The English poet William Wordsworth famously defined poetry as “the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings, recollected in tranquility.” Indeed, poetry remains one of the most profound genres of literature, deeply appreciated for its thematic richness and artistic devices. Across generations, certain poets have shaped our thoughts, stirred our emotions, and influenced our worldview.
African poetry, in particular, offers a rich tapestry of voices and experiences. Wole Soyinka’s Telephone Conversation remains a powerful satirical commentary on racism and the absurdity of prejudice. Oswald Mtshali evokes raw emotion in his works, while Kofi Awoonor’s Songs of Sorrow and The Cathedral resonate with cultural loss and spiritual conflict.
In Soyinka’s Abiku, the persona declares: “In vain your bangles cast / Charmed circles at my feet / I am Abiku, calling for the first / And the repeated time.” It is worth noting that John Pepper Clark also authored a poem titled Abiku, alongside other notable works such as The Casualties, The Nigerian Railways, and Ibadan. His vivid imagery in Ibadan—“running splash of rust and gold, sprung among seven hills, like a broken china in the sun”—remains unforgettable.
Also noteworthy is Soyinka’s Telephone Conversation, a satirical monologue that brilliantly lampoons racial discrimination and the lingering arrogance of white supremacy.
In the same vein, Niyi Osundare employs satire to critique societal ills. In They Too Are the Earth, from his anthology Songs of the Earth, he raises poignant questions about environmental exploitation and social injustice: “Are they of this earth, those who harry the hills and fritter the forests?” He further decries Nigeria’s erratic power supply with biting irony: “A desperate match stabs the dark in NEPA’s darkdom.”
Across Africa, poetic motifs often reflect distinct historical and cultural realities. East African poetry frequently grapples with the paradox of independence and post-colonial disillusionment. Works such as Building the Nation by Henry Barlow exemplify this tension.
In Southern Africa, poetry largely explores themes of apartheid, racism, and resistance. Dennis Brutus’s Nightfall in Soweto and A Troubadour, I Traverse capture the anguish and resilience of a people under oppression, while Mtshali’s The Washerwoman’s Prayer reflects the dignity of labour amid hardship.
West African poetry, on the other hand, often emphasizes cultural reawakening and identity. J.P. Clark’s Olokun draws from indigenous spirituality, while his broader body of work reflects a deep engagement with tradition and modernity. Similarly, Christopher Okigbo’s Hurray for Thunder continues to resonate with haunting intensity, even decades after his death.
Beyond Africa, the global canon offers timeless poetic masterpieces. Robert Frost’s reflective style, John Donne’s philosophical depth in Death Be Not Proud, and Robert Browning’s dramatic monologue in My Last Duchess all demonstrate the enduring power of poetry. Wordsworth’s The World Is Too Much With Us and The Solitary Reaper further highlight the beauty of nature and the human spirit.
Let me conclude with an excerpt from my poem, You Will Die One Day, which reflects on the futility of greed, the transience of life, and the inevitability of death:
When you snitch and lie for illicit gain,
And through this bring people perfidious pain,
When you lie and cheat to be in power,
And act as if you will live forever—remember, you will die one day!
When you preach yet practice deceit,
And build empires on the sweat of others,
When your sermons question who robs God,
While you stand guilty of the same—remember, you will die one day!
Poetry reminds us not only of beauty and creativity but also of truth, morality, and the shared human condition. On this World Poetry Day, we celebrate those voices that continue to shape our lives and challenge our conscience.
By Douglas Ogbankwa Esq.
Founder Benin Writers Society
@dpuglasogbankwa@gmail.com
