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New Creed by Niyi Osundare
they wrap their myths
in holy sheets
and scribble them
on the sacredest corner
of our soul
our fingers crave
foreign bubbles
scorning fatally
the substance of om home
pale gods taint
the green petals
of our opening bud
there is a greying
in the pistil of our being
now
trees lose their heads
to locusts of dogma
our confidence falls green
from pests of surrender
we will cultivate the field of faith
and replant the seeds of trust
we will till all fallow minds
and seed the earth
with a new creed
General Introduction
"New Creed" is a poem by Niyi Osundare, a renowned Nigerian poet and dramatist known for his critical examination of socio-political and cultural themes. Osundare’s poetry is deeply rooted in African oral traditions and often engages with issues such as colonialism, neocolonialism, and cultural identity. Born in 1947, he belongs to a generation of African writers who experienced both the colonial and postcolonial periods, which profoundly influenced his work. "New Creed" reflects his style of blending traditional African themes with modernist concerns, using rich symbolism and metaphor to address complex societal issues. The poem was written during a time when postcolonial African societies were grappling with the impact of Western influence and the loss of indigenous values.
Title
The title "New Creed" suggests a departure from old beliefs or dogmas and the establishment of a new set of values or principles. The word "creed" typically refers to a system of religious or moral beliefs, indicating that the poem will explore themes of faith, ideology, or identity. The adjective "new" hints at a transformation or reformation, implying that the poem advocates for a renewal of beliefs that align more closely with indigenous or authentic cultural values.
Literary Devices
1. Metaphor: The poem uses metaphors to convey complex ideas. For example, "they wrap their myths in holy sheets" (lines 1-2) equates myths to something sacred, wrapped in a religious or unquestionable truth, symbolizing the imposition of foreign beliefs on the indigenous people.
2. Alliteration: Osundare employs alliteration to create a rhythmic flow and emphasize certain ideas. In "fingers crave foreign bubbles" (line 7), the repetition of the 'f' sound highlights the allure of foreign influences.
3. Personification: The poet personifies elements of nature to reflect the cultural invasion and its impact. For instance, "trees lose their heads to locusts of dogma" (line 15) personifies trees as entities suffering under oppressive beliefs, with "locusts of dogma" representing the destructive nature of imposed ideologies.
4. Imagery: Vivid imagery is present throughout the poem, such as "pale gods taint the green petals of our opening bud" (lines 10-11). This image conveys the contamination of indigenous culture by foreign deities, likened to the spoiling of a flower's growth.
5. Symbolism: The poem is rich in symbolism. The "pale gods" symbolize foreign religions or ideologies, while the "green petals" and "opening bud" represent the innocence and potential of the native culture being corrupted.
6. Repetition: The repetition of the word "we will" in the final stanza emphasizes determination and collective action. It serves to underscore the speaker's resolve to reclaim and renew their cultural identity.
Themes of the Poem "New Creed" by Niyi Osundare
"New Creed" by Niyi Osundare has several themes that resonate with the postcolonial African experience. These themes reflect the poet's concerns about cultural identity, the impact of colonialism, the erosion of indigenous values, and the hope for renewal. Each theme is intricately woven into the poem, creating a layered exploration of the societal challenges faced by African communities in the wake of foreign domination.
1. Cultural Erosion and Loss of Identity:
One of the central themes of "New Creed" is the erosion of indigenous culture and the subsequent loss of identity. Osundare illustrates how foreign influences, symbolized by "pale gods," have tainted the purity and authenticity of native traditions. The poem reflects on the devastating effects of cultural imperialism, where the "green petals" and "opening bud" of African culture are contaminated by foreign beliefs. The phrase "our fingers crave foreign bubbles" signifies the tragic fascination with and adoption of foreign practices, leading to the abandonment of authentic cultural values. This theme underscores the poet's lamentation over the dilution and disappearance of indigenous identity under the weight of imposed ideologies.
2. Colonialism and its Aftermath:
Colonialism is a pervasive theme in "New Creed," as the poem critiques the lingering effects of colonial rule on African societies. The "myths" wrapped "in holy sheets" represent the colonial powers’ strategies of embedding their ideologies in the minds of the colonized, often under the guise of religion or civilization. The "locusts of dogma" that cause trees to lose their heads symbolize the destructive doctrines of colonialism that decapitated the cultural and intellectual leadership of African societies. Osundare highlights how colonialism did not just conquer land but also imposed a new set of beliefs that undermined and devalued indigenous knowledge systems. The poem echoes the postcolonial struggle to shake off these imposed ideologies and regain cultural sovereignty.
3. Conflict Between Tradition and Modernity:
The tension between tradition and modernity is another significant theme in the poem. Osundare contrasts the indigenous "substance of home" with the "foreign bubbles" that allure and ultimately destroy. The poem suggests that modernity, represented by foreign influences, is superficial and detrimental when it displaces the rich traditions of the past. The "new creed" proposed in the final stanza is an attempt to reconcile this conflict by advocating for a return to traditional values while integrating positive aspects of modernity. This theme reflects the poet's belief in the necessity of forging a path that honors the past while addressing contemporary challenges.
4. Religious and Ideological Critique:
Religion and ideology play a critical role in the poem, particularly in the way they are used to control and manipulate. The "holy sheets" and "pale gods" symbolize the foreign religious and ideological systems imposed on African societies, often leading to a profound spiritual and cultural dislocation. Osundare critiques how these external systems were used to legitimize the subjugation of African peoples, making them abandon their ancestral beliefs. The theme suggests a need for a spiritual reawakening that is rooted in indigenous faith rather than foreign dogma. The poem’s final lines, "we will cultivate the field of faith and replant the seeds of trust," indicate a desire to reclaim religious and ideological autonomy.
5. Nature as a Metaphor for Cultural Growth and Decay:
Nature is employed as a powerful metaphor throughout the poem, symbolizing both the growth and decay of culture. The "green petals" and "opening bud" represent the potential and vitality of indigenous culture, while the "pale gods" and "locusts of dogma" signify the forces that stunt its growth. The imagery of trees losing their heads and the greying of the pistil of being illustrates the withering effect of foreign influences on African identity. However, nature also serves as a symbol of hope and renewal, as the poem ends with the intention to "replant the seeds of trust" and "seed the earth with a new creed." This theme emphasizes the resilience of culture and the possibility of regeneration even after periods of decay.
6. Resistance and Reclamation:
Finally, "New Creed" embodies the theme of resistance and reclamation. Despite the overwhelming influence of foreign ideologies, the poem ends on a note of defiance and hope. The repetition of "we will" in the final stanza signals a collective determination to resist cultural erasure and reclaim what has been lost. The call to "till all fallow minds" and "seed the earth with a new creed" reflects the poet's belief in the power of renewal through active resistance and cultural reassertion. This theme is a testament to the enduring spirit of the African people and their commitment to preserving their cultural heritage.
The themes of "New Creed" by Niyi Osundare reflect a deep engagement with the challenges faced by postcolonial African societies. Through the exploration of cultural erosion, the aftermath of colonialism, the conflict between tradition and modernity, religious and ideological critique, nature as a metaphor, and the theme of resistance, Osundare crafts a poem that is both a critique of the past and a call to action for the future. The poem advocates for the creation of a "new creed"—a set of beliefs and values that are authentic, rooted in indigenous traditions, and capable of withstanding the pressures of external influence.
Language and Diction
Osundare’s diction in "New Creed" is carefully chosen to convey the clash between indigenous culture and foreign influence. Words like "myths," "holy sheets," "foreign bubbles," and "locusts of dogma" are loaded with negative connotations, illustrating the harmful effects of external beliefs on the native culture. The language is formal and symbolic, avoiding colloquialism to maintain a serious tone. The choice of words like "taint," "scorning," and "pale gods" adds to the poem’s critical perspective on cultural colonization.
Mood and Tone
The mood of the poem is somber and reflective, as it mourns the loss of cultural identity and the pervasive influence of foreign ideologies. The tone is critical and defiant, particularly in the final stanza, where there is a shift towards hope and resolve. Osundare adopts a tone that is both lamenting and empowering, criticizing the current state while urging a return to indigenous values.
Context
"New Creed" was written in the postcolonial context, where African nations were redefining their identities after years of colonial rule. The poem reflects the struggle to reclaim cultural autonomy in the face of lingering Western influences. Osundare, being part of the generation that witnessed both the oppression of colonialism and the challenges of independence, captures the tension between tradition and modernity. The historical context of decolonization and the cultural renaissance in Africa significantly influences the themes of the poem, highlighting the need for a return to indigenous values and beliefs.
Conclusion
"New Creed" by Niyi Osundare is a powerful commentary on the cultural and ideological battles faced by postcolonial African societies. Through rich metaphors, vivid imagery, and a determined tone, the poem advocates for a reclamation of indigenous identity and beliefs. The title encapsulates the poem’s central message of establishing a new set of values that reflect the true essence of the people, free from the taint of foreign influences. Osundare’s poem is both a critique of the past and a call to action for the future, urging a renewal of faith in one’s cultural roots.
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