Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Léopold Sédar Senghor's poem "Paris in the Snow" is a deeply reflective and poignant piece that explores themes of forgiveness, the legacy of colonialism, and the complex emotions associated with both personal and collective history. Senghor, a leading figure in the Négritude movement, uses the stark imagery of snow in Paris to meditate on the possibility of reconciliation and the enduring scars of historical injustices.

The poem opens with an invocation to the "Lord," placing the narrative within a spiritual framework. Senghor begins by stating that the Lord "visited Paris on the day of your birth / Because it had become paltry and bad." Here, Paris is depicted as a city in need of purification, a place that has lost its moral compass and has become corrupt. The snow, described as "incorruptible cold" and "the white death," is presented as a divine intervention—an attempt to cleanse the city of its sins and to offer a fresh start.

The image of snow as a symbol of purity and peace is reinforced with the line "The white flags," hoisted by the factory funnels "in harmony." The "white flags" typically symbolize surrender and peace, suggesting that the city, and perhaps the world, is momentarily united in a shared sense of peace and reflection. Senghor connects this image to the broader context of Europe, stating, "Lord, you have offered the divided world, divided Europe, / The snow of peace." The snow becomes a metaphor for the peace that is offered to a fractured world, a world torn apart by conflict and division.

However, this peace is not universally embraced. Senghor points out that "the rebels fired their fourteen hundred cannons / Against the mountains of your peace." This line underscores the resistance to peace, the refusal by some to accept reconciliation, and the persistence of violence even in the face of a divine offer of harmony. The "white cold that burns worse than salt" symbolizes the pain and discomfort that comes with confronting historical wrongs and the internal struggle to let go of hatred and anger.

As the poem progresses, Senghor shifts from the collective to the personal, acknowledging the deep-seated anger and resentment he harbors. He speaks of his heart melting "like snow in the sun," signifying a moment of vulnerability and transformation. Yet, despite this moment of grace, he recalls the "white hands" that have caused immense suffering: the hands that "loaded the guns that destroyed the kingdoms," "whipped the slaves," and "felled the high forest that dominated Africa." These hands represent the destructive force of colonialism and the exploitation that decimated African societies and cultures.

Senghor's reference to the "Sara, erect and firm in the heart of Africa, beautiful like the first men that were created by your brown hands" is a powerful evocation of the dignity and strength of African peoples before the onslaught of colonialism. The "virgin forest" of Africa, turned into "railway sleepers," symbolizes the exploitation of natural resources and the erasure of indigenous cultures in the name of so-called civilization.

Despite the weight of these historical injustices, Senghor acknowledges his struggle with forgiveness. He admits, "I can still not abandon this last hate," recognizing the difficulty of letting go of the anger that stems from such deep wounds. The "hatred of diplomats who show their long teeth" alludes to the continued exploitation and dehumanization of African peoples in the post-colonial era, where diplomatic negotiations and international relations often disguise underlying racism and economic exploitation.

However, the poem concludes on a note of transformation. Senghor's heart, "melted like the snow on the roofs of Paris," is touched by the "sun of your Goodness," representing the warmth of divine love and forgiveness. This change allows him to extend kindness to his "enemies, my brothers with the snowless white hands," signifying a profound moment of reconciliation and the recognition of shared humanity, despite the history of pain.

Senghor's final lines bring the poem full circle, with the "hands of dew that lie on my burning cheeks at night" symbolizing the gentle, healing presence that soothes his anguish and allows him to move towards forgiveness. This imagery suggests that, while the scars of history remain, there is hope for healing and reconciliation, guided by a sense of divine grace and compassion.

"Paris in the Snow" is a powerful exploration of the complexities of forgiveness in the aftermath of colonialism. Senghor masterfully weaves together themes of anger, memory, and reconciliation, using the imagery of snow to symbolize both the coldness of historical injustice and the potential for purification and renewal. The poem reflects Senghor's deep engagement with the spiritual and emotional dimensions of the African experience, offering a nuanced meditation on the possibility of overcoming hatred and embracing a shared future.

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