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Once Upon a Time by Gabriel Okara
Once upon a time, son,
they used to laugh with their hearts
and laugh with their eyes:
but now they only laugh with their teeth,
while their ice-block-cold eyes
search behind my shadow.
There was a time indeed
they used to shake hands with their hearts:
but that’s gone, son.
Now they shake hands without hearts
while their left hands search
my empty pockets.
‘Feel at home!’ ‘Come again’:
they say, and when I come
again and feel
at home, once, twice,
there will be no thrice-
for then I find doors shut on me.
So I have learned many things, son.
I have learned to wear many faces
like dresses – homeface,
officeface, streetface, hostface,
cocktailface, with all their conforming smiles
like a fixed portrait smile.
And I have learned too
to laugh with only my teeth
and shake hands without my heart.
I have also learned to say,’Goodbye’,
when I mean ‘Good-riddance’:
to say ‘Glad to meet you’,
without being glad; and to say ‘It’s been
nice talking to you’, after being bored.
But believe me, son.
I want to be what I used to be
when I was like you. I want
to unlearn all these muting things.
Most of all, I want to relearn
how to laugh, for my laugh in the mirror
shows only my teeth like a snake’s bare fangs!
So show me, son,
how to laugh; show me how
I used to laugh and smile
once upon a time when I was like you.
General Introduction
"Once Upon a Time" is a poignant poem written by Gabriel Okara, one of Africa's most distinguished poets. Born in 1921 in Nigeria, Okara's work often reflects the complexities of African identity, the clash between traditional values and modernity, and the effects of colonialism. Okara's poetic style is deeply rooted in African oral traditions while also being influenced by modernist poetry, creating a unique blend that captures the African experience in a rapidly changing world.
"Once Upon a Time" was written during a period of post-colonial reflection in Africa, where many African nations, including Nigeria, were grappling with the cultural and societal changes brought about by colonialism and the adoption of Western values. The poem addresses the theme of lost innocence and the transformation of genuine human interactions into mechanical, insincere gestures, as the speaker laments the loss of authenticity in social relationships.
Title
The title "Once Upon a Time" immediately evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past. It is a phrase commonly associated with fairy tales, signaling the beginning of a story that takes place in a distant, idealized past. This title hints at the poem's themes of reminiscence and the contrast between the past and present. The use of this phrase sets a tone of storytelling, as the speaker recounts a time when people were more genuine, contrasting it with the superficiality of the present.
Themes of Once Upon a Time
"Once Upon a Time" by Gabriel Okara is a rich and evocative poem that explores several interrelated themes, reflecting on the complexities of human relationships, the loss of innocence, cultural change, and the impact of modernity on traditional values. Below is an elaborate discussion on the key themes of the poem:
1. Loss of Innocence and Authenticity
One of the central themes in "Once Upon a Time" is the loss of innocence and authenticity in human relationships. The poem begins with the speaker reminiscing about a time when people were genuine in their interactions—when they "used to laugh with their hearts" and "shake hands with their hearts." This contrasts sharply with the present, where these actions have become mere formalities, devoid of genuine emotion. The shift from sincere laughter and heartfelt handshakes to "laugh[ing] with their teeth" and shaking hands "without hearts" symbolizes a broader loss of innocence. The speaker reflects on how this loss has affected him personally, as he has learned to adopt these insincere behaviors himself. The longing to "relearn how to laugh" suggests a deep yearning to recover the authenticity that has been lost with time and experience.
2. Cultural Change and the Impact of Modernity
Another significant theme in the poem is cultural change, particularly the impact of modernity and Westernization on traditional African values. The poem was written during a time of significant social and cultural upheaval in Nigeria, as the country transitioned from colonial rule to independence. This period brought about a clash between traditional African customs and the newly introduced Western ways of life. The poem reflects this cultural tension, as the speaker laments the loss of the warmth and sincerity that characterized earlier times. The coldness and superficiality of modern social interactions can be seen as a metaphor for the broader cultural shift from communal and heartfelt African traditions to a more individualistic and insincere modern society. This theme underscores the speaker's sense of alienation in a world that has changed drastically, with the adoption of Western customs leading to a loss of traditional values.
3. The Masks We Wear
The theme of identity and the masks people wear in society is a recurring motif in the poem. The speaker admits to having "learned to wear many faces like dresses" to fit into different social contexts, whether at home, in the office, or at social events. These "faces" are symbolic of the personas that people adopt to conform to societal expectations, even if it means sacrificing their true selves. The poem highlights the pressure to conform to social norms, leading to a disconnection from one's authentic self. This theme resonates with the idea that in modern society, people often feel compelled to present a façade to the world, hiding their true emotions and intentions behind a mask of politeness and social niceties. The speaker's desire to "unlearn all these muting things" and return to a state of authenticity reflects a deep dissatisfaction with this way of life.
4. The Hollowing of Human Interactions
"Once Upon a Time" also explores the theme of the hollowing of human interactions. The poem vividly describes how social interactions have become mechanical and devoid of genuine emotion. Phrases like "ice-block-cold eyes" and "fixed portrait smile" convey the sense that people have become emotionally distant, engaging in social rituals out of obligation rather than sincere interest or affection. The speaker's experiences of being welcomed with empty words like "Feel at home!" and "Come again" only to find "doors shut" on his return further illustrate the superficiality of modern social relationships. This theme reflects a broader critique of contemporary society, where appearances and social conventions often take precedence over meaningful connections.
5. Nostalgia and Longing for the Past
Nostalgia is a powerful theme in "Once Upon a Time," as the speaker looks back wistfully on a time when life was simpler, and human interactions were more genuine. The title itself, "Once Upon a Time," evokes a fairy-tale-like past, idealized and distant, suggesting that the speaker views this period as a lost paradise. The repetition of phrases like "I want to be what I used to be" and "show me how I used to laugh and smile" highlights the speaker's deep longing to return to this earlier time. This theme of nostalgia is closely linked to the broader theme of lost innocence, as the speaker associates the past with a time of greater sincerity and emotional warmth. The poem captures the universal human experience of looking back on one's past with a sense of longing, wishing to reclaim the simplicity and authenticity that have been eroded by the passage of time.
6. The Irony of Social Etiquette
Irony is another theme that runs throughout the poem, particularly in the way social etiquette is depicted. The speaker describes how he has learned to say things like "Goodbye" when he really means "Good-riddance" and "Glad to meet you" without actually feeling glad. These ironic statements highlight the disconnect between what is said and what is truly felt, underscoring the insincerity that has become embedded in social interactions. This theme of irony reflects a broader critique of the social conventions that dictate behavior, often at the expense of genuine emotion. The poem suggests that social etiquette, while necessary for smooth interactions, can also lead to a hollowing out of real human connection, as people become more focused on adhering to social norms than on expressing their true feelings.
Gabriel Okara's "Once Upon a Time" is a deeply reflective poem that addresses multiple interwoven themes, including the loss of innocence and authenticity, cultural change, the masks people wear in society, the hollowing of human interactions, nostalgia for the past, and the irony of social etiquette. Through these themes, Okara critiques the impact of modernity and Westernization on traditional values and human relationships, while also exploring the universal human experience of longing for a return to a more authentic way of living. The poem's exploration of these themes offers a poignant commentary on the complexities of identity, culture, and human connection in a rapidly changing world.
Literary Devices
1. Repetition: Okara uses repetition to emphasize the contrast between past and present. For instance, "they used to laugh with their hearts / and laugh with their eyes," is contrasted with "now they only laugh with their teeth." The repetition of "laugh" underscores the shift from genuine emotion to forced, insincere behavior.
2. Imagery: Vivid imagery is employed to create a stark contrast between the warmth of the past and the coldness of the present. The phrase "ice-block-cold eyes" paints a picture of people whose expressions are void of warmth, highlighting the speaker's perception of a world that has grown emotionally cold and distant.
3. Simile: Similes are used to draw comparisons that enhance the poem's themes. For example, the line "like a fixed portrait smile" compares the speaker's learned smiles to a static, lifeless portrait, emphasizing the lack of authenticity in social interactions.
4. Metaphor: The poem is rich with metaphors that convey the loss of sincerity. The phrase "I have learned to wear many faces / like dresses" uses a metaphor to suggest that the speaker has adopted various superficial identities, changing them like clothing to fit different social situations.
5. Irony: There is a strong sense of irony in the poem, particularly in the phrases "I have learned to say ‘Goodbye’ when I mean ‘Good-riddance’" and "to say ‘Glad to meet you’ without being glad." These ironic statements underscore the dissonance between what is said and what is truly meant, reflecting the insincerity that the speaker has learned to adopt.
6. Alliteration: The use of alliteration in phrases like "many faces" and "fixed portrait smile" adds a musical quality to the poem, while also drawing attention to the key concepts of multiplicity and artificiality in the speaker's behavior.
Language and Diction
Gabriel Okara's choice of language in "Once Upon a Time" is deliberate and evocative. The diction is simple yet powerful, reflecting the poem's accessible but profound message. The use of everyday language like "laugh," "shake hands," and "smile" makes the poem relatable, as these are common human interactions. However, the addition of descriptive adjectives such as "ice-block-cold" and "fixed portrait smile" transforms these ordinary actions into symbols of emotional detachment and superficiality.
The language shifts between the warmth of the past and the coldness of the present, mirroring the poem's thematic contrast. There is also a noticeable use of formal language, particularly in the phrases that represent social niceties, such as "Glad to meet you" and "It’s been nice talking to you." These phrases, often spoken out of obligation rather than genuine feeling, further emphasize the theme of insincerity.
Mood and Tone
The mood of the poem is one of nostalgia and regret, as the speaker reflects on a time when social interactions were more heartfelt and genuine. This mood is established from the very beginning with the wistful phrase "Once upon a time," which suggests a longing for the past.
The tone of the poem is introspective and critical. The speaker is not only lamenting the loss of sincerity in others but also acknowledging his own complicity in adopting these insincere behaviors. The critical tone is evident in lines like "I have learned to wear many faces" and "I have learned to say ‘Goodbye’ when I mean ‘Good-riddance’," where the speaker admits to having mastered the art of deception in social interactions.
Context
"Once Upon a Time" was written during a time of significant social and cultural change in Nigeria and much of Africa. The poem reflects the impact of colonialism and the adoption of Western values, which often led to a loss of traditional African customs and a sense of alienation among individuals. The speaker's lament about the loss of genuine human connections can be seen as a commentary on the effects of these changes, where the adoption of Western customs and behaviors resulted in the erosion of sincerity and authenticity.
The poem also speaks to the broader human experience of growing up and losing innocence. As people age, they often become more guarded and less open, adopting masks to navigate the complexities of social interactions. This universal theme of lost innocence and the yearning to return to a simpler, more authentic time resonates beyond the specific cultural context of the poem.
Conclusion
Gabriel Okara's "Once Upon a Time" is a powerful reflection on the loss of authenticity in human relationships, set against the backdrop of post-colonial Africa. Through the use of various literary devices, Okara contrasts the warmth and sincerity of the past with the coldness and superficiality of the present. The poem's simple yet evocative language, combined with its introspective tone, creates a mood of nostalgia and regret. Ultimately, the poem serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of maintaining genuine human connections in a world that increasingly values appearances over substance.
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