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Today in prison by Dennis Brutus
Today in prison
by tacit agreement
they will sing just one
song:
Nkosi Sikekela;
slowly and solemnly
with suppressed
passion and pent up
feelings:
the voices strong and steady
but with tears close
and sharp
behind the eyes
and the mind ringing
wildly as a strayed
bird seeking some
names to settle on
and deeds being done
and those who will
do the much
that still needs to be
done.
General Introduction
The poem Today in Prison is written by South African poet and anti-apartheid activist, Dennis Brutus. Brutus was a prominent figure in the struggle against racial oppression in South Africa, and his poetry often reflects the harsh realities of apartheid and imprisonment. Born in 1924, Brutus's life was shaped by political activism, and he was imprisoned for his efforts in challenging the apartheid system. Much of his poetry was written while he was either incarcerated or in exile, and it reflects themes of suffering, hope, and resistance. This poem is likely inspired by his experiences in prison, possibly during his time on Robben Island where many anti-apartheid activists were held. Written during a period of intense political struggle, the poem captures the somber and resilient spirit of those imprisoned for their resistance.
Title
The title Today in Prison immediately establishes a setting of incarceration, suggesting that the poem will explore a particular experience or event that occurs in the confined space of a prison. It sets the stage for a reflection on the emotional and mental state of prisoners, hinting at themes of solidarity, suffering, and possibly hope amidst oppression. The use of the word "today" implies a specific moment, emphasizing the immediacy of the experience.
Themes of the Poem
In Today in Prison, Dennis Brutus explores several profound themes that reflect both the specific experiences of prisoners during apartheid and broader human struggles. These themes include oppression and resistance, emotional restraint and suppressed anguish, solidarity and collective spirit, hope and perseverance, and unfinished struggles for justice. Brutus weaves these themes into a poignant reflection on the harsh realities faced by political prisoners, yet he also infuses the poem with an underlying sense of hope and defiance.
1. Oppression and Resistance:
A central theme of Today in Prison is the oppression of political prisoners under the apartheid regime. The setting of the poem—prison—symbolizes the physical manifestation of state control and the brutal consequences faced by those who resisted apartheid. Brutus, himself a victim of political imprisonment, reflects the deep emotional and psychological toll of confinement on the prisoners, illustrating their ongoing suppression. However, juxtaposed against this oppression is the theme of resistance. The prisoners’ choice to sing Nkosi Sikekela, a hymn associated with resistance and hope, becomes an act of defiance. Through this song, the prisoners resist not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally, maintaining their sense of dignity and unity despite their dire circumstances. This act reflects the larger anti-apartheid movement, in which resistance took many forms, from physical protests to cultural expressions like music and poetry. The poem captures how even in the most repressive environments, the human spirit can resist subjugation through small but powerful acts.
2. Emotional Restraint and Suppressed Anguish:
Another prominent theme in the poem is emotional restraint and suppressed anguish. Brutus vividly describes how the prisoners' passion and sorrow are kept under control, using phrases such as "suppressed passion" and "pent-up feelings." The prisoners sing "slowly and solemnly," and though their voices are "strong and steady," there are "tears close and sharp behind the eyes." This emotional restraint highlights the strength and resilience of the prisoners, who maintain their composure in the face of overwhelming suffering. At the same time, the theme of suppressed anguish speaks to the emotional toll of their imprisonment. Brutus captures the pain and trauma that remains unspoken, lurking just beneath the surface of their controlled exterior. The image of the mind “ringing wildly as a strayed bird” further emphasizes the inner chaos and longing that the prisoners experience but do not outwardly express. This tension between outward calm and inner turmoil reflects the psychological impact of their imprisonment, as well as the broader experience of those living under oppressive regimes, where emotional expression can be seen as dangerous or rebellious.
3. Solidarity and Collective Spirit:
Brutus emphasizes the theme of solidarity and collective spirit among the prisoners through their act of singing together. The prisoners come to a "tacit agreement" to sing just one song, Nkosi Sikekela, a choice that reflects their unity and shared experience. The collective act of singing becomes a symbol of their togetherness and mutual support. In the face of isolation and oppression, the prisoners find strength in their solidarity, maintaining a sense of community even within the confines of prison. This collective spirit is essential to their survival, both physically and emotionally, as it provides them with a sense of purpose and connection. The song itself, historically a symbol of resistance, further reinforces the idea that their unity is tied to a larger cause—the fight for freedom and justice. Brutus’s focus on this shared experience reflects the broader theme of unity within the anti-apartheid movement, where individuals came together across racial, political, and social lines to resist the oppressive system.
4. Hope and Perseverance:
Despite the somber tone of the poem, the theme of hope and perseverance is also present. The song Nkosi Sikekela, which means "God Bless Africa," is not just a song of resistance but also a prayer for a better future. The act of singing this song in prison becomes a symbol of the prisoners' hope and faith that justice will eventually prevail. This hope is not naive but is tempered by the harsh reality of their current circumstances. The phrase “those who will do the much that still needs to be done” suggests that the prisoners remain committed to the cause, believing that their efforts will contribute to the larger struggle for freedom. Even though they are physically confined, their minds and spirits continue to strive for a better future. This theme of perseverance is central to Brutus’s portrayal of the prisoners, who endure suffering while holding onto the belief that their struggle is not in vain. Brutus himself, as a poet and activist, embodies this theme, as he continued to fight against apartheid even after his imprisonment, reflecting the broader perseverance of the anti-apartheid movement.
5. Unfinished Struggles for Justice:
The poem’s concluding lines, "those who will do the much that still needs to be done," introduce the theme of unfinished struggles for justice. Brutus acknowledges that while much has been accomplished in the fight against apartheid, there is still much work to be done. The prisoners’ reflection on this unfinished work suggests that their imprisonment is part of a larger, ongoing struggle for freedom and equality. This theme speaks not only to the specific context of apartheid but also to the universal struggle for justice in the face of oppression. Brutus’s reference to this unfinished work reminds the reader that the fight for justice is long and arduous, requiring persistence and sacrifice. The prisoners, though confined, remain aware of the broader movement outside the prison walls and the future that lies ahead. This theme resonates beyond the immediate context of the poem, as it applies to all movements for social change, where victories are often partial and the work of justice is ongoing.
Dennis Brutus’s Today in Prison masterfully explores the complex emotional and psychological realities of political prisoners during apartheid, weaving together themes of oppression, resistance, emotional restraint, solidarity, hope, and the unfinished struggle for justice. Through his portrayal of the prisoners singing Nkosi Sikekela, Brutus captures both the pain and resilience of those who have been silenced by the apartheid regime. The poem is a testament to the human capacity for endurance and hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable oppression. Brutus’s themes are not confined to the context of apartheid but speak to universal human experiences of suffering, resistance, and the fight for a just and equitable future.
Literary Devices
1. Alliteration: Brutus uses alliteration to enhance the musicality of the poem, especially in lines such as "suppressed passion and pent-up feelings," where the repetition of the 'p' sound underscores the intensity of the emotions being held back. The alliteration creates a rhythmic flow that mirrors the suppressed energy of the prisoners.
2. Imagery: Vivid imagery is employed throughout the poem, particularly in the description of the prisoners' emotional state. The phrase “tears close and sharp / behind the eyes” evokes a powerful image of restrained sorrow, while "the mind ringing wildly" suggests a tumultuous inner turmoil. The bird metaphor further enhances this imagery, depicting a mind desperately seeking "names to settle on" and symbolizing the prisoners' longing for freedom and identity.
3. Metaphor: The metaphor of the "mind ringing wildly as a strayed bird" is central to the poem, symbolizing the chaotic and restless thoughts of the prisoners. The bird represents a sense of dislocation and yearning, as it seeks a place to "settle." This metaphor captures the mental struggle of the prisoners as they grapple with their confinement and their desire for justice.
4. Repetition: The phrase “being done” and “do the much that still needs to be done” is repeated in the final lines, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the struggle for freedom and justice. The repetition reinforces the idea that despite the oppression, there is still much work to be accomplished, highlighting the prisoners' unwavering commitment to their cause.
5. Symbolism: The song Nkosi Sikekela is symbolic of resistance and unity among the prisoners. This song, which was later adopted as part of the South African national anthem, represents the shared hope and collective spirit of the anti-apartheid movement. Singing this song in prison becomes an act of defiance and a way of maintaining a sense of solidarity and purpose.
6. Juxtaposition: Brutus juxtaposes the external calm of the prisoners with their internal turmoil. The voices are described as "strong and steady," yet there is "suppressed passion" and "pent-up feelings" beneath the surface. This contrast between outward control and inward chaos underscores the tension between their resilience and the emotional strain of imprisonment.
Language and Diction
Brutus employs a straightforward and solemn diction to reflect the serious tone of the poem. The use of formal language, such as “tacit agreement” and “suppressed passion,” creates a sense of restraint and order, mirroring the prisoners’ controlled emotions. However, phrases like "strayed bird" and "pent-up feelings" introduce a more vivid and emotive language, revealing the depth of the prisoners' inner turmoil. The diction is precise and unadorned, contributing to the somber atmosphere of the poem.
Mood and Tone
The mood of the poem is one of solemnity, mixed with an undercurrent of suppressed emotion. There is a feeling of heavy restraint, as the prisoners sing with "suppressed passion" and “tears close and sharp behind the eyes.” The tone of the poem is reflective and mournful, but it is also tinged with hope and defiance, as seen in the reference to the work that still needs to be done. Brutus's attitude toward the subject is empathetic, as he captures the prisoners' quiet resilience and their emotional struggle.
Context
Today in Prison was written during the height of apartheid in South Africa, a time of severe racial segregation and oppression. Many anti-apartheid activists, including Dennis Brutus, were imprisoned for their resistance to the government’s policies. The poem reflects the conditions and emotional states of political prisoners who were fighting for racial equality. The song Nkosi Sikekela, which the prisoners sing in the poem, was a hymn that became a symbol of resistance against apartheid, further connecting the poem to its historical and political context. The cultural and social backdrop of apartheid, with its systemic violence and repression, is critical to understanding the themes of unity, resistance, and hope that pervade the poem.
Conclusion
In Today in Prison, Dennis Brutus masterfully captures the emotional and psychological landscape of political prisoners under apartheid. Through vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and carefully chosen diction, he conveys the tension between outward calm and inward turmoil. The poem’s somber tone is balanced by a sense of hope and defiance, as the prisoners, despite their suffering, continue to believe in the justice of their cause. The historical context of apartheid provides a powerful backdrop for understanding the depth of the prisoners' struggle, making this poem not only a reflection on individual suffering but also a testament to collective resilience.
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