Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Ellis Ayitey Komey, a notable Ghanaian poet, often explores themes of change, identity, and the complexities of African life in his works. His poetry captures the essence of both personal and collective transformation, and he uses vivid imagery to express the tensions between tradition and modernity, youth and age, as well as innocence and experience. In the poem "Change," Komey presents a reflective meditation on the inevitable transformation that accompanies the passage of time, interweaving personal growth with cultural and environmental shifts.

The poem begins with a nostalgic reflection on infancy, describing it as "a wall of memory," indicating that childhood is something distant and unreachable, enclosed in the past. The poet immediately contrasts this with the harsh realities of the present, symbolized by the harmattan season, a dry and dusty period in West Africa. The locusts filling the sky and destroying the "sweat put into the field" evoke a sense of devastation and loss, where the fruits of labor are erased by forces beyond control. The imagery of "restless seas shattered canoes" further emphasizes the theme of destruction, suggesting that the very tools of survival for the fisher-folk are being annihilated, leaving them vulnerable and powerless.

Komey then shifts the focus to the inner world of the individual, particularly during adolescence. The "impatience in your teens" captures the restless energy and desire for change typical of youth, yet this is juxtaposed with "silent dreams," perhaps reflecting the quiet uncertainties or unspoken aspirations that lie beneath the surface. The "fires in your heart" breaking "the mask of innocence" signifies a pivotal moment in personal growth where the raw emotions and desires of youth begin to challenge and ultimately dismantle the facade of childhood purity.

The poem then delves into the complexities of womanhood, hinted at through the metaphor of "the evasive solitude in your womb." This line suggests a deep, internal contemplation or perhaps a guarded inner life that is not easily understood or accessed by others. The "determination of your limbs" and "eyes like the soaring eagle" further illustrate a sense of strength and resolve, a readiness to confront challenges head-on. The "shattering the glass of ignorance" implies a breaking free from constraints, an awakening to knowledge or a broader understanding of the world.

In the concluding stanzas, Komey returns to the motif of memory and transformation. The repetition of "your infancy now a wall of memory" reinforces the idea that the past is both a foundation and a barrier, something that shapes but also separates one from the present self. The comparison to "worms" and "cobras with venomous tongues" in the final lines evokes images of decay and danger, suggesting that the dreams once leaned upon were perhaps misguided or corrupt, leading to destructive outcomes. The "tepid blooms of hibiscus" licked by the cobras' tongues symbolize the fragile beauty of life that is threatened by insidious forces, a metaphor for the innocence or ideals that are at risk of being tainted or destroyed.

"Change" by Ellis Ayitey Komey is a powerful exploration of the journey from childhood to adulthood, intertwined with the broader changes in society and nature. Through rich imagery and symbolic language, Komey captures the tension between memory and progress, innocence and experience, and the often harsh realities of life that shape and reshape identity over time. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the inevitable transformations we all undergo, both as individuals and as part of a larger community.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...