This poem is both personal and public. It treats both private and public themes. The poet addresses the challenge writers face, as people often see them as their messiah. People see them as being endowed with a lot of riches and wealth. However, they are all misconceptions, and this is what the poet tries to correct.
The belief in the minstrel is depicted in every stanza of this poem. The first three stanzas relate how the poor run to the minstrel for financial assistance. The citizens also believe his writing can help fight corruption. This belief is because many writers have taken their writing to the streets, protesting for human rights. The poet happens to be an example of such writers.
Ojaide was a social activist, just like Wole Soyinka. He did not limit his activism to books, but extended it to the streets. He was involved in fighting for human rights, just as expressed in his collection, the Niger Delta Blues.
The poet has a new status aside writing, many spot him protesting on the streets and this led to his imprisonment. This new status has only brought him burden, as he is unable to cope with its consequences. Though the poet may enjoy the honour, but it is burdensome.
This experience of the writer parallels what happens today in our society. The writers are worshipped, placed more than their worth. This poet address this issue, saying this is only a misconception. The writers are just like every human being, so they may not be able to solve their problems.Their are even many who are richer than them. People should not judge by their fame and affluence.
The honour they enjoy is just like an heavy load, and this is is why the poet asserts thus:
...but what load is placed on me by the muse
isn't an honour to carry with sings?
The belief in the minstrel is depicted in every stanza of this poem. The first three stanzas relate how the poor run to the minstrel for financial assistance. The citizens also believe his writing can help fight corruption. This belief is because many writers have taken their writing to the streets, protesting for human rights. The poet happens to be an example of such writers.
Ojaide was a social activist, just like Wole Soyinka. He did not limit his activism to books, but extended it to the streets. He was involved in fighting for human rights, just as expressed in his collection, the Niger Delta Blues.
The poet has a new status aside writing, many spot him protesting on the streets and this led to his imprisonment. This new status has only brought him burden, as he is unable to cope with its consequences. Though the poet may enjoy the honour, but it is burdensome.
This experience of the writer parallels what happens today in our society. The writers are worshipped, placed more than their worth. This poet address this issue, saying this is only a misconception. The writers are just like every human being, so they may not be able to solve their problems.Their are even many who are richer than them. People should not judge by their fame and affluence.
The honour they enjoy is just like an heavy load, and this is is why the poet asserts thus:
...but what load is placed on me by the muse
isn't an honour to carry with sings?
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