Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Christopher Okigbo's poem "Bridge" is a contemplative exploration of perspective, transience, and the relationship between the self and the natural world. The poem's imagery of standing above a body of water, with the tide and noontide as central elements, evokes a sense of reflection on one's place within the larger flow of time and existence. The "bridge" of the title can be interpreted as both a literal and metaphorical structure, representing a point of connection or transition between different states of being.

The poem begins with the speaker's declaration, "I am standing above you and tide above the noontide." This opening line immediately places the speaker in a position of elevation and separation, looking down upon the tide and the noontide. The tide, a natural phenomenon governed by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun, symbolizes the cyclical and ever-changing nature of life. The noontide, representing the peak or zenith of the day, suggests a moment of clarity or heightened awareness. By standing above both, the speaker positions themselves as an observer, detached from the immediate flow of time and change, yet still aware of their influence.

The phrase "Listening to the laughter of waters that do not know why" introduces a poignant contrast between the conscious awareness of the speaker and the unconscious, instinctive movement of the waters. The waters, personified as laughing, seem to move without purpose or understanding, embodying the idea of nature's indifferent flow. The speaker, on the other hand, listens intently, perhaps searching for meaning or understanding in this seemingly random movement. The waters' laughter might also suggest the futility of human attempts to impose meaning on the natural world, which operates according to its own rhythms and cycles, independent of human concerns.

The introduction of "Listening to incense. . . ." adds a sensory dimension to the poem, blending the auditory with the olfactory. Incense, often associated with religious rituals and spiritual practices, invokes a sense of the sacred and the ethereal. The act of listening to incense implies a deep, meditative state where the speaker is attuned not only to the physical world but also to the spiritual or mystical aspects of existence. This moment of listening suggests that the speaker is engaged in a form of contemplation that transcends the immediate sensory experience, reaching into the realm of the spiritual.

The repetition of the phrase "I am standing above the noontide with my head above it" reinforces the speaker's elevated perspective. The emphasis on the position of the head, "above" the noontide, suggests that the speaker's consciousness or awareness is heightened, perhaps suggesting a state of enlightenment or detachment from the material world. This elevated stance allows the speaker to observe the world with a sense of clarity, unclouded by the distractions and confusions that might affect someone within the flow of the tide.

The poem concludes with the lines, "Under my feet float the waters : tide blows them under." Here, the speaker acknowledges the presence of the waters beneath them, reinforcing the idea of standing on a bridge or elevated platform above the natural world. The tide, which "blows them under," represents the constant, unstoppable force of nature, moving the waters in a way that is beyond the speaker's control. This imagery suggests that while the speaker may be elevated above the tide, they are still connected to it, and the waters' movement continues beneath them, unaffected by their presence.

"Bridge" by Christopher Okigbo is a reflective poem that explores the themes of observation, detachment, and the search for meaning within the natural world. The speaker's position above the tide and noontide symbolizes a state of heightened awareness and contemplation, where they can observe the flow of life from a distance. The poem invites readers to consider the relationship between the self and the larger forces of nature, as well as the ways in which we seek to understand and find meaning in a world that often seems indifferent to our presence. Through its evocative imagery and meditative tone, "Bridge" captures the tension between being part of the natural world and striving to rise above it, offering a nuanced reflection on the human experience.

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