Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Léopold Sédar Senghor's poem "Be Not Amazed" is a powerful meditation on the fragility of life, the inevitability of conflict, and the enduring nature of love and beauty. The poem captures a moment of introspection and urgency, where the speaker, a poet and a lover, contemplates the possible end of his creative and physical existence in the face of looming danger. Senghor uses rich, symbolic imagery to express the complex emotions of a man caught between the beauty of love and the harsh realities of a world threatened by violence and destruction.

The poem opens with a gentle warning to the beloved: "Be not amazed beloved, if sometimes my song grows dark." This line immediately sets a tone of intimacy and forewarning. The speaker acknowledges that his artistic expression, which is usually lyrical and filled with the "green scent of the ricefields," may shift into something more somber and intense. The "lyrical reed" is a symbol of harmony, peace, and natural beauty, which the speaker suggests might be replaced by the "Khalam or the tama"—traditional African musical instruments associated with storytelling, history, and, in this context, war.

The substitution of "the green scent of the ricefields" for "the swiftly galloping war drums" marks a transition from a serene, pastoral setting to one of impending conflict and chaos. The war drums symbolize the approaching danger and the urgency with which the speaker feels compelled to act or express himself. This shift in tone and imagery reflects the speaker's awareness of the turbulent forces at play in the world around him, forces that threaten to disrupt the peace and beauty he cherishes.

Senghor introduces the idea of "ancient deities" and the "furious cannonade of the god," suggesting that the looming conflict is not merely human in nature but also connected to larger, more primal forces. The "ancient deities" represent the timeless and uncontrollable aspects of fate, while the "cannonade" signifies the violent and destructive power of these forces. The speaker seems to recognize that these forces are beyond his control, and he is caught in their midst, compelled to respond through his art and his actions.

The poem takes on a more personal and poignant tone as the speaker contemplates his own mortality: "Oh, tomorrow perhaps, the purple voice of your bard will be silent for ever." The "purple voice" symbolizes the speaker's poetic and creative spirit, which is rich, vibrant, and full of life. The possibility of this voice being silenced forever underscores the fragility of existence and the fleeting nature of life and art. This awareness of mortality drives the speaker to pour all his energy into his music and poetry, even if it means that "the fingers bleed on the Khalam."

The image of fingers bleeding on the Khalam is a powerful metaphor for the pain and sacrifice involved in the creative process, particularly in times of crisis. The speaker is determined to continue creating, even at great personal cost, because he understands that his time may be limited. This urgency is further emphasized by the line, "Perhaps, beloved, I shall fall tomorrow, on a restless earth," which reflects the speaker's acceptance of his potential fate in a world that is unstable and filled with turmoil.

The poem concludes with a tender expression of love and sorrow: "Lamenting your sinking eyes, and the dark tom-tom of the mortars below. And you will weep in the twilight for the glowing voice that sang your black beauty." The "sinking eyes" of the beloved suggest a sense of loss and mourning, as the speaker imagines the beloved weeping for him after he is gone. The "dark tom-tom of the mortars" contrasts with the earlier imagery of the war drums, now representing the destructive sounds of battle and death.

The final line, "And you will weep in the twilight for the glowing voice that sang your black beauty," is a poignant reminder of the deep connection between the speaker and the beloved. The "glowing voice" that once celebrated the beloved's "black beauty" will be missed, leaving behind a sense of emptiness and sorrow. The twilight, a time of transition between day and night, symbolizes the end of an era, the fading of the speaker's presence, and the lingering memory of his love and art.

"Be Not Amazed" is a deeply moving poem that captures the tension between love, creativity, and the harsh realities of life in a world threatened by violence and destruction. Senghor's use of rich, symbolic imagery and his exploration of themes such as mortality, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love make this poem a powerful reflection on the human condition. Through the speaker's urgent and impassioned voice, the poem reminds us of the importance of cherishing beauty and love, even in the face of inevitable loss and change.

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