Analysis of When A Strainer Takes In Water: A Yoruba Poem

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The Poem 

When a strainer takes in water

All the water immediately goes out of it

When a wicker fish trap takes in water

All the water immediately goes out of it

The drake cannot, in a fit of anger, crow

Owawa cannot even in a fit of anger howl from dusk to dawn

The day the red monkey meets the alapini, it forgets it's anger

A blacksmith never knows what to forge with an iron dross

Oriji leaf commands you to forgive me

No matter what I may have done amiss

Let all those who are annoyed with me

Let all those who have risen against me

Let them have no power over me

Let their anger subside


General Introduction


This poem is a Yoruba incantation used by an individual seeking forgiveness and peace from those they have wronged. In Yoruba culture, incantations often carry profound meaning, invoking metaphors and nature symbols to convey messages of reconciliation, humility, and respect. This piece taps into the deep roots of Yoruba oral tradition, using vivid images from nature and everyday objects familiar to the culture.


Title


The poem is untitled, but the initial description sets a clear expectation: it is a plea for forgiveness. In the absence of a title, readers are drawn to interpret the opening lines as framing the poem’s purpose and tone. The images of strained water and other natural elements point to themes of release, letting go, and impermanence, setting a reflective and conciliatory tone.


Themes 

The poem reflects several interwoven themes that reveal the speaker's deep desire for reconciliation, the transient nature of anger, and the importance of forgiveness within the Yoruba cultural context. Here is an in-depth exploration of the primary themes:


1. The Impermanence of Anger and Wrongdoing


A central theme of this poem is the fleeting nature of anger and human wrongdoing. By invoking images like the strainer and the wicker fish trap, which cannot hold onto water, the poet illustrates the transient nature of emotions, particularly anger. Just as water flows through these objects without resistance, so too should anger and grudges slip away, leaving no lasting impact. This theme suggests that anger and resentment are temporary states that can, and should, be released rather than held onto. The use of these analogies implies that forgiveness is as natural and necessary as the movement of water.


2. The Power of Forgiveness


The poem is fundamentally a plea for forgiveness, recognizing its value in restoring harmony and balance in relationships. By asking those who are angry to let go of their grievances, the speaker emphasizes forgiveness as an essential act of mercy that brings peace. Forgiveness here is not merely a formality; it is a profound spiritual and cultural practice that maintains social cohesion. The poet’s repeated requests reveal an understanding of forgiveness as a process that brings release and renewal, both for the wrongdoer and the one who forgives. This theme aligns with Yoruba cultural values, where forgiveness is essential for maintaining unity and peace within the community.


3. Humility and Acknowledgment of Fault


Embedded in the poem is a theme of humility and self-awareness. The speaker openly admits wrongdoing and does not make excuses but instead humbly asks for pardon. This acknowledgment of fault reflects an understanding that seeking forgiveness requires one to recognize their mistakes and approach others with sincerity. The poem demonstrates that humility is key to reconciliation, as the speaker understands the necessity of approaching those they have wronged with a genuine request for peace. This theme underlines the cultural value of humility, suggesting that personal growth and self-awareness are achieved by owning one’s faults.


4. The Interconnectedness of Nature and Human Emotions


Throughout the poem, images from nature—such as the drake, the red monkey, and natural elements like the Oriji leaf—are used to parallel human emotions and actions. This illustrates the Yoruba belief in the interconnectedness of nature and humanity, where the natural world reflects human behavior and vice versa. Animals, plants, and other natural phenomena are not just symbols but participants in the spiritual and emotional life of the community. By linking forgiveness to elements of nature, the poem suggests that emotions and behaviors are part of a larger cycle and that letting go of anger is aligned with the rhythms of the natural world.


5. The Role of Tradition and Cultural Symbols in Reconciliation


The poem heavily relies on traditional symbols, such as the Oriji leaf, which carries significant cultural meaning in Yoruba spirituality as a symbol of peace and forgiveness. The speaker’s use of the Oriji leaf implies a connection to cultural rituals and practices that aid in conflict resolution. This theme underscores the importance of tradition in guiding individuals toward ethical and harmonious behavior. The leaf serves as a cultural and spiritual mediator, reflecting the belief that tradition and cultural practices play a critical role in fostering reconciliation. In Yoruba society, where rituals and symbolic objects have deep meaning, such symbols are a way of seeking blessings or invoking forgiveness, and the poem reflects the role of these elements in healing and unity.


6. Vulnerability and the Desire for Peace


The repeated pleas for forgiveness and the invocation of nature highlight a theme of vulnerability. The speaker presents themselves as someone who is exposed and dependent on the mercy of others, showing a willingness to let go of pride for the sake of reconciliation. This vulnerability reveals an underlying desire for peace, not only externally with those who have been wronged but also internally within the speaker's own heart and mind. By expressing the need to release anger and reconcile, the poem suggests that peace can only be achieved when both the offended and the offender come together with mutual understanding. This theme of vulnerability enhances the speaker’s appeal, making the plea more powerful by showcasing the openness and sincerity required for genuine forgiveness.

Together, these themes create a rich tapestry of cultural values, emotional wisdom, and moral teachings that reflect Yoruba beliefs about forgiveness, the transience of emotions, and the role of humility in reconciliation. The poem’s themes are timeless, as they explore universal human emotions and ethical concerns while grounding them in the specific cultural context of Yoruba society. By drawing from nature and traditional symbols, the poem elevates the plea for forgiveness to a deeply spiritual level, emphasizing that reconciliation is a divine and communal responsibility. This incantation thus serves not only as a personal appeal but also as a cultural lesson, reminding readers of the value of forgiveness in maintaining peace and harmony in society.



Literary Devices


1. Simile and Metaphor:


The poem employs a metaphor with "When a strainer takes in water, all the water immediately goes out of it." This suggests that the speaker's wrongdoing should be forgiven and forgotten just as easily as water slips through a strainer. This metaphor of impermanence symbolizes the hope for any anger to be as fleeting as water through a sieve.




2. Personification:


In "The drake cannot, in a fit of anger, crow," and "Owawa cannot even in a fit of anger howl from dusk to dawn," personification highlights that even creatures cannot maintain anger indefinitely. This emphasizes the natural, cyclical cooling of anger and reinforces the notion that forgiveness is a part of nature.

3. Symbolism:


The "Oriji leaf" is symbolic of peace, healing, and forgiveness in Yoruba culture. It carries spiritual weight, as it is traditionally used in rituals of reconciliation. The leaf symbolizes the speaker’s desire for peace and resolution.


4. Alliteration:


Alliteration is subtly woven into the lines, especially in “Let all those who are annoyed with me / Let all those who have risen against me,” creating a rhythmic resonance that makes the plea for forgiveness sound more harmonious and urgent.


5. Repetition:


Repetition of phrases like "Let all those who" and “Let them have no power” reinforces the sincerity of the plea. The recurring phrases also emphasize the speaker's intense wish to be absolved, as if chanting or invoking a mantra.


6. Imagery:


The poem’s vivid imagery (e.g., “strainer,” “wicker fish trap,” “red monkey,” “blacksmith”) paints a picture of everyday life in the Yoruba community. These elements connect the speaker’s plea to familiar, grounded images that hold meaning and wisdom within the culture.


Language and Diction


The diction is simple yet purposeful, using common objects and creatures from everyday Yoruba life to construct the plea. The language draws from both the spiritual and natural realms, implying a humble, earnest tone. The choice of informal, conversational language conveys the universality of the plea; forgiveness is a request as natural as the way water flows or animals live. There is no complex vocabulary, allowing the poem to be understood and internalized by all, regardless of social standing or education level.


Mood and Tone


The mood is one of humility and solemnity, as the speaker reflects on their wrongs and seeks peace. The tone is pleading yet respectful, acknowledging the wrongs done and requesting leniency. The speaker’s tone is grounded in acceptance of responsibility but also a deep hope for reconciliation. This tone complements the theme of universal forgiveness, as it speaks to a heartfelt, sincere appeal to human empathy.


Context


This poem belongs to the Yoruba tradition of incantations, or ewi, which are typically used for protection, blessings, or reconciliation. In Yoruba society, respect, forgiveness, and peaceful coexistence are highly valued, and incantations like these underscore the cultural emphasis on restoring harmony within the community. The poem reflects how Yoruba culture uses symbolism in nature and ordinary life to communicate complex emotions and spiritual desires. The invocation of objects and animals speaks to the interconnection between humans and the world, where everything has a role in maintaining cosmic balance.


Conclusion


This Yoruba incantation reflects a powerful and universal theme: the need for forgiveness and the desire to resolve conflicts. By connecting with the natural world and using familiar objects and animals as symbols, the poem reinforces the natural, cyclical nature of anger and forgiveness. Through simple yet profound imagery, the speaker’s plea becomes not only a personal appeal but also a universal message about letting go of grudges and embracing peace. This poem serves as a reminder that forgiveness is both a spiritual and cultural act, transcending personal differences for communal harmony.



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