POETRY

1.    Discuss how European colonization of Africa is portrayed in four poems of your choice.

             European colonization means how white men exploited the indigenous Africans for their economic gain. This is well portrayed in several poems, “Live and Let Die” and “Development” by Kundi Faraja and “Sunrise” and “Hollow Head” by Jwani Mwaikusa are used as references.

            Starting with a poem “Live and Let Die” the poet discusses the ways in which Europeans colonize African as follows.

            Exploitation: it refers to the use of manpower or materials selfishly or unfairly. The poet shows poor living conditions in the society as a result of exploitation done by Europeans. The poet says:

                                “…That they eat lice

                                    From their clothes

                                    Let them eat, brothers,

                                    Until the system changes,

                                    Until exploitation ends”

Classes: In the poem, the poet introduces two major classes. The class of the poor and that of the rich. The rich class oppresses the poor this can be shown when the poet says:

                        “…Because the rich nations

                         Are not yet ready

                        To die a little

                        So that the poor nations may live”

Poverty: Is a state of being poor. The poet reveals the African`s poor life in which they cannot even afford their basic needs, just because of colonization.      

The poet says:

                                    “Let them drink water.

                                    Let them eat air,

                                    Let them digest the sunshine

                                    Because that is what

                                    I can afford to buy.

                                    …That they don’t have food,

                                    That they don’t good health.

                                    That they wear rags.

                                    And that their house

                                    Is like an abandoned hut”

            In the poem “Sun Rise” the poet introduces several aspects of Europeans colonialism in Africa, includes.

            Oppression: This is a situation where freedom of the people is restricted by those in power. In the poem the persona shows how the oppressed are tired of the difficult life they live, and so they decide to fight the enemy for their right. The poet says:

                                    “And with the sons of the land

                                    Have risen too

                                    Forward they go

                                    Well armed”

            Torture: Is a state of intentional causing of somebody's experiencing pain or suffering. Jwani Mwaikusa in his poem “Hollow Heads” reveals how African are tortured by white men because of their ignorance. This can be seen in the second stanza, the poet says:

                                    “They oppress me, they torture me,

 They fight me, they kill me”

            Colonial legacy: Is the perpetuation of some colonial elements. In the poem “Development” by Kundi Faraja, he reveals the elements of colonialism which are still present in Africa even after independence. This can be proved when the poet says:

                                    “How is development?

                                    To be brought brother

                                    When the people to whom

                                    We have entrusted power

                                    Are corrupt?

            In the above and several other poems, poets have been able to portray colonialism, it`s principles, and effects during and even after independence.

2. Read the poem then answer all questions that follow.

Behold!

God, Almighty, the only God,

God is holy, God is merciful,

God our father, God our redeemer

Who brought us back,

From chains of Devil, the wicked,

That we are tortured no more

Who`s like you?

God, Almighty, the only God.

Who created the heaven and earth,

And who was before everything,

Came to exist,

Today He remains, true God,

God worthy of our praise

So my life, is the life for God,

Because He is the only to be worshiped,

And not gods,

Who are like chaff before the wind,

Who is blows, they are no more

Worship God and not gods

Present your body as a living sacrifice

Don`t offer your body to devil and his offspring

Offer it to God.

Who loves you and gives you life, Amen.

a)    What is the poem about?

The poem is about the goodness of God Almighty as He redeems his people from the chains of the Devil and gives them a better life.

b)    Who is talking in the poem?

It is the person who trusts and believes in Almighty God and convinces others to worship only God who loves them and gives them life.

c)     Why do you think gods are useless?

The gods are useless because they are not as strong as God, therefore can neither stand difficult situations nor give people what they ask for.

d)    Comment on the language use.

The language is straight forward as it is easy to understand. The poet also uses biblical terminologies like redeemer, worship, heaven, sacrifice and amen

e)     Is the poem relevant to any society?

Yes, the poem is relevant to many societies that believe in Christianity. It is a normal thing come across different preachers who preach about love of God and how powerful He is to those who are faithful to them.