Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Birago Diop's poem "Viaticum" is a deeply spiritual and ritualistic piece that explores themes of ancestral connection, protection, and the journey of life. The poem vividly depicts a sacred ritual performed by the speaker and his mother, which serves as a blessing and a guide for the speaker as he embarks on his life's journey. Through rich imagery and symbolic actions, Diop conveys the enduring presence and influence of the ancestors, who offer protection and guidance as the speaker navigates the challenges and trials of the world.

The poem begins with a reference to "three pots," which are associated with the "serene breath of the ancestors" and the "happy souls" who return to them on certain evenings. These pots symbolize vessels of spiritual significance, possibly representing the connection between the physical world and the spiritual realm where the ancestors reside. The mention of "serene breath" suggests a sense of peace and wisdom that the ancestors impart, setting the tone for the ritual that follows.

The ritual itself is meticulously described, with both the mother and the speaker wetting "three fingers" and anointing them with blood—blood from a dog, a bull, and a goat. These animals may hold symbolic meaning, representing different aspects of life, strength, and sacrifice. The act of touching specific parts of the speaker's body—his forehead, left breast, and navel—with these bloodied fingers is a symbolic gesture of consecration and protection. Each touch likely represents a different blessing: the forehead for wisdom and clarity of thought, the breast for emotional strength and love, and the navel for life and vitality.

The ritual continues with the speaker raising his bloodied fingers to the four winds—North, Levant, South, and the setting sun—and to the full moon. The winds and the moon are powerful natural forces that symbolize direction, change, and the cyclical nature of life. By raising his fingers to these elements, the speaker is invoking their power and aligning himself with the natural world, seeking the protection and guidance of the ancestors who are connected to these forces. The full moon, often associated with completion and illumination, rests "deep in the largest pot," emphasizing the moon's role as a conduit for ancestral wisdom.

The act of plunging the fingers into the sand, which has "grown cold," signifies grounding and a return to the earth, connecting the speaker with the physical world and the ancestors who have passed on. This grounding in the earth, coupled with the blessings received, prepares the speaker to face the challenges that lie ahead.

The mother's words, "Go into the world, go! / They will follow your steps in life," serve as both an encouragement and a reassurance. The speaker is now ready to embark on his journey, with the knowledge that the ancestors' protective presence will accompany him wherever he goes. This ancestral protection is depicted as a "Breath" that moves before him, shielding him from the "wicked" and the "Men with black hearts"—those who harbor envy and malice.

As the poem concludes, the speaker reflects on his journey, which takes him "beyond the sea and even farther, / beyond the sea and beyond the beyond." This suggests that the journey is not just physical but also spiritual, extending beyond the known world into the realms of the unknown. The presence of the ancestors is a constant, guiding force that provides the speaker with the strength and confidence to face whatever lies ahead.

"Viaticum" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of traditional African spirituality and the deep connection between the living and the ancestors. Through the detailed description of the ritual, Diop emphasizes the importance of ancestral blessings and protection in navigating the complexities of life. The poem reflects a worldview in which the spiritual and physical realms are intertwined, and where the guidance of the ancestors is a vital source of strength and wisdom. Diop's use of vivid imagery and symbolic actions creates a rich tapestry that speaks to the enduring power of tradition, the importance of family, and the eternal bond between the living and those who have passed on.

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