Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Noemia de Sousa's poem "Appeal" is a poignant and heart-wrenching exploration of loss, oppression, and the enduring strength of African identity. As a Mozambican poet writing during the colonial period, de Sousa's work is imbued with a deep sense of social justice and a profound connection to her African heritage. "Appeal" serves as both a lament and a call to action, mourning the silenced voice of a "forest sister" while simultaneously invoking the resilience of the African spirit.

The poem begins with a stark question: "Who has strangled the tired voice / of my forest sister?" This question immediately sets the tone of the poem, conveying a sense of urgency and loss. The "forest sister" represents the women of Africa, burdened by the weight of colonial oppression and societal expectations. The imagery of her voice being "strangled" suggests a violent silencing, an eradication of her ability to speak out and assert herself. This silencing is further emphasized by the description of her call to action being "lost in the endless flow of night and day," indicating a sense of despair and helplessness.

De Sousa's use of repetition in the lines "mile after mile drowned / in the everlasting cry: Macala! / No, it comes no more" reinforces the idea of this voice being swallowed up by the relentless passage of time and the overwhelming forces of oppression. The word "Macala!" is a cry of struggle and resistance, a voice that once echoed through the land but now has been extinguished. The repetition of "always, always, always!" in describing the burden of motherhood, with "one child on her back, another in her womb," underscores the cyclical nature of this oppression, as women are continually weighed down by their roles and responsibilities, with no respite in sight.

The poem then shifts to a more personal reflection, as the speaker recalls the "gentle look" of the forest sister, a look that stirs deep emotions within them, causing their "flesh and blood [to] swell tremulous." This look is described as "immeasurable," suggesting a profound and boundless connection between the speaker and the forest sister, one that transcends mere physical presence. The speaker laments the loss of this connection, feeling a deep "hunger after comradeship" that can never be satisfied. The imagery of hunger is powerful here, as it conveys a sense of longing and emptiness that goes beyond the physical, touching on a spiritual and emotional void left by the forest sister's absence.

As the poem progresses, the speaker grows increasingly desperate in their search for answers, asking, "Who can have shot the noble voice / of my forest sister?" The use of the word "shot" introduces a more direct and violent image, suggesting that this silencing was not accidental but rather a deliberate act of brutality. The reference to a "mean and brutal rhino-whip" further emphasizes the violent nature of this oppression, drawing a parallel between the physical violence inflicted on the body and the psychological violence inflicted on the spirit.

In the final stanzas, the speaker turns to the natural world, describing the seringa tree in their garden as blooming "with an evil omen in its purple flower." The once-beautiful tree now carries a sense of foreboding, its "intense inhuman scent" serving as a reminder of the loss that permeates the speaker's world. The chirico, a bird that sings "in vain," symbolizes the futility of this natural beauty in the face of such profound loss. The imagery of the "light mat of petals" waiting for the forest sister's child to rest upon it further underscores the tragedy of her absence, as even nature itself seems to mourn her loss.

The poem concludes with a direct appeal to Africa, the "motherland," asking for an answer to the question of what was done to the forest sister. The speaker implores Africa not to forsake the "heroic sister," expressing hope that she will live on in the "proud memorial" of Africa's arms. This final plea is both a recognition of the enduring strength of African identity and a call to remember and honor those who have been silenced and oppressed.

"Appeal" is a powerful expression of the pain and suffering endured by African women under colonial rule, as well as a tribute to their resilience and strength. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, Noemia de Sousa captures the profound sense of loss and longing that comes from the silencing of a vital voice, while also affirming the enduring power of the African spirit.

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