Survivors

The poem “Survivors” explores the essence of heroism and the complex emotions that plague those who have experienced trauma and lived through it. This exploration will offer a deeper understanding of the poem’s underlying messages.

Themes

• Heroism

The poem delves into the concept of heroism and juxtaposes it against the survivors’ experiences. The survivors consider themselves as heroes, having conquered perilous circumstances and defeated adversaries. They question their own status as the “toughest, the brightest, the smartest” and whether those qualities necessarily define heroism. The poem underscores the anguish survivors face in being perceived as heroes when, in reality, they have endured significant pain and suffering. It questions the notion of heroism solely based on physical prowess. It also presents the idea that the real heroes are those who have lost their lives. The war experience burdens the survivors. The intangible “whispers and curses” that persistently remind them of their trauma haunt them.

The theme of heroism is complex and nuanced, as the poem challenges the traditional understanding of heroism. It suggests that heroism stems from dedication, sacrifice, and the ability to confront the unknown with courage, rather than merely surviving through physical strength. Those who have not experienced the trauma described as April Eighteen are seen as fortunate, yet they are also depicted as ignorant by the imagery of the “bazooka shells.” This imagery conveys the survivors’ perception that the unscarred can never fully comprehend the trials they have faced.

• April Eighteen

The reference to April Eighteen suggests a significant event, that is the independence of Zimbabwe from colonial rule, that only some survivors have witnessed. This event is described as an unknown that man and machine have failed to conquer. This theme explores the idea that true heroism extends beyond physical qualities and confronts the uncertainty of life.

Mood and Tone

Conflicting emotions form a large part of the overall mood of the poem. It portrays a sense of pride and accomplishment among the survivors but simultaneously hints at survivors’ guilt and the burden they carry. The tone is contemplative, reflective, and slightly resentful towards those who haven’t experienced the same hardships.

The mood of the poem oscillates between celebration and remorse. While the survivors celebrate their resilience and victory, they are also burdened by survivor’s guilt and haunted by the memories of the fallen. The tone reflects a sense of bitterness towards those who have not suffered in the same way and lack an appreciation for the true depth of heroism.

Literary Devices

Repetition: The repetition of “we” in the poem emphasizes solidarity among the survivors and serves as a reminder of their collective identity. It reinforces their sense of self-importance and highlights the contrast with those who have not experienced the same hardships.

Alliteration: The use of alliteration in phrases such as “spinners of legends,” “nature and danger,” and “those who never saw April Eighteen” creates a rhythmic quality and emphasizes certain words. This repetition draws attention to the importance of these phrases in conveying the central themes.

Imagery: The poem uses vivid imagery to describe the survivors’ experiences. Phrases like “bazooka shells” and “whispers and curses that claw the backs of survivors” evoke strong sensory images, emphasizing the physical and emotional scars experienced by the survivors. The imagery serves to convey the trauma and hardship they have endured.

Farewell

The poem “Farewell” is a poignant and heartfelt exploration of love, war, and the enduring impact of memories. Written in free verse, it utilizes various literary devices and conveys a somber and reflective mood.

Themes

• Love

One of the main themes of the poem is love, specifically the love between two speaker and the gun. The speaker addresses their lover, bidding them farewell. The love is characterized as being “more faithful than the shadow,” emphasizing its unwavering nature. However, the shadow is also described as disappearing when clouds block the sun, symbolizing the transient nature of love in the midst of turmoil. The speaker references their shared experiences during the war, highlighting the intensity and danger they faced together.

The portrayal of love symbolises comfort and strength. This is depicted through the line, “how you comforted me with the wooden smoothness of your butt and reassured me with the steel slenderness of your body.” The juxtaposition of the soft wooden surface and the rigid steel of the gun creates a vivid image of the speaker finding solace in their gun’s presence during difficult times.

• War

The poem also explores themes of war and its impact on both individuals and relationships. The speaker describes nocturnal marches, surprise attacks, and the constant danger they face. The use of phrases such as “deadly mixed grill of bullets and grenades” and “discharging lead back into the bushes” evokes a sense of violence and chaos. The imagery creates a vivid picture of the speaker’s experiences in battle. The poem suggests that the adversarial circumstances of war can blur the boundaries between heroes and villains, as the speaker reflects on both their role as a freedom fighter and the potential association with terrorism. This ambiguity speaks to the complexity of war. It also speaks to how war can challenge preconceived notions of good and evil.

Mood and Tone

The poem is somber and nostalgic. The speaker is bidding farewell to their lover, suggesting that their time together has come to an end. The use of words such as “fade,” “fatigue,” and “loneliness” evokes a sense of loss and longing. The poem’s tone reflects this emotional weight, conveying a sense of melancholy as the speaker reflects on the past.

Literary Devices

Metaphor: There is the comparison of love to a shadow. The fleeting and ephemeral nature of the shadows mirrors the temporary nature of love described in the poem. This metaphor adds depth to the theme of love, emphasizing its vulnerability in the face of external circumstances.

Personification: The speaker describes the night as pulsating with surprises and ambushes. This personification enhances the sense of danger and unpredictability associated with their experiences during the war.

Imagery: The speaker paints vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. The use of phrases such as “naked nights under the generous blanket of stars and frost” creates a strong sensory image, evoking a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The reference to the “fogging bush” in the final stanza adds an eerie and mysterious element, suggesting that the memories of their time together linger, even after their physical separation.

We Surrendered Our Balls

The poem titled “We Surrendered Our Balls” delves into the experiences of soldiers who fought in the struggle for Zimbabwe’s liberation. Through powerful imagery and vivid descriptions, the poet explores themes of heroism, sacrifice, disillusionment, and loss. The mood of the poem shifts from celebratory to somber, while the tone fluctuates between admiration and criticism. The poet employs a variety of literary devices and powerful imagery to convey the complexities of war and its aftermath.

Themes

• Heroism

The soldiers’ depictions as “heroes of the struggle” highlight heroism. They are admired for their survival against harsh weather and diseases, as well as their ability to outsmart death. The poem acknowledges the bravery of these men who fought in the face of danger and were seen as heroes by their comrades.

• Disillusionment

The poem also explores the theme of disillusionment. The heroic soldiers have become suffering villains. The poet questions why the soldiers lost their enterprising spirit and suggests that their sacrifice and heroism may have been in vain. This theme of disillusionment highlights the complex aftermath of war, where the line between hero and villain can blur.

• Roles during War

The poem also explores the different roles that people played during the war. The first stanza introduces the various groups of soldiers. “MaComrades” are acknowledged as the heroes who survived the struggle, while “Vakomana” are viewed as romantic figures, charming and dangerous. “Magandaga” are portrayed as terrorists, but their ability to charm village girls and inspire celebrations speaks to their influence and power. Finally, “Zimbabweanos” are depicted as enterprising guerrillas who utilized their resources to secure necessities such as food and cigarettes. Each group embodies a different aspect of the struggle, showcasing the diverse experiences of those involved.

Mood and Tone

The mood begins as celebratory and heroic. Different groups are praised for their different roles during the war. The poem then shifts its focus to the present. It questions what happened to the “can-do never-say-never enterprising spirit” of the soldiers. The mood becomes somber as the poet raises these questions and reflects on the loss of that spirit. The tone becomes more critical, suggesting that perhaps the soldiers lost their determination and courage after the war ended.

Literary Devices

Repetition: The repetition of the word “MaComrades” throughout the poem emphasizes the bond between the soldiers and highlights their heroism.

Imagery: The use of vivid imagery, such as “loaded with bazookas, bandoliers, and AKs” and “cut Ian Smith’s mad thousand years into a very short thirteen,” creates a powerful visual representation of the soldiers’ experiences and accomplishments.

Symbolism: The poem utilizes symbolism through the image of surrendering grenades and tennis balls. The grenade symbolizes power and masculinity while surrendering tennis balls represents a loss of strength and control. This symbolic imagery suggests that the soldiers may have forfeited their agency and masculinity when they laid down their weapons after the war.

Warming Another Man’s Groin

The poem “Warming another man’s groin” presents a profound exploration of themes such as betrayal, sacrifice, the consequences of war, and the complexities of human relationships. Through raw, visceral imagery and powerful emotive language, the poet skillfully conveys a range of emotions, depicting the hardships endured by the speaker and their subsequent disillusionment.

Themes

• Betrayal

The central theme of betrayal permeates the poem. The speaker’s anguish is palpable as they express their deep hurt and sense of betrayal by Yeukai who is described as initiating the destructive nature of war. The speaker, who has already paid the bride price for Yeukai, and who believed that Yeukai was waiting for him while he was fighting in the war, finds Yeukai already with another man. Since the war has been won, therefore, the speaker has lost the fight for love.

• Sacrifice

The poem also touches on sacrifice, both in terms of the speaker’s sacrifice in fighting a brutal war and the sacrifices made by others, such as children forced to seek shelter behind burning barrels. The speaker, despite having found the love of his life, chooses instead to dedicate his time to the war and fight for his nation. In addition, during the war, the speaker was also subjected to nature’s brutality including onslaughts of lice as part of their participation in the war.

• Consequences of War

The consequences of war are starkly displayed. The speaker returns to a world of ruins and finds Yeukai involved with another man. War has ruined the world he knew. His lover has also failed to wait and has moved on with another man while he has been at war. These consequences thus paint a vivid picture of the speaker’s emotional torment.

Mood and Tone

The poem evokes a somber and melancholic mood. The speaker’s disillusionment and heartache are evident in lines such as “the shiver under your skin, the whimpering and weeping on the summit of your surrender.” The tone oscillates between bitter resentment, sorrow, and a sense of resignation. The emotive language employed throughout the poem heightens the intensity of the speaker’s feelings, creating a powerful emotional atmosphere.

Literary Devices

Alliteration: The use of alliteration is apparent in phrases such as “wood and steel recoils” and “fed and outlived,” adding musicality to the poem.

Repetition: Repetition is employed to emphasize the sense of betrayal and the speaker’s deep-seated pain, as seen in the repetition of Yeukai’s name and the phrase “you smashed the calabash.”

Contrast: The speaker compares the hardships endured during the war with the gentle and loving moments that follow, creating a stark juxtaposition.

Imagery: The vivid and evocative imagery in the poem conveys the emotional journey of the speaker. The images of the “abyss beyond your eye” and “the blanket of bullets and bombs” depict the horrors of war. This imagery portrays the speaker’s resilience and strength in enduring these hardships. Equally powerful is the image of fireflies, symbolizing beauty and innocence, contrasting with the brutality encompassing human nature. The shattered calabash represents broken promises and shattered dreams, further reinforcing the theme of betrayal.

Smile Mother

The poem “Smile Mother” explores the experiences of a mother waiting for her sons who have gone off to fight in the liberation war. The poem touches on themes of fear, hope, and sacrifice. It also touches on the harsh realities of war and the oppression faced by certain groups of people. The overall tone of the poem is one of urgency and desperation, balanced with a call for strength and resilience.

Themes

• Waiting and Wondering

One of the key themes in the poem is the experience of waiting and wondering. The mother has waited for years, “dangling on the string of fear.” This conveys a sense of anticipation and anxiety, as she is unsure of her sons’ fate. The use of the word “barrels” being plugged suggests that the source of fear and danger was temporarily stopped, but the word “permanently” indicates that this is only a temporary respite. The image of triggers taking a nap further emphasizes the temporary nature of the peace, suggesting that the danger could awaken at any moment.

• Determination

The mother’s rush to assembly points, chartered planes, and offices represent her efforts to find and rescue her sons. This shows her determination and willingness to do whatever it takes to bring them home. However, her sons do not return, leading to a “tormenting tug-of-fear-and-hope” that plays grueling games in her heart. This line perfectly captures the conflicting emotions that she experiences – the fear that her sons may never return, combined with the hope that they are still alive.

• Sacrifice

The theme of sacrifice is also evident in the poem. The mother scolds and mocks her sons with her tears, implying that she has made sacrifices for them. She may have endured hardship and suffering to provide for them and ensure their well-being, only to witness them heading off to a dangerous and uncertain future. The line “It was not impetuous adolescence that drove us here” suggests that the decision to go off to war was not made lightly, but rather out of a sense of duty and responsibility. This highlights the sacrifices made not only by the sons but also by the mother, who is left behind and trapped in a tribal reserve or black location.

Mood and Tone

The mood of the poem is a mix of despair and defiance. The mother’s tears scorch and mock her sons, representing her anger, frustration, and disappointment. However, there is also a sense of resilience and determination, as demonstrated through the repeated directive to “smile, Mother.” This could be interpreted as a call to find strength in the face of adversity or as a means of reassuring the mother that her sons are still fighting and united in their cause.

Literary Devices

Personification: The use of personification is evident in lines such as “triggers took a nap” and “Unity in masses,” giving these inanimate objects or concepts human characteristics. This brings a sense of urgency and tension to the poem, emphasizing the volatility and unpredictability of the situation.

Imagery: Imagery is also utilized to evoke strong emotions and create a visual impact. The image of the mother “dangling on the string of fear” paints a vivid picture of her vulnerability and the anxiety she experiences. The reference to “gushing blood” from the soaring flag and a “rising Red Star spouting blood” creates a powerful and gruesome image, symbolizing the sacrifice and loss that come with fighting for a cause.

Free Sod for My Sister

The poem “Free Sod for My Sister” delves into the tragic loss of a young girl. It juxtaposes her innocence against the harrowing violence of war.

Themes

• Impact of War

This poem explores the devastating impact of war on innocence and childhood. The speaker’s sister, a young girl on the cusp of puberty, is senselessly killed by a soldier. The contrast between the soldier, who is described as being “lost in action,” and the innocent girl highlights the injustice of war and the destruction it brings to innocent lives.

• Innocence

The theme of innocence is central to the poem, as the speaker mourns the loss of their sister’s childhood and the potential she had yet to fulfill. The imagery of the girl’s “sprouting breasts hard as green mangoes” emphasizes her youth and vulnerability, making her death all the more tragic.

• Futility of War

The poem also touches on the futility of war. Even the solace of a final resting place in a “free sod” offers no comfort for the speaker. The use of the word “devoured” suggests that the war has consumed and destroyed the girl, leaving only grief and emptiness in its wake.

Mood and Tone

The mood in this poem is one of profound grief and despair. The poet expresses a sense of overwhelming loss and anguish, emphasizing the heartbreaking nature of war. The tone is somber and melancholic, reflecting the poet’s mourning and frustration over the tragic fate of his sister.

Literary Devices

Personification: The poet personifies the soldier as being “stupid,” showcasing the senselessness and ignorance often associated with conflict. This device helps the reader understand the frustration and anger felt by the speaker in the face of such an unnecessary death.

Metaphor: The poet uses the image of a “circle of innocence” to symbolize the girl’s transition from childhood to adolescence. The circle represents the closed and untainted world of childhood innocence, which is shattered by the horrors of war.

The description of the girl’s sprouting breasts as “hard as green mangoes” uses a simile to evoke a vivid image of her adolescence dawning. This imagery portrays her physical growth in a poignant and tangible manner.

Repetition: The repetition of the phrase “My baby sister is gone devoured by war” serves to emphasize the poet’s profound loss and to underscore the relentless and destructive power of conflict.

Symbolism: The free sod, anthill, and free country in the lines “Even a free sod on a free anthill of a free country/ Offers no comfort” symbolize the supposed peace and security that should be provided by the nation and its institutions. However, in the face of tragedy, even these symbols of freedom are rendered utterly meaningless.

Semantics of Stones

The poem explores themes of introspection, longing, and the search for meaning. The mood is contemplative and nostalgic, while the tone is both reflective and frustrated. Through its use of literary devices and vivid imagery, the poem delves into the complexities of the human experience and the quest for understanding.

Themes

• Search for Meaning

One of the central themes explored in the poem is the search for meaning or the “semantics of stones.” The speaker wanders among rocks, both literal and metaphorical, as they wonder about the essence of stone. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the deeper questions and existential pondering that the speaker engages in. There is a sense of yearning and desire to uncover the deeper truths that lie beneath the surface of things.

• Political and Social Commentary

The poem also incorporates political and social commentary through its reference to turning “society on its side,” trashing traditions, and denouncing the supernatural. This suggests a frustration with the status quo and a desire for revolution or change. The use of imagery such as “kalashnikovs” further emphasizes the theme of violence and rebellion against societal norms.

Mood and Tone

The mood of the poem is contemplative and nostalgic. The speaker reflects on the past and their experiences. They specifically mention Yeukai, who seems to have played a significant role in their life. The mention of Yeukai invokes a sense of longing for a connection that has been lost. The mention of the “flesh I could feel” and the desire for a “thomas-like dip” suggests a physical and emotional intimacy that has been severed. This longing adds a layer of melancholy and introspection to the poem’s mood.

The tone of the poem is both reflective and frustrated. The speaker feels kept at a distance by Yeukai, described as being kept “at bay like a drunken ass.” This frustration is heightened by the speaker’s mention of not braying or taking drastic actions like leaping down a gorge. The poem’s tone suggests a yearning for connection and understanding that has been thwarted or unfulfilled.

Literary Devices

Alliteration: The use of alliteration, as seen in “Present and past angular fragments jingle-jangle,” adds a musical quality to the language and draws attention to the dissonance and fragmentation in the speaker’s thoughts. The repetition of the word “wandering” emphasizes the aimlessness and uncertainty of the speaker’s search.

Imagery: Imagery is used to create vivid and evocative descriptions throughout the poem. The mention of fragments “jingling-jangling against sediments of the soul” paints a picture of the speaker’s inner turmoil and the clash between past and present. The mention of “tits of tales” and “bazookas shooting down mirages” creates a juxtaposition of innocence and violence, suggesting a certain disillusionment with societal expectations and the desire to break free from traditional norms.