Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Funeral Sermon, Soweto" is a powerful and moving poem by Wole Soyinka, a Nigerian playwright, poet, and novelist, which was first published in 1978. The poem reflects on the themes of oppression, resistance, and the struggle for social justice, as embodied in the tragic events of the Soweto Uprising in 1976.

Explanation:

The poem "Funeral Sermon, Soweto" begins with the speaker describing the image of a young child being buried in the wake of the Soweto Uprising, which was a series of protests and demonstrations against the apartheid regime in South Africa. The poem then goes on to explore the deeper themes of oppression, resistance, and the struggle for social justice, as the speaker reflects on the emotional and psychological impact of the events and the need for remembrance and accountability. The poem makes use of vivid and powerful imagery, such as the "swollen eyes" of the mourners and the "harsh laughter" of the oppressors, to convey the emotional weight of the subject matter. 

The poem also employs a number of poetic elements, including:

• Symbolism: The poem uses symbolism to explore the themes of oppression and resistance, such as the symbol of the child's coffin as a symbol of both tragedy and hope, and the image of the "empty canisters" as a symbol of the potential for change and transformation.
• Imagery: The poem makes use of vivid and evocative imagery, such as the "white of terror" that engulfs the crowd and the "black umbrellas" that shield the mourners from the sun, to convey the emotional weight of the speaker's experience.
• Tone: The poem's tone is mournful and angry, inviting readers to consider the emotional and psychological impact of oppression and the struggle for social justice.

Conclusion:

"Funeral Sermon, Soweto" is a powerful and moving poem that reflects on the themes of oppression, resistance, and the struggle for social justice. Through its use of vivid imagery, symbolism, and mournful tone, the poem invites readers to consider the emotional and psychological complexities of the human experience, and the ways in which oppression and resistance can shape our sense of self and our relationship with the world around us. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the raw and often painful truths of history and the human condition.

Poem Snippet:

Grieve, child of Soweto. Your

young blood feeds the land.

Sleep soundly in the secure armour

Of certitude that others yet will come