Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

O. H. Kwesi Brew's poem "Plea for Mercy" is a poignant and introspective exploration of humility, reverence, and the relationship between humanity and the divine. The poem captures the deep sense of vulnerability and reverence with which the "sons of the land" approach a higher power, acknowledging both their connection to the natural world and their need for divine intervention or understanding. Through rich imagery and a tone that oscillates between reverence and despair, Brew reflects on the human condition, particularly the sense of helplessness that can accompany the search for meaning or mercy in the face of life's challenges.

The poem begins with a direct statement of intent: "We have come to your shrine to worship / We the sons of the land." This opening line establishes a collective identity and purpose, as the "sons of the land" gather to worship at a shrine, a place of sacred significance. The use of "we" emphasizes the communal aspect of this act, suggesting that the speaker is representing a larger group, possibly a community or even an entire people. The phrase "sons of the land" highlights their deep connection to the earth, to their ancestry, and to their cultural heritage.

The image of the "naked cowherd" who has brought "the cows safely home" introduces a sense of simplicity and purity. The cowherd, a figure deeply connected to the land and its rhythms, stands "silent with his bamboo flute / Wiping the rain from his brow." This image evokes a sense of contentment and duty fulfilled, as the cowherd, despite being exposed to the elements, finds solace in his role and in the successful completion of his day's work. The bamboo flute, a simple and natural instrument, symbolizes a connection to the earth and to tradition.

The poem then shifts focus to the natural world, describing how "the birds brood in their nests / Awaiting the dawn with unsung melodies." This image of birds in their nests, waiting for the dawn, suggests a sense of anticipation and potential. The "unsung melodies" represent the songs that have yet to be sung, the possibilities that lie ahead, and the hope that comes with the new day. The natural imagery here emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life and the cyclical nature of existence.

As the poem continues, the imagery becomes more complex and layered: "The shadows crowd on the shores / Pressing their lips against the bosom of the sea." This description of shadows gathering at the shore, almost as if they are kissing the sea, creates a mysterious and somewhat eerie atmosphere. The shadows could symbolize the unknown, the unseen forces at play in the world, or the presence of spirits or ancestors. The sea, often a symbol of life and the subconscious, becomes a maternal figure, with the shadows seeking comfort or connection with it.

The transition to the image of "peasants home from their labours / Sit by their log fires / Telling tales of long ago" brings the focus back to the human experience. The peasants, who have spent their day working the land, now gather around the warmth of the fire to share stories. This scene evokes a sense of tradition, continuity, and the importance of oral history in preserving the memories and values of a community. The tales of "long ago" connect the present to the past, reinforcing the idea of an ongoing relationship between generations.

Despite these images of life and continuity, the speaker asks a profound and troubling question: "Why should we the sons of the land / Plead unheeded before your shrine, / When our hearts are full of song / And our lips tremble with sadness?" This question reveals the central tension of the poem—the sense of disillusionment or despair that comes from feeling ignored or abandoned by the divine. The speaker acknowledges the beauty and richness of life ("our hearts are full of song"), yet also recognizes the underlying sorrow and fragility ("our lips tremble with sadness"). This duality captures the complexity of the human condition, where joy and sorrow coexist, and where faith can be tested by the seeming indifference of the universe.

The poem's concluding lines introduce a series of contrasts that further emphasize the humility of the speaker and the power of the natural world: "The little firefly vies with the star. / The log fire with the sun / The water in the calabash / With the mighty Volta." These comparisons highlight the smallness and insignificance of human efforts in the grand scheme of things. The firefly, log fire, and calabash are all humble, everyday elements, contrasted with the vastness and majesty of the star, the sun, and the Volta River. This serves to remind the reader of the limitations of human power and the overwhelming force of nature and the cosmos.

The final lines of the poem return to the theme of humility and supplication: "But we have come in tattered penury / Begging at the door of a Master." Here, the speaker acknowledges the poverty—both material and spiritual—that brings them to the shrine. "Tattered penury" suggests a state of deep need, of being worn down by life, and the act of "begging at the door of a Master" reflects the ultimate vulnerability and dependence on a higher power. The use of "Master" conveys a sense of authority and control, with the speaker recognizing their place in the hierarchy of existence.

"Plea for Mercy" by O. H. Kwesi Brew is a deeply reflective poem that grapples with the tension between faith and despair, between the beauty of life and the sorrow that often accompanies it. Through its rich imagery and poignant questioning, the poem captures the essence of human vulnerability and the longing for connection with the divine. It speaks to the universal experience of seeking meaning and mercy in a world that can often feel indifferent or overwhelming, reminding us of the importance of humility, reverence, and the enduring hope for compassion and understanding.

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