“Heavensgate” by Christopher Okigbo

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Biography of Poet
Christopher Okigbo was born in Eastern Nigeria. He studied at Government College, Umuahia and University College, Ibadan. He served at University of Nigeria, Nsukka before the outbreak of the Biafran war. He fought in the war and was killed.
Analysis of the Poem
This poem is about a lost soul seeking redemption and protection from the powerful spiritual being who he had left. The persona likens himself to the prodigal son in the bible; he has discovered his mistakes and therefore seeks forgiveness and protection from this spiritual being: Mother Idoto.
The persona also describes the setting and the place of this Idoto in stanza two. He waits for this being, under her mighty power. He waits patiently and watches.
In the last stanza, the persona shows how sad he is. “From the depth of his heart” emanates this cry that yearns for forgiveness and acceptance by this mighty supernatural being.
Form/Structure: This is a poem of four stanzas. The structure of the poem is scattered, and this shows the confusion of the persona who seeks acceptance.
Tone/Mood: The tone is that of one who is optimistic; the mood is that of sadness.
Language/Diction: The language of the poem is easy to comprehend.
Imagery: The persona arouses a reader’s sense of sight throughout the lines of the poem.
Figures of Speech:
1.      Metaphor: “… watchman for the watchword…”
2.      Personification: “… give ear and hearken…”
Poetic Devices:
1.      Alliteration: “… lost in your legend…” (Line 6).
                     “… watchman for the watchword …” (Line 9).
2.      Consonance: “… watchman for the watchword…”
Themes:
1.      Repentance.
2.      Forgiveness.
Chinwe O'Brien is a writer and a blogger. He is currently doing a degree program in English and Literature. He blogs at http://www.bettertim.blogspot.com. He wishes to make the world a better place for all.


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