Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Pepper Clark, one of Nigeria's most esteemed poets, frequently delved into the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Africa in his works. His poem "Olokun" is a profound exploration of love, reverence, and the mystical connection between humans and the divine, rooted in the imagery of the sea and African spirituality. Olokun, in the context of Yoruba mythology, is the deity of the ocean, representing both the wealth and the unpredictability of the sea. In this poem, Clark intertwines his admiration for Olokun with a deep and almost spiritual love, creating a vivid portrait of devotion and awe.

The poem opens with a delicate and intimate image: "I love to pass my fingers / As tide through weeds of the sea." This metaphor sets the tone for the entire poem, as the speaker compares his gentle touch to the natural movement of the tide through seaweed, an act that is both tender and inevitable. The seaweed and the tide are inextricably linked, much like the speaker's feelings toward the object of his affection. The subsequent lines, "And wind the tall fern-fronds / Through the strands of your hair," continue this theme of intertwining, emphasizing a deep connection that transcends the physical realm.

Clark further elevates the object of his affection by comparing her to the night that "screens the naked moon." This imagery suggests a mysterious and protective quality, as if the woman is both the keeper and the veil over something sacred. The night and the moon are often seen as symbols of femininity and mystery, and here, they serve to enhance the woman's allure and the speaker's deep admiration.

The declaration "I am jealous and passionate / Like Jehovah God of the Jews" introduces a complex layer to the speaker's love. By likening himself to the biblical God, Clark imbues the speaker's emotions with a divine intensity. This comparison also underscores the possessive and all-consuming nature of the speaker's feelings, hinting at a love that is not only deep but also demanding. The desire for the woman to "realize / No greater love had woman / From man than the one I have for you!" reflects a longing for recognition and reciprocation of this profound affection.

The poem then shifts to a contemplation of the woman's gaze, described as "the look of your eyes." The speaker acknowledges the power and mystery contained within her eyes, likening them to "the sable vehicle of dream." This metaphor suggests that her eyes are not just windows to her soul but also gateways to a realm of dreams and the subconscious. The question "But what wakeful eyes of man, / Made of the mud of this earth, / Can stare at the touch of sleep" implies that mere mortals, bound by the limitations of the physical world, are incapable of fully comprehending or withstanding the depth and mystery of her gaze.

As the poem progresses, Clark introduces the image of ancient walls crumbling at the woman's feet, a powerful symbol of the speaker's vulnerability and submission in the face of such overwhelming love and reverence. The comparison to "the good maid of the sea, / Full of rich bounties for men," evokes the image of Olokun, the sea goddess, who is both nurturing and generous, bestowing her wealth upon those who revere her. The speaker, in his humility and devotion, acknowledges that he and others are mere "beggars" raised to her "breast," dependent on her grace and favor.

In "Olokun," John Pepper Clark masterfully blends the spiritual and the sensual, creating a poem that is both a love letter and a hymn. The sea, a central symbol in the poem, represents the vastness and mystery of both love and the divine, while the imagery of night, moon, and dreams adds layers of depth to the speaker's reverence for the woman, who is elevated to the status of a deity. Through his use of rich, evocative language and symbolism, Clark captures the essence of a love that is as deep, mysterious, and powerful as the ocean itself, making "Olokun" a timeless ode to the profound connections between humans, nature, and the divine.

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