(toc) #title= (Table of Content)
A Sandal On The Head by Kwesi Brew
The broken bones cannot be made whole!
The strong had sheltered in their strength
The swift had sought life in their speed,
The crippled and the tired heaped out of the way
Onto the ant hills
Had been bit by bit, half-eaten by termites.
The rough and ready were beginning
To tire of dancing to that one
Strange unfamiliar tune.
The Master of the House cracked his whip
In the realm of laugther and light,
And mopped his brow with a silken cloth
It is only the gods who know
Why the bones were broken;
It's only the old who know why
The goats skip homeward at evening
And the Master of the House
Now Master of Rags
Stays behind on the rocks
To rummage in the rubbish heap
For cast-away morsels of power!
General Introduction
Poet and Poem:
"A Sandal On The Head" is a poem by Kwesi Brew, a notable Ghanaian poet. Brew's work often explores themes of cultural identity, social issues, and the complexities of post-colonial African society. Born in 1928, Brew was an influential figure in African literature, particularly in the mid-20th century. His poetry is characterized by a rich use of imagery, symbolism, and an often reflective, philosophical tone.
Context:
Kwesi Brew's poetry emerged during a time when many African nations, including Ghana, were navigating the complexities of independence from colonial rule. This period was marked by a search for new cultural and national identities. Brew's work often reflects a deep awareness of the social and political changes happening around him, as well as the enduring spiritual and moral questions that these changes provoke.
Title
The title "A Sandal On The Head" suggests an unexpected or misplaced burden. Sandals, typically worn on the feet, symbolize a journey or path. Placing one on the head implies a disordered situation or a reversal of norms. This title sets a tone of disruption and invites the reader to consider the broader implications of such an inversion.
Themes of the Poem
Kwesi Brew's poem "A Sandal On The Head" delves into several profound themes, exploring the complexities of power, societal neglect, disillusionment, and the inevitability of fate. Each theme is interwoven into the narrative, offering a rich tapestry of meaning and insight. Here are the main themes explored in the poem:
1. Power and Authority
The poem critically examines the nature of power and authority, symbolized by the "Master of the House." This figure represents those who wield control and influence, possibly alluding to colonial rulers or post-colonial leaders. The imagery of the Master "cracking his whip" and "mopping his brow with a silken cloth" suggests a figure who exercises power with ease and comfort, detached from the struggles of the common people. The transformation of this figure into the "Master of Rags" reflects the impermanence and potential downfall of those who misuse their power. The poem suggests that power, when misused or misunderstood, can lead to a fall from grace and a life of degradation.
2. Neglect and Marginalization
Brew portrays a society where the vulnerable are neglected and marginalized. The line "The crippled and the tired heaped out of the way / Onto the ant hills" vividly describes how society discards those who are weak or unable to keep up with its demands. This neglect is further highlighted by the imagery of these individuals being "half-eaten by termites," symbolizing a slow decay and abandonment. The poem suggests a deep-seated social injustice, where the less fortunate are left to suffer without support or recognition.
3. Disillusionment and Betrayal
The poem also explores the theme of disillusionment, particularly in the context of leadership and governance. The line "The rough and ready were beginning / To tire of dancing to that one / Strange unfamiliar tune" suggests a growing weariness among the populace with the leadership's false promises and misguided directions. The "strange unfamiliar tune" represents policies or ideologies that are out of touch with the people's realities. The imagery of the "Master of the House" rummaging in the "rubbish heap" for "cast-away morsels of power" underscores the futility and ultimate betrayal of these leaders' ambitions. The poem conveys a sense of betrayal felt by those who believed in these leaders, only to be let down by their actions.
4. Fate and Inevitability
The poem addresses the inevitability of fate and the acceptance of certain realities. The opening line, "The broken bones cannot be made whole," sets a tone of inevitability and irreversible consequences. This idea is echoed in the line, "It is only the gods who know / Why the bones were broken," suggesting that some events are beyond human comprehension and control. The reference to traditional beliefs, such as "only the old who know why / The goats skip homeward at evening," highlights a respect for ancient wisdom and the understanding that some aspects of life are dictated by forces beyond human influence. This theme also touches on the idea of karma or the cosmic balance of actions and consequences.
5. Cultural and Moral Decay
Brew uses the poem to critique the cultural and moral decay within society. The imagery of the "Master of the House" becoming the "Master of Rags" symbolizes the degradation of moral and cultural values. The "rummage in the rubbish heap" can be seen as a metaphor for the leaders' search for meaning or power in the wrong places, abandoning the true values that should guide them. This theme resonates with the broader context of post-colonial Africa, where the rush for power and material wealth often overshadowed cultural and moral integrity.
6. The Absurdity and Irony of Life
The poem is imbued with a sense of absurdity and irony, particularly in the transformation of the powerful figure into a scavenger. This irony underscores the unpredictability of life and the often unexpected outcomes of human actions. The title itself, "A Sandal On The Head," reflects this theme of absurdity, suggesting a world turned upside down where normalcy is upended.
7. Spiritual and Existential Reflection
Finally, the poem delves into spiritual and existential questions. The mention of "the gods" and traditional wisdom points to a deeper, spiritual understanding of life's mysteries. Brew reflects on the limits of human understanding and the need for humility in the face of life's greater forces. This spiritual dimension adds a layer of philosophical depth to the poem, inviting readers to ponder the larger questions of existence and purpose.
"A Sandal On The Head" by Kwesi Brew is a profound meditation on the complexities of power, the inevitability of fate, and the moral and cultural challenges faced by society. Through rich imagery, symbolism, and a contemplative tone, Brew explores themes that resonate deeply with the human experience, particularly in the context of post-colonial Africa. The poem is a powerful critique of societal neglect, the failures of leadership, and the need for a return to moral and cultural integrity.
Literary Devices
1. Metaphor:
- "The broken bones cannot be made whole!" This metaphor suggests irreversible damage or harm, possibly to individuals or society.
- "The Master of the House cracked his whip" portrays authority and control, evoking a sense of power and dominance.
2. Imagery:
- "The crippled and the tired heaped out of the way / Onto the ant hills" evokes a vivid picture of marginalized individuals being discarded and left to fend for themselves, highlighting social neglect.
- "Mopped his brow with a silken cloth" creates an image of someone wealthy or in a position of comfort, contrasting with the suffering described.
3. Symbolism:
- "The Master of the House" symbolizes those in power or authority, possibly referencing colonial rulers or local leaders who have failed in their responsibilities.
- "The realm of laughter and light" contrasts with the harsh realities faced by the marginalized, symbolizing a world of privilege and ignorance.
4. Irony:
- The line "Now Master of Rags" is ironic as it reflects a fall from grace. The one who was once powerful and privileged is now reduced to scavenging in the "rubbish heap."
5. Allusion:
- The phrase "It is only the gods who know" alludes to the traditional African belief in the gods’ omniscience, suggesting that the reasons for the suffering and chaos are beyond human understanding.
6. Personification:
- "The rough and ready were beginning / To tire of dancing to that one / Strange unfamiliar tune" gives human attributes to abstract qualities, suggesting that even those who adapt easily are worn down by the relentless demands of an oppressive system.
Language and Diction
Kwesi Brew employs a formal and poetic language that conveys a deep sense of gravity and reflection. The diction is carefully chosen to evoke vivid images and complex ideas. The use of phrases like "Master of Rags" and "cracked his whip" employs a colonial-era lexicon, possibly alluding to the legacy of colonialism. The language is neither colloquial nor overly archaic, maintaining a timeless quality that enhances the poem's universality.
Mood and Tone
The mood of the poem is somber and contemplative, reflecting on the inevitability of loss and the consequences of power and neglect. The tone is reflective, with a hint of resignation, as it contemplates the irreversible damages ("The broken bones cannot be made whole!") and the ironies of fate and power. There is a subtle undercurrent of criticism towards those in power, implied through the depiction of the "Master of the House" who ends up as the "Master of Rags."
Context
Written during a period of political and social upheaval, "A Sandal On The Head" can be seen as a commentary on the failures of leadership and the societal disarray in post-colonial Africa. The poem reflects the disillusionment with new leaders who, after gaining independence, have not lived up to their promises. The use of traditional imagery and references to African spirituality also suggests a critique of the loss of cultural values and the degradation of societal norms.
Conclusion
Kwesi Brew's "A Sandal On The Head" is a rich, multi-layered poem that explores themes of power, neglect, and the ironies of fate. Through a combination of vivid imagery, metaphor, and symbolism, Brew paints a poignant picture of a society grappling with the consequences of broken promises and misplaced authority. The poem serves as both a reflection on the past and a warning for the future, urging a return to moral and cultural integrity.
Leave a comment behind