Well we have decided to help students by providing some insights such as summary and poetic devices and analysis of the poem to aid them understand and prepare ahead of their examination.
Poem Text
"Hearty Garlands" by S.O.H. Afriyie-Vidza
For a person who has lived as long
And one who, as well, has done much
As you
Life’s whole process blooms into stark beauty
And failures give no trite, crippling regrets
Yet. On occasion, shamed, horrid green-eyed
Envy fights benign Felicitation exclusively couched
For you
By us who won’t be left out of today’s joy
And must send you warm hearty birthday garlands
You must, you wondrous mentor of rogues like us,
Receive copious blessings today; do stay well blessed
To you
Age eighty-five is life’s smiley, cloudless dawn
It is the gainful twilight of fulfilled dreams
Hope now nods in contented concert with spent desires
Now restful Hope neither nags nor raves nor rants
At you
But your heart sits on garlanded satis shores
Looking out to sea for health-delivering vessels
From the subdued heights of your lofty conquered toils
And from flights of vanquished steps, at five and eighty,
Must you
Watch us strive and beat your mahogany chest in pride
You must shake your own hands like iroko agama
March on, old boy, do, and clinch yonder untamed gain
For yon lies mop-up work and higher tasks still
By you
To be accomplished; then must you hear trumpet sound
That to a guru must blow solo musical bravo
As you give yourself a cozy comfy treat today
Reclining in reminiscing and fondling a lingering smile
Could you
A certain style of locomotion all your own recall,
Best and aptly but simply dubbed ‘poetic walking’?
Author's Background
S.O.H. Afriyie-Vidza is a Ghanaian poet known for his rich use of language, celebratory themes, and reflections on life’s journey. His works often highlight wisdom, aging, achievements, and the appreciation of one’s contributions to society. Hearty Garlands is a tribute poem written to honor someone on their 85th birthday, celebrating a life of accomplishments, wisdom, and the lasting legacy left for the next generation.
Setting
The setting of the poem is both personal and reflective, celebrating the milestone of turning 85 and looking back on a life well-lived.
- Physical Setting: The poem implies a setting where people gather to honor an elderly mentor, possibly at a birthday celebration.
- Emotional Setting: The poem carries a tone of respect, admiration, and gratitude, as the speaker praises the elderly figure for his wisdom, achievements, and contributions to society.
Summary of "Hearty Garlands"
The poem is a tribute to an elderly man (85 years old), appreciating his life’s work, achievements, and wisdom.
- In the first stanza, the poet acknowledges the beauty of a long and well-lived life, emphasizing that failures do not bring regrets when someone has accomplished so much.
- In the second stanza, the poet acknowledges that not everyone celebrates others’ success, as envy sometimes tries to overshadow genuine joy. However, the speaker and others insist on honoring the elderly figure with heartfelt birthday wishes.
- In the third stanza, the speaker highlights 85 as a significant milestone, calling it "life’s smiley, cloudless dawn", suggesting that it is a peaceful and rewarding stage of life.
- In the fourth stanza, the poet describes how hope and ambition change with age, becoming more reflective and less restless. The elderly man is seen as someone who has found contentment but still looks forward to good health and longevity.
- In the fifth stanza, the poet compares the elderly man to a mighty tree ("mahogany chest," "iroko agama"), symbolizing strength, resilience, and wisdom. He is urged to take pride in his accomplishments and his influence on others.
- In the sixth stanza, the poet encourages the elderly man to continue striving and achieving, as there are still important things left to accomplish before his final rest.
- In the final stanza, the poet recalls a unique way of walking ("poetic walking") that defined the elderly man’s personality and presence, reflecting on his distinct and admirable character.
The poem conveys a message of celebration, gratitude, and admiration for a well-lived and meaningful life.
Stanza Structure and Analysis
The poem consists of seven stanzas, each structured in a reflective and celebratory tone. The use of direct address ("you") makes the poem personal and engaging, strengthening the connection between the speaker and the honored figure.
Stanza One (Lines 1–5)
- Celebrates longevity and achievement.
- The phrase "Life’s whole process blooms into stark beauty" suggests that living a long, fulfilled life is like watching a beautiful flower bloom.
- Failures do not bring regrets, meaning that at 85, past struggles no longer have the power to cause sorrow.
Stanza Two (Lines 6–10)
- Acknowledges that some people may be envious of the honoree’s success, but true friends and admirers still gather to celebrate him.
- "Hearty birthday garlands" symbolize appreciation, respect, and admiration.
Stanza Three (Lines 11–15)
- Highlights the significance of turning 85, calling it "life’s smiley, cloudless dawn".
- Old age is portrayed as a time of fulfillment, where past dreams have been achieved.
- "Gainful twilight" suggests that even in old age, there is still much to be proud of.
Stanza Four (Lines 16–20)
- Describes how hope and ambition settle with age.
- "Hope now nods in contented concert with spent desires" → Suggests that at 85, ambition no longer drives a person aggressively, but there is peace in what has been achieved.
- The "garlanded satis shores" represent a peaceful and satisfied state of mind.
Stanza Five (Lines 21–25)
- Honors the elder’s achievements, using strong imagery like "mahogany chest" and "iroko agama" to symbolize strength, wisdom, and resilience.
- Encourages him to take pride in his legacy and the impact he has made on others.
Stanza Six (Lines 26–30)
- The poet urges the elder to continue striving, implying that life is not over yet.
- The phrase "mop-up work and higher tasks still" suggests that even at 85, there are still meaningful things to accomplish.
- The "trumpet sound" is a metaphor for recognition and celebration of his life’s achievements.
Stanza Seven (Lines 31–35)
- Reflects on past memories, urging the elder to recall his unique way of walking, called "poetic walking".
- This final stanza brings warmth and nostalgia, encouraging the honoree to enjoy his birthday with happiness and reflection.
Themes in "Hearty Garlands"
-
Celebration of Longevity and Accomplishment
- The poem praises the honoree for living a long, meaningful life filled with achievements.
-
Wisdom and Aging
- Old age is portrayed as a time of wisdom, reflection, and contentment.
-
Recognition and Honor
- The poem highlights the importance of appreciating elders and acknowledging their contributions.
-
Legacy and Influence
- The honoree is compared to strong trees (mahogany, iroko agama), symbolizing his lasting impact on others.
Language and Style
-
Imagery:
- "Garlanded satis shores" → Symbolizes peace and fulfillment in old age.
- "Mahogany chest" and "iroko agama" → Represent strength, resilience, and wisdom.
-
Personification:
- "Hope now nods" → Hope is given human qualities, emphasizing contentment in old age.
-
Metaphor:
- "Poetic walking" → Describes a distinctive and graceful way of carrying oneself.
-
Tone:
- The tone is warm, celebratory, and reflective, creating a sense of appreciation and admiration.
WAEC/NECO Likely Questions on "Hearty Garlands"
SECTION A: Comprehension Questions
- What is the main idea of the poem?
- How does the poet describe the honoree’s old age?
- What does "poetic walking" symbolize in the poem?
- Explain the imagery in "garlanded satis shores."
SECTION B: Thematic Questions
- How does the poem celebrate wisdom and aging?
- What does the poem teach about honoring elders?
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