Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Claude McKay's poem "Cotch Donkey" is a vivid and lively piece that captures the everyday life and frustrations of rural Jamaican society through the perspective of a speaker who is dealing with an obstinate donkey. Written in Jamaican Creole, the poem reflects the culture and language of the people, adding authenticity and a rhythmic, musical quality to the narrative. Through the humorous yet exasperated tone, McKay explores themes of labor, responsibility, and the challenges of working with animals that are crucial to the livelihood of many in rural communities.

The poem begins with the speaker encountering the donkey lying down in the road, stubbornly refusing to move despite carrying only a "little bit o' load." The donkey’s laziness is immediately highlighted as the speaker calls out to it: "Kue, jackass, git up! / ‘Tan’ up ‘pon you’ foot / Dis ya load no load, / You’s a lazy brut’." The speaker's frustration is palpable as they urge the donkey to stand and carry on with its task, emphasizing the lightness of the load and criticizing the animal’s lack of effort.

As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the donkey's overall uselessness: "Me no know wha’ mek / Pa won’ swop you too; / For dere’s not a t’ing / Wut while you can do." Here, the speaker questions why their father hasn't yet traded the donkey, given its apparent inability to perform any meaningful work. This sentiment underscores the donkey’s perceived value—or lack thereof—in a context where animals like donkeys are vital for transportation and labor.

The repetition of the donkey’s laziness and the speaker’s frustration builds throughout the poem: "Ef you car’ no load, / It is all de same; / Hamper on or no, / ‘Tis de ushal game." These lines suggest that whether the donkey is carrying a load or not, it behaves the same way, lying down and refusing to move. The speaker’s exasperation is further heightened by the arrival of a policeman, who comes to "mek a row" because of the donkey’s obstinance, illustrating how the animal's behavior has wider social implications.

The dialogue with the policeman reveals the speaker’s attempts to explain the situation: "'See ya, Sah, no min’, / Dis a fe me luck; / De jackass is bad, / Him no wan’ fe wuk." The speaker’s tone here is almost resigned, acknowledging that the donkey is simply uncooperative and that this is just another instance of bad luck. The speaker tries to convince the policeman that the donkey’s refusal to work is not due to any serious injury, despite a small "‘cratch" (scratch) on the animal’s back, which the speaker dismisses as insignificant.

The poem concludes with the speaker expressing concern about the potential consequences of the donkey's behavior: "Now because o’ you / Dem gone bring me up; / An’ wha’ hu’t me mos’, / You caan’ wuk a tup." The speaker fears that they will be held accountable for the donkey’s laziness, which might lead to a fine or other punishment. The final lines, "Ef dem summons me, / Mek me pay few mac, / Dat caan’ mek me ‘top / Wuk you wid sore back," reflect the speaker's determination to continue working with the donkey, even if it means enduring further difficulties and paying fines.

"Cotch Donkey" by Claude McKay is a rich and textured poem that uses humor and local dialect to convey the everyday struggles of life in rural Jamaica. Through the depiction of the stubborn donkey and the speaker’s frustrations, McKay touches on broader themes of labor, responsibility, and the challenges of rural existence. The poem’s use of Jamaican Creole not only adds to its authenticity but also highlights McKay’s deep connection to his cultural roots, making "Cotch Donkey" a vivid portrayal of life and language in early 20th-century Jamaica.

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