African poetry stands as an enchanting tapestry interwoven with the continent’s diverse history, rich culture, and profound experiences. Rooted in oral traditions and deeply influenced by colonialism, this poetic art form has thrived across generations, reflecting the soul of Africa. In this article, we delve into the multifaceted dimensions of African poetry, exploring its historical…
Understanding a poem is an enriching journey that unlocks the beauty of language and emotion. As you explore the depths of poetic expression, embrace the art of interpretation. Learn how imagery, symbolism, and rhythm may be magically infused into lyrics while examining the personal ties that give them life. Explore the mysteries and appreciate poetry’s…
Definition of alliteration Alliteration is a literary device in which a series of words in a sentence or line of poetry have the same initial consonant sound. It involves the repetition of the initial consonant sound, rather than the repetition of specific letters. The repeated consonant sound can occur in stressed or unstressed syllables and…
Women of Africa, Women of the Revolution! You will rise up to apex You will journey endlessly At a walking pace of the social Revolution, To the rhythm of cultural progress, In the train of economic boom To the great and beautiful city Of the exacting ends And were in leading Your brothers, your husbands…
What is parallelism? In literature, parallelism refers to a rhetorical device or literary technique where similar grammatical structures, phrases, or ideas are used in close proximity to create a balanced and harmonious effect. It involves the repetition of words, phrases, or grammatical structures in a way that provides a sense of symmetry and rhythm to…
Background of the poet John Pepper Clark was born Kiagbodo in Ijaw, 1935. He was educated at Government College, Ughelli and has an English degree from University College, Ibadan. He was the founding editor of The Horn, Student poetry magazines which played a crucial role in the history of literary development in Nigeria. He worked for…
How to start a poem: To start a poem, one must delve into the depths of inspiration, selecting a theme or subject that resonates deeply. Whether exploring the beauty of nature, the complexities of human relationships, or the essence of abstract concepts, a powerful opening line can set the tone for the entire poem. Utilizing…
Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali, (born 1940, Vryheid, Natal, South Africa), South African poet who wrote in English and Zulu and whose work drew deeply upon the immediate experience of life in the Johannesburg township of Soweto. Mtshali worked as a messenger before his first collection of poems, Sounds of a Cowhide Drum (1971), won the Olive Schreiner Prize…
The universe has no one to be one with;Out of hundreds of watchers,not one can see.Fate’s tree is crowned with thorns;you can search forever butno blossom will break its opacity.Promises make the rounds of this world,giving hopes not theirs to give.Since the world has no sweetness,restrain your bitterness when you seethe man selling vinegar. He…
A piece of my flesh torn away. A piece of my bone broken off. A piece of my soul remade. A piece of my thought set free . In her thin hands the lines of time grow long. In her black eyes float the truths of stone tablets. Round her slender neck a dusky hair…