Okigbo's later years, also casts a shadow over the poem, infusing it with a sense of impending doom and loss. The poem's themes of lamentation and renewal can be seen as a response to the cultural disintegration and the poet's personal struggle with identity and artistic expression.
Conclusion
"Lament of the Flutes" by Christopher Okigbo is a rich and complex poem that blends personal and cultural lament with a yearning for renewal. Through vivid imagery, metaphors, and symbolic language, Okigbo captures the tension between tradition and modernity, the personal and the collective, and the past and the future. The poem's reflective mood and varied tone contribute to its depth, making it a poignant meditation on memory, loss, and the possibility of change.
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