Blood - Oyelabi Peter Olawale
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Softly and gently,
Breaking the cage to see my reality,
Wrapped in foreign and modern sterility.
I was fooled.
Twisted my tongue to fit the realm,
I'm not fit into,
Neglecting the liquid that flows in me,
Silencing my natural dialect,
Taming the black gene that never dies,
Enclaved in the negro blood.
The blood of my ancestors,
That travails in slavery,
The blood of my ancestors,
That never bows to oppression.
The blood that speaks, till it regains freedom,
The blood that stands in Mau Mau,
That cracked the sterility of the alien.
Softly and gently,
I hear the sound of the mystic river,
The lullaby my mother sounds
Sweeter than the rhythm of libretto.
The hand of my mother nurtures me to bed,
I wish I was in the ancient,
When the days were peaceful, under the control of my mother.
The story of the griot,
Portruding the mystic folk under the solemn trees,
Where the peace lies.
Softly and gently,
Your blood runs through me!
Mother, Africa,
The blood that bows not to oppression.
The blood of my ancestors,
To the memory of your hero!
Softly and gently,
We hear the creak,
Your blood runs in my veins,
The blood of your hero.
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Summary;
This poem is a powerful exploration of identity, heritage, and resistance. The speaker reflects on the struggle to reconcile their natural self with the expectations of a foreign and modern world. They yearn for a connection to their ancestors and their African heritage, which is symbolized by the "blood" that runs through their veins. The poem celebrates the resilience and strength of African ancestors who fought against oppression and slavery, and it expresses a desire to reclaim and honor that heritage. Through its use of imagery and metaphor, the poem conveys a sense of longing for a lost past and a desire for freedom and self-determination.
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✍️ About the Author:
Oyelabi Peter Olawale is the 2024 Best Graduating Student of the Department of English and Literary Studies at Federal University Lokoja. A distinguished writer and advocate for social justice, Oyelabi has demonstrated exceptional academic excellence, leadership qualities, and a passion for creating positive change. His research paper, "Ecological Precarity and Nature Activism in Helon Habila's 'Oil on Water' and D.H Lawrence's 'Sons and Lovers'," and poems like "Song to Hunger" and "Blood" showcase his commitment to exploring pressing social issues and promoting environmental awareness. With his remarkable achievements, Peter is poised to make a meaningful impact in his community and beyond.
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This poem gave me chills. It beautifully captures the deep pain and pride that come with reconnecting to your roots after being distanced by modern life and foreign influence. The imagery of blood as both memory and strength is so powerful, it reminds us that our history, our ancestors, and their resilience live within us. I felt the longing, the defiance, and the love in every line. Truly moving and thought provoking. Thank you for writing this.
ReplyDeleteThis poem is insightful and evocative exploring the depth and beauty of Africa, telling us to value the blood flowing through us(African heritage). and be proud to be African's
ReplyDeleteAmazing
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This is an impressive poem, its uses strong imagery and metaphor to reflects on African heritage and cultural identity; it also shows the ability of African heroes to regain honor and ignity with the adequate knowledge of their past.
ReplyDeleteKeep it up...
Impressive
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work.
This poem really uplifts the African continent. It reminds me of Ngozi Adichie's Americanah which revolves around Ifemelu who tries to behave like the Americans, but realises that being proud of whom she is (African) is how she can thrive. Giant Africa! This poem encourages us to uphold our culture and tradition We are unique.
ReplyDeleteThis poem is very intriguing
ReplyDeleteMore ink to your pen