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Homecoming by Joao Pedro
Camarada arrived at his village
(the war has ended),
Camarada returned to his village
tired
from war and territory defended.
There was a taste
of salt in his mouth
as herecollected the days of violence.
He wanted to speak
There was only silence.
This was not the village he saw
when during a lull in the war
resting on the grass
he used to dream of his village.
-It was just his village,nothing more.
Coming home in the maximbombo*
he looked in the eyes of the men
he looked at the faces of the women
he coughed from the exhaust
he paid for his ticket.
Camarada was just like everyone else.
No one noticed him
no one paid attention.
Camarada arrived at his house.
He knocked on the door,
and waited …
("Please wait a minute Camarada").
He saw his family
and he cried …
-There was a taste
in his mouth
He was home from the war,
he had not died.
*I have come home*
was all that he said.
Camarada was tired
and lay down on his bed
The war was not Over
General Introduction
João Pedro, the poet of HomeComing, examines the aftermath of war, exploring themes of disillusionment, loss, and the quest for normalcy. Little is known about Pedro, but his poetry appears to stem from experiences shaped by conflict, possibly linked to colonial wars or civil unrest. Home-Coming reflects the experiences of a returning soldier—Camarada—who grapples with the jarring disparity between his memories and the post-war reality. Written in a modern free-verse style, the poem speaks to the emotional toll of warfare and the alienation of returning home after prolonged conflict.
The period in which this poem was written could reflect a post-colonial or post-civil war atmosphere, where soldiers return to communities that have changed irrevocably. Pedro's style is stark and unsentimental, using plain language to capture the raw emotion of a man dealing with internal and external conflict.
Title
The title Home Coming evokes immediate expectations of relief, joy, and reunion, as "homecoming" typically suggests a return to safety, peace, and comfort after a period of absence. However, as the poem unfolds, it becomes clear that this return is not as celebratory or comforting as the title may suggest. The homecoming here is fraught with disillusionment and an underlying sense of defeat. The title sets up the expectation of reunion but hints at the deep emotional and psychological struggles that accompany the protagonist’s return from war.
Stanza by Stanza Analysis
Stanza 1
In the opening stanza, the poem immediately introduces us to the protagonist, Camarada, a soldier returning home after the war. The repetition of "Camarada arrived at his village" and "Camarada returned to his village" emphasizes the significance of his return and suggests a sense of routine, as if this scene has played out before with other soldiers. The statement "the war has ended" provides a sharp contrast to Camarada’s emotional state—although the war is over externally, it is far from over for him. His exhaustion is highlighted by the single word "tired," standing alone to emphasize the overwhelming fatigue caused by both physical battles and the psychological toll of defending his territory.
The reference to "territory defended" speaks to the sense of duty and accomplishment, but there’s an undercurrent of irony. Despite defending his home and people, he returns to a village that seems indifferent to his sacrifice. This first stanza sets up the main theme of the poem: the disillusionment and exhaustion of a soldier coming back from war.
Stanza 2
In this stanza, the poem moves inward, offering a glimpse into Camarada’s internal struggle. The "taste of salt" in his mouth could symbolize several things. On one level, it evokes the bitter memories of war, possibly representing the tears he has swallowed or the bloodshed he has witnessed. On another level, the taste of salt may reflect the lingering bitterness and trauma that war has left behind. As Camarada "recollected the days of violence," the emotional weight of his memories becomes almost palpable.
The lines "He wanted to speak / There was only silence" suggest that despite his desire to express what he has been through, he is either unable to find the words or his surroundings do not invite such conversation. The silence could represent the emotional suppression soldiers often feel upon returning home, as well as the lack of understanding or support from those around them. This stanza emphasizes his emotional isolation.
Stanza 3
Here, Camarada experiences the stark contrast between his memories and the reality of his village. During moments of respite in the war, he would dream of home, imagining it as a place of peace and refuge. However, the actual experience of returning to the village does not match those dreams. The line "It was just his village, nothing more" is particularly poignant, highlighting his disillusionment. While fighting, he idealized the village as a place of comfort, but now it feels like an ordinary place, devoid of the emotional resonance it once held for him.
This stanza touches on the theme of disillusionment and the false idealism that soldiers often hold onto while at war. The village, once a symbol of hope and normalcy, has lost its significance for Camarada, indicating that both the village and he have changed irreversibly.
Stanza 4
In this stanza, the mundane reality of Camarada’s homecoming is made clear. The "maximbombo" (likely a bus or local transport) symbolizes the ordinary, everyday life that continues despite his return from war. The act of "looking in the eyes of the men" and "at the faces of the women" indicates his attempt to reconnect with the people around him, yet there is no sense of recognition or acknowledgment from them.
The detail of him coughing from the exhaust further emphasizes the harshness of his experience. It contrasts the idealized vision of home he once had with the gritty, unwelcoming reality of his return. Paying for his ticket symbolizes his sense of alienation; although he has returned home, he is treated as just another passenger, as if his service in the war means nothing in the grand scheme of things.
Stanza 5
This stanza deepens the theme of anonymity and alienation. Despite his sacrifices, Camarada is "just like everyone else." The indifference of his fellow villagers reflects the emotional distance that has grown between him and his community. The repetition of "no one noticed him / no one paid attention" underscores the isolation he feels, as if his return from war is inconsequential to those around him.
Arriving at his house and having to knock symbolizes his estrangement, even from his own family. The instruction to "please wait a minute" shows how even in his own home, he is treated with a lack of urgency, suggesting a deeper emotional disconnect. His homecoming is not met with joy or relief, but with a kind of apathy.
Stanza 6
In this stanza, Camarada’s emotional release finally occurs when he sees his family. His tears reflect the deep-seated grief, exhaustion, and perhaps relief of having survived the war. However, the "taste in his mouth" returns, suggesting that the bitterness of war still lingers even in this moment of reunion. The taste may symbolize the realization that, although he has physically survived the war, emotionally, he remains scarred.
The statement "he had not died" seems simple, but carries profound meaning. While he has survived, the relief of not dying is overshadowed by the internal death that war has caused. This stanza conveys the complex emotions tied to survival—Camarada is alive, but his experiences have left an indelible mark on his soul.
Stanza 7
Camarada’s words are few but weighted with meaning. "I have come home" is a statement of fact, but it is also a deeply emotional declaration. It is as if that is all he can manage to say, because there is nothing else that could encapsulate the full range of his feelings. The simplicity of this statement reflects his exhaustion and the emotional numbness that has taken hold of him. His return home is not a joyous or celebratory occasion; it is simply the end of one journey, though the emotional and psychological battles continue.
Stanza 8
The poem ends on a somber note, reiterating Camarada’s deep exhaustion. The war may be over in a literal sense, but the final line, "The war was not Over," makes it clear that for Camarada, the internal war rages on. This closing emphasizes the theme of psychological trauma and the lingering effects of war. The physical act of lying down symbolizes his desire to rest and escape from the turmoil, but it also suggests a resignation—he knows that the war within him is far from over.
Themes of the Poem
The poem Home Coming by João Pedro explores several deep and interconnected themes, primarily revolving around war, alienation, disillusionment, and the search for identity. Pedro delves into the emotional and psychological turmoil that follows a soldier’s return from the battlefield, reflecting on the complex effects of war on both the individual and the broader society. Here is a detailed exploration of the themes in the poem:
1. The Aftermath of War and Psychological Trauma
One of the most prominent themes in Home Coming is the lasting psychological impact of war. Camarada, the returning soldier, is not merely exhausted by the physical toll of combat but also by the emotional and mental burden he carries. The war may be over in the literal sense, as suggested by the lines "the war has ended," but for Camarada, "the war was not over." This suggests that the trauma of his experiences has embedded itself deeply into his psyche, and the peace he returns to is marred by unresolved pain and disillusionment.
The taste of salt in his mouth symbolizes the bitterness of his memories and experiences during the war. The use of phrases like “he wanted to speak / there was only silence” underscores his inability to articulate the trauma he has endured. His attempt to express himself is thwarted by the overwhelming emotional void left by war, which is not just a physical event but one that lingers in the minds and hearts of those who experience it.
2. Disillusionment and Loss of Idealism
The theme of disillusionment is central to Camarada’s journey home. Before returning, he held onto idealized visions of his village, particularly during the lulls in battle, when he would dream of a peaceful homecoming. The line “it was just his village, nothing more” encapsulates his realization that the village he envisioned during war—perhaps a symbol of hope, refuge, and stability—no longer exists as he imagined it.
Camarada’s disillusionment is further emphasized by the indifferent response of his fellow villagers. He expects a homecoming marked by recognition or, at the very least, acknowledgment of his sacrifice, but instead, "No one noticed him / no one paid attention." This sense of alienation is a stark reminder that the idealism soldiers cling to during war often crumbles upon their return, leaving them feeling isolated and forgotten by the very people they fought to protect.
3. Alienation and Isolation
Alienation is another crucial theme in Home Coming. Despite his physical return, Camarada feels emotionally disconnected from the world around him. His village no longer represents a place of belonging, but instead, it has become a foreign landscape. He is just “like everyone else” and finds himself unnoticed, blending into the faceless crowd, even though his internal struggles make him feel anything but ordinary.
The image of Camarada knocking on the door and having to wait for his family to acknowledge him (“Please wait a minute Camarada”) reinforces the sense of isolation. This small act of waiting symbolizes how his homecoming, which should have been immediate and full of warmth, is instead delayed and emotionally distant. Camarada’s sense of alienation is palpable in these moments, as he feels that even his family, the people he most hoped to reconnect with, cannot fully grasp the weight of his experiences.
4. The Struggle for Identity
The poem explores the theme of identity, particularly how war can strip away individuality and leave soldiers feeling like mere instruments of conflict. Throughout the poem, Camarada is referred to not by a personal name but by his wartime identity. The use of "Camarada" (meaning comrade) highlights his loss of self-identity, as he is reduced to a collective term associated with the war rather than seen as a unique individual.
Even in his return, Camarada struggles to reclaim a sense of self, as the village and his family treat him no differently than before the war. The war has fundamentally changed him, but those around him cannot understand or acknowledge the profound impact it has had on his identity. This struggle is encapsulated in his simple statement, "I have come home," which seems to carry layers of unspoken emotion and yearning for recognition.
5. The Futility of War
Home Coming also conveys a powerful anti-war message by highlighting the futility of conflict. Camarada’s return is not marked by triumph or celebration, but by exhaustion and bitterness. The repeated statement “the war was not over” suggests that the battles fought on the front lines have merely been replaced by internal battles—trauma, disillusionment, and alienation. The notion that he “had not died” may initially seem like a relief, but it quickly becomes clear that survival itself does not mean an end to suffering.
By portraying Camarada’s homecoming as an emotionally barren experience, Pedro suggests that war ultimately destroys more than it can ever protect or restore. The exhaustion and numbness that Camarada feels are representative of the broader disillusionment that soldiers face after returning from war. The poem subtly questions the purpose of war, implying that its costs—both physical and psychological—are far too great.
6. Home as a Metaphor for Lost Stability
The concept of "home" in the poem is laden with symbolic meaning. For soldiers like Camarada, home represents stability, peace, and a place to retreat to after the chaos of war. However, upon his return, he realizes that the home he envisioned no longer exists. His village is not the idealized refuge he dreamed of during battle; it is now a place of silence, indifference, and alienation.
This theme is closely tied to the idea of disillusionment. The village has changed, but so has Camarada. His experience of war has made it impossible for him to reconnect with the simplicity and peace that "home" once represented. The homecoming, which is supposed to symbolize relief and reconnection, becomes a metaphor for lost stability. Camarada’s journey back to his village reveals that the security and comfort of "home" are illusions shattered by the realities of war.
7. Survival vs. Existence
Another key theme in Home Coming is the distinction between surviving and truly living. Camarada has survived the war physically, as he states, "he had not died." However, the poem makes it clear that survival alone does not equate to a fulfilling existence. He has returned, but he is emotionally and psychologically exhausted, unable to fully engage with life or with the people around him.
The phrase “he lay down on his bed” indicates his overwhelming weariness, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally. While he has returned from the battlefield, he still carries the war within him. His survival is marked not by celebration or renewal, but by a sense of deep fatigue and disconnection. This theme explores the complex nature of post-war existence, where simply staying alive is not enough to bring true peace or happiness.
In Home Coming, João Pedro explores the harrowing emotional and psychological toll that war takes on those who fight in it. Through the themes of trauma, disillusionment, alienation, and the loss of identity, Pedro paints a portrait of a soldier’s return to a home that has changed beyond recognition. The poem captures the essence of the post-war experience, where physical survival does not guarantee emotional or psychological peace. Instead, Camarada’s journey back to his village reveals that the war has fundamentally altered both him and the world around him, leaving him to grapple with the realization that coming home does not mean the war is truly over.
Literary Devices
1. Imagery: Pedro uses vivid imagery to paint the physical and emotional landscape of Camarada’s return. Phrases like "a taste of salt in his mouth" and "he coughed from the exhaust" evoke sensory experiences that highlight both physical and emotional discomfort. The salt in his mouth could symbolize the bitterness of his memories and experiences during the war.
2. Symbolism: The phrase "the war was not over" is deeply symbolic, suggesting that although the physical conflict has ceased, the psychological battle continues. The war becomes a symbol of the internal struggles that persist within the protagonist, signifying that peace in the external world does not translate to peace within.
3. Irony: The title and the expectations it sets are starkly contrasted by the reality Camarada faces. His return home is supposed to be a triumphant or comforting moment, yet he is met with indifference and silence. The irony here lies in the fact that while he has survived the war, the return home offers no sense of closure or joy.
4. Repetition: The repetition of "Camarada" emphasizes the protagonist's isolation and anonymity. He is referred to by his wartime identity rather than his personal name, reinforcing the idea that the war has stripped him of individuality, and he is now just another soldier among many.
5. Alliteration: The use of alliteration is subtle but present in lines like "Camarada coughed from the exhaust" where the repetition of the ‘c’ sound adds to the harshness and discomfort of the moment, mimicking the choking sensation of breathing in exhaust fumes.
6. Enjambment: Pedro’s use of enjambment, where sentences carry over from one line to the next without pause, mirrors the ongoing, unresolved nature of Camarada’s internal conflict. The lines flow without neat, tidy endings, reflecting the character's emotional and psychological disarray.
Language and Diction
Pedro employs simple, direct language to communicate Camarada’s exhaustion and emotional numbness. The lack of ornate or complex diction reflects the character's mental state: he is too tired, too broken by the war to articulate complex emotions. The repetition of phrases like "he wanted to speak / there was only silence" and "there was a taste in his mouth" reinforces the idea of numbness and emotional suppression. The use of "maximbombo" (likely a local dialect word for a bus or communal vehicle) adds a cultural layer to the poem, situating it within a specific socio-geographical context without delving into ornate descriptions.
Mood and Tone
The mood of the poem is somber and reflective. There is a sense of quiet despair and weariness as Camarada returns to a place that should feel familiar but instead feels alien. The emotional atmosphere is one of alienation, where the protagonist is disconnected from the world around him. The tone is subdued, with Pedro presenting Camarada's story in an understated, almost detached manner, which deepens the sense of futility. The war may be over, but for Camarada, the personal battle rages on. The poem’s ending carries a quiet tragedy—Camarada has physically survived, but emotionally and psychologically, he is still entrenched in the war.
Conclusion
Pedro’s Home Coming captures the profound disillusionment of a soldier returning from war to find that the home he dreamed of has changed beyond recognition. Through its spare language, subtle imagery, and symbolic undertones, the poem presents a poignant reflection on the lasting psychological effects of conflict. Camarada's journey is not one of triumphant return but of quiet despair, revealing the deep emotional cost of war. The poem offers a stark commentary on how conflict reshapes both the individual and the collective, leaving no one untouched.
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