(toc) #title= (Table of Content)
Fragments Out Of The Deluge V: Upon An Empty Sarcophagus by Christopher Okigbo
UPON an empty sarcophagus
out of solid alabaster,
A branch of giant fennel,
on an empty sarcophagus …
Nothing suggests accident
where the beasts
Are finishing their rest:
Smoke of ultramarine and amber
Floating above the fields after
moonlit rains
From tree unto tree distils
the radiance of a king …
You might as well see the new branch
in ENKI;
And that is no new thing either …
General Introduction
The poem "Fragments Out Of The Deluge V: Upon An Empty Sarcophagus" is written by Christopher Okigbo, a prominent Nigerian poet known for his rich, symbolic, and often complex poetry. Okigbo, who lived from 1932 to 1967, was deeply influenced by his Igbo heritage and his experiences growing up in colonial and post-colonial Nigeria. His poetry often explores themes of identity, spirituality, and the clash between traditional African beliefs and Western culture. Written during a time of great political upheaval in Nigeria, Okigbo's works are infused with a sense of loss, disillusionment, and a search for meaning.
Title
The title "Fragments Out Of The Deluge V: Upon An Empty Sarcophagus" immediately evokes a sense of brokenness and remnants of a larger whole. The word "Fragments" suggests that the poem is part of a series or collection, perhaps dealing with the aftermath of a catastrophic event (the "Deluge"). The phrase "Empty Sarcophagus" brings to mind an unfulfilled burial, an incomplete end, or a missing body, which could hint at themes of death, absence, or forgotten history. The title sets a somber and reflective tone for the poem.
Themes of "Fragments Out Of The Deluge V: Upon An Empty Sarcophagus" by Christopher Okigbo
Christopher Okigbo's "Fragments Out Of The Deluge V: Upon An Empty Sarcophagus" is a complex poem that touches upon several profound themes, reflecting the poet's preoccupation with identity, spirituality, and the existential crises of his time. Below, I explore the primary themes that emerge from the poem.
1. Death and Emptiness
One of the most prominent themes in the poem is death, symbolized by the "empty sarcophagus." The sarcophagus, traditionally a container for the deceased, is paradoxically empty, suggesting an absence where there should be finality or closure. This emptiness can be interpreted in several ways: as a metaphor for unfulfilled lives, lost potential, or the void left by death. The sarcophagus might also represent a forgotten or abandoned past, a civilization or culture that has been lost to time, leaving behind only traces of its existence. This theme of death is intertwined with the idea of emptiness, highlighting the void that death creates, both physically and spiritually.
2. The Cycle of Life and Death
The poem also explores the cycle of life and death, particularly through the imagery of the "branch of giant fennel" placed upon the sarcophagus. Fennel is a plant often associated with healing and strength, and in this context, it could symbolize life persisting even in the face of death. The juxtaposition of the living plant on a symbol of death suggests a continuity or cycle where life emerges from death, and death gives way to new life. This cyclical theme is further emphasized by the references to nature and the natural world—"moonlit rains," "smoke of ultramarine and amber"—which suggest the ongoing processes of renewal and decay.
3. Mythology and the Divine
Mythology plays a significant role in the poem, particularly through the allusion to "ENKI," the Sumerian god of water, wisdom, and creation. By invoking ENKI, Okigbo connects the poem to ancient myths and the idea of divine intervention or influence in human affairs. This reference could be seen as a way of seeking meaning or order in the chaos of existence, looking to ancient wisdom to make sense of contemporary struggles. The use of mythology also underscores the theme of spirituality, as the poet grapples with the divine or metaphysical aspects of life and death. The poem suggests that these ancient myths still hold relevance, offering insight into the eternal questions of existence.
4. Loss and Memory
The theme of loss permeates the poem, not only through the image of the empty sarcophagus but also in the sense of something irretrievably lost or forgotten. The sarcophagus could be seen as a metaphor for collective memory, a relic of a past that is now empty or devoid of meaning. This loss is not just personal but cultural and historical, reflecting the poet's awareness of the fragility of human achievements and the inevitability of forgetting. The poem can be interpreted as a meditation on the impermanence of life and the transient nature of human endeavors.
5. Displacement and Disillusionment
The sense of displacement and disillusionment is another significant theme in the poem. The repetition of the empty sarcophagus suggests a world out of balance, where traditional structures and beliefs no longer hold. This could be a reflection of Okigbo's own feelings of disillusionment with the political and social situation in Nigeria at the time, particularly the disintegration of societal norms and the erosion of cultural identities. The poem expresses a sense of alienation, where the familiar has become strange, and the past offers little comfort in the face of present uncertainties.
6. Nature and the Sublime
Nature is depicted in the poem as both beautiful and overwhelming, with images like "smoke of ultramarine and amber" and "moonlit rains" creating a sense of the sublime—a combination of beauty and awe that transcends ordinary experience. This portrayal of nature aligns with Romantic themes, where nature is seen as a powerful force that reflects the emotional and spiritual states of individuals. In Okigbo's poem, nature serves as a backdrop to the human drama of life and death, emphasizing the smallness of human concerns in the vastness of the natural world.
7. Spiritual Search and Existential Inquiry
Underlying all these themes is a deep spiritual and existential inquiry. The poem grapples with fundamental questions about the meaning of life, the reality of death, and the possibility of an afterlife or rebirth. The reference to ENKI, the empty sarcophagus, and the imagery of light and darkness all contribute to a sense of searching—for meaning, for connection to the divine, for understanding in the face of mortality. Okigbo's poetry often reflects his own spiritual quest, blending Christian, Igbo, and other influences as he seeks answers to life's most profound questions.
Christopher Okigbo's "Fragments Out Of The Deluge V: Upon An Empty Sarcophagus" is a richly layered poem that delves into themes of death, emptiness, and the cyclical nature of life. Through its use of symbolism, mythological references, and evocative imagery, the poem explores the complex interplay between life and death, memory and loss, spirituality, and existential doubt. In a broader context, the poem reflects the disillusionment and displacement felt by many during a time of political and cultural upheaval, while also expressing a universal search for meaning in the face of life's inevitable uncertainties.
Literary Devices
1. Symbolism: The poem is rich with symbolic imagery. The "empty sarcophagus" symbolizes death, emptiness, and perhaps unfulfilled rituals. The "branch of giant fennel" could represent life, growth, or renewal amidst the desolation of the sarcophagus. These symbols contrast the ideas of life and death, presence and absence.
2. Allusion: The reference to "ENKI" is an allusion to the Sumerian god of water, knowledge, mischief, and creation. This allusion connects the poem to ancient myths and suggests a deeper, possibly spiritual, exploration of themes such as creation, destruction, and the cycle of life.
3. Imagery: Okigbo uses vivid imagery to create a sense of atmosphere. The "Smoke of ultramarine and amber" and "Floating above the fields after moonlit rains" paint a picture of a surreal, almost otherworldly landscape, which enhances the mystical and somber mood of the poem.
4. Repetition: The repetition of the phrase "on an empty sarcophagus" emphasizes the central theme of emptiness and loss. This repetition not only reinforces the idea but also creates a rhythmic pattern that echoes the sense of something missing or incomplete.
5. Personification: The phrase "the beasts are finishing their rest" personifies the beasts, suggesting a natural cycle or order being completed. This personification could symbolize the inevitability of death and the natural world continuing its course, indifferent to human concerns.
6. Juxtaposition: The juxtaposition of life and death is evident throughout the poem, particularly in the contrast between the "empty sarcophagus" and the "branch of giant fennel." This contrast highlights the coexistence of opposing forces and the complexity of existence.
Language and Diction
Okigbo's language in this poem is formal and elevated, with a tone that reflects both reverence and melancholy. The choice of words like "sarcophagus," "alabaster," and "radiance" conveys a sense of antiquity and solemnity. The language is also highly visual, with words like "ultramarine," "amber," and "moonlit rains" creating vivid, almost painterly images. This careful diction contributes to the poem's contemplative tone, inviting readers to ponder the deeper meanings behind the imagery.
Mood and Tone
The mood of the poem is reflective and somber, evoking a sense of loss and contemplation. The tone is one of reverence, as Okigbo carefully considers the imagery and symbols, almost as if he is paying homage to something sacred or ancient. There is also a sense of mystery and the unknown, particularly with the references to mythological elements like ENKI and the enigmatic setting.
Context
This poem was likely written in the 1960s, a period of intense political and social change in Nigeria, culminating in the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). Okigbo himself was deeply affected by these events and tragically died fighting for the Biafran cause during the war. The poem’s themes of emptiness, loss, and the search for meaning can be seen as reflecting the broader existential crises faced by individuals and societies during times of conflict and change. The allusion to ancient mythology and the use of rich, symbolic imagery also suggest a longing for connection with a more stable, rooted past in the face of contemporary turmoil.
Conclusion
Fragments Out Of The Deluge V: Upon An Empty Sarcophagus is a deeply symbolic and contemplative poem by Christopher Okigbo that explores themes of death, emptiness, and the tension between life and death. Through his use of vivid imagery, symbolism, and allusion, Okigbo creates a poem that is both haunting and reflective, inviting readers to ponder the mysteries of existence and the meaning of loss. The poem is a powerful reflection of the poet's inner struggles and the broader historical context in which he lived, making it a poignant and enduring work.
Leave a comment behind