Introduction “A Wreath of Tears” is a touching poem by Kobena Eyi Acquah that describes the funeral of a humble man, Osofopon (Rt. Rev) S. B. Esamuah, who had buried many people himself. The poem takes a critical look at the nature of modern funerals and highlights the importance of personal grief. This article will provide a detailed analysis of the poem, exploring its literary devices and themes.
A Detailed Analysis of “A Wreath of Tears” Poem by Kobena Eyi Acquah
In the poem “A Wreath of Tears” by Kobena Eyi Acquah, the poet reflects on a quiet and small funeral, which he sees as a contrast to the trend of commercialized funerals. The poem pays tribute to a pastor, Osofopon (Rt. Rev) S. B. Esamuah, who may have lost many loved ones in their lifetime, given their experience in burying so many people. The poet observes that the person being remembered knew how personal and private grief must be, implying that they were a humble and empathetic person.
The poet notes that there was no wreath sent to the funeral, which was unusual. He suggests that there may have been a disagreement over sending wreaths, with the mourners not wanting to offend anyone. However, the poet criticizes this decision, indicating that there was regret in not sending flowers or wreaths.
Instead of flowers or wreaths, the poet describes the mourners weaving a wreath of tears. This metaphorical wreath is made up of personal losses and is worn around the heart, outlasting any tombstone. The use of figurative language in the poem conveys the deep emotions and personal grief felt by the mourners.
The poet uses literary devices such as metaphor and allusion to convey their message effectively. The poem’s tone is reflective and melancholic, conveying a sense of loss and personal grief. Overall, the poem serves as a tribute to a humble and empathetic pastor while also highlighting the importance of acknowledging and expressing personal grief.
Literary Devices Used in “A Wreath of Tears” Poem
Structure and Form
The poem is composed of six stanzas, each consisting of three to four lines. The lines are relatively short, with an average length of ten words. The poem’s structure and form are simple, reflecting the humble nature of the person being eulogized.
Imagery and Metaphors
The poem uses various metaphors and images to convey its message. For example, in line 2, the funeral is described as “almost too small, it is said/ for a man of your stature,” which creates an image of a modest funeral that contrasts with the ostentatious funerals that are prevalent today. Additionally, the image of “plucking with care/ a rose here, an ivy there
” (line 7) is a metaphor for the process of grieving, which involves carefully selecting memories and feelings associated with the deceased.
Tone and Mood
The poem’s tone and mood are somber and reflective, reflecting the solemnity of the occasion. The poem’s tone is also critical of the modern funeral industry, which often prioritizes commercial gain over personal grief.
Alliteration
The poem also uses alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and musicality. For example, in line 3, “a plain pine box” uses the repeated “p” sound to create a soft and mournful tone.
Themes The main themes of the poem include:
The Importance of Personal Grief
The poem emphasizes the importance of personal grief and the need for people to take time to mourn in their own way. The lines “For tears that were not shed/ are the ones that wound the deepest” (lines 16-17) highlight the importance of expressing one’s emotions and not bottling up grief.
The Hypocrisy of Modern Funerals
The poem is critical of the modern funeral industry, which often emphasizes commercial gain over personal grief. The lines “The casket, wreath, and hearse/ are not what say farewell” (lines 13-14) suggest that material trappings of funerals are not the most important aspects of saying goodbye to a loved one.
The Humility of Death
The poem highlights the humility of death and the fact that everyone, regardless of their social status or wealth, will eventually face the same fate. The lines “Death is a leveller, they say/ and it’s a true leveler too” (lines 11-12) underscore the universality of death and the fact that it is a part of the human experience.
In conclusion, “A Wreath of Tears” is a poignant and reflective poem that highlights the importance of personal grief and criticizes the commercialization of modern funerals. The poem’s simple structure and use of metaphors and alliteration create a mournful and reflective tone that resonates with readers. The themes of personal grief, the hypocrisy of modern funerals, and the humility of death are all explored in the poem, making it a powerful and thought-provoking work of literature.
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