Poetry is one of the most ambiguous style of writing because it is a genre of literature that allows the author to take on any form of writing he or she chooses all in the bid of encompassing emotions in words. The voices of words used in a good poetry is one that is used to allow reader find a personal connection and to connect with it. Poetry has been in existence for a long time right from the times of Shakespeare, who engaged in the sonnet of 14 lines, the use of various techniques are employed to heighten words and express feelings.
I have great respect for people who would sit and conjure up words that would have indepth meanings on the present and even in the future. The beauty of poetry is the fact that it cover various themes such as love, betrayal, sadness, war, civilization, nature, religion, country and so on. For instance, in the poetry that speak about love, we see how these poets use words that heightens emotions that has to do with love, they use words that captures the a person feelings, heart and so on. This is a very common thing for people that we get to see on Valentine's day, wedding anniversary, proposals and so on.
One poem that has captured my heart ever since I came across it is one titled "Africa my Africa"
Africa my Africa
Africa of proud warriors in ancestral Savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa
Is this your back that is bent
This back that breaks under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun?
But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew
springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty.
By David Diop
We can see the well structured poem covered in the literary techniques like imagery, metaphor, simile, oxymoron and so on. The poet did a great job in praising his country home by practically touching every aspect of what the Africans have face from their colonisers and how they have stood strong through the hard times to build a home for themselves. The poet describes the beauty of Africa with imagery that you fantasize it in your head and relate with the moment as an African. No doubt the poem was a means to praise Africans but at the same time, he goes on to show that trials and tribulations are not enough to bring down a black man but we strive to do better and stagger on to build a nation that we can call our own.
Poems generally have strong emotions attached to them and endears people to have deep thoughts on their actions or put them in their feelings.
This is a part of my entry for the #juneinleo prompt as organized by the @leogrowth team, has members of Hive you can participate in this prompt and tackle them as you deem fit.
Reference
Africa my Africa by David Diop
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