Title: Once Upon a Time

Poet: Gabriel Okara

Poet Introduction: A
celebrated Nigerian poet and novelist, Okara explores cultural identity and
modernity, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections in his work.
Theme: The loss of authenticity in human relationships and the longing for sincere emotional
connections.
Characters: The Speaker,a reflective parent yearning for authenticity, and the Son, a symbol of
innocence and genuine emotion.
Genre: Lyrical poetry
Gabriel Okara (born 1921) is a Nigerian poet and novelist. His poem The Call of the River Nun won the
best award for Literature at the Nigerian Festival of Arts in 1953. His first novel, The Voice, is an
outstanding linguistic experiment. The Fisherman's Invocation (1978) and two books for children, Little
Snake and Little Frog (1981)and An Adventure to Juju Island (1992).
connection and
In the poem "Once Upon a Time," the speaker reflects on the loss of genuine human
authenticity, particularly in relation to their child. The poem begins with a nostalgic recollection of a
time when laughter and greeting were sincere, characterized by heartfelt emotions rather than
convey
superficial gestures. The lines "They used to laugh with their hearts / And laugh with their eyes"
way of interacting:
a sense of warmth and authenticitythat has been replaced by a hollow, mechanical
Search behind my shadow.".
"But now theyonly laugh with their teeth/While their ice-block-cold eyes/
compel
The progression of the poem reveals a deeper commentary on how societal pressures
hearts" and searching "my
individuals to mask their true selves. The imagery of shaking hands "without
connection is substituted
empty pockets" reflects atransactional nature in relationships, where genuine
learned behavior, where they wear
for self-interest. The speaker's disillusionment culminates in their
societal norms,
"many faces/ Like dresses."This metaphor encapsulates the adaptability demanded by
context-be it at home, in the office, or in
where one must conform to various roles depending on the
a facade, resulting ina life filled with
social settings. Each face is a mask, hiding the authentic self behind
underscores a resignation to this
disingenuous interactions. The repeated phrase "I have learned"
"Goodbye" becomes "Good
artificiality, where even greetings and farewells lose their meaning.
riddance," and "Glad to meet you" is uttered without anygenuine gladness.
speaker expresses a
Amid this melancholic reflection, there is a poignant yearning for the past. The
"unlearn allthese muting things."
desire to return toa time of innocence and authenticity, longing to
profound struggle against the
This desire to "relearn" genuine laughter and connection illustrates a
emotionaldesensitization that accompanies societal expectations.
seeking guidance inrediscovering joy and
Inthe closing lines, the speaker directlyaddresses their child,
hope that through the innocence and
sincerity. The plea to "show me, son / How to laugh" signifies a
self. The final image of laughter that is
authenticity of youth, the speaker can reclaim their lost sense of
fangs"-serves as a powerful reminder of the joy
genuine rather than serpentine--"like asnake's bare
genuine human connections, as
that can be found in authenticity. Moral: Cherish and nurture
authenticity is essential for true happiness and understanding.
 Titiecontessions of a born spectator
Poet: FredericOgden Nash
Theme Self acceptance and contentment with one's iclentity,
offering a humorous perspective on
athietics and individuality
Poet Int roducion Frederic OgdcnNash
(1902-1971) was a celebrated Arrnerican p0et known for his
light verse and humorous take on everyday
subjects, having writtenover 500 pieces that often featured
unconventional rthymes and wit.
Frederic Ogden Nash's poem "The Spirit of Sport"
contentment with one's identity through a playful humorously
reflection
explores self-acceptance and
on athletics. The speaker begins by
obseving the various paths individuals take in sports:
Another plays basketbal! or hockey." This opening sets"One infant grows up and becomes a jockey,/
the stage for a contrast between the glory of
athletes and the speaker's own sense of
As the pOem progresses, the speaker fulfillment not participating in sports.
in
acknowledges the admiration they hold for athletes who engage in
physically demanding activities: "With all my heart Ido admire / Athletes who sweat for fun or
This admiration is layered with a sense of hire."
relief, as the speaker finds joy in their own
3m just glad as glad can be / That Iam not identity, stating, "I
them, that they are not me." Here, Nash
of self-acceptance, emphasizing that it's captures the essence
perfectly acceptable to appreciate the talents of others without
aspiring to replicate them.
The speaker humorously reflects on the intensity of
sports, illustrating the physical toll they can take:
"When swollen eye meets gnarled fist / When snaps the knee, and
cracks the wrist." The imagery evokes
the dangers of athleticcompetition, allowing the reader to
of a spectator. Theyrecognize the struggle between ego and
understand why the speaker prefers the role
prudence, concluding that "prudent wins"
when faced with the risks of athleticism.
In awitty twist, the speaker expresses gratitude for their "modest physique," which
shields them from
the injuries and demands of competition. They enjoy watching athletes from a distance: ""ldrink to
you
/Or eat with you, / Or anything except compete with you." This line reinforces the poem's theme of
self-acceptance and the appreciation of others' talents.
The poem culminates in a celebration of athletes while reaffirming the speaker's contentment in their
Own role. The final sentiment, "That you are not me and I'm not you," encapsulates the message that
everyone has unique strengths and paths in life. Nash's light verse invites readers to embrace their
individuality while admiring the achievements of others, reminding us that every role--whether in
competition or as a spectator- isvaluable and worthyof respect.
Moral: It's perfectly acceptable to admire others' talents while embracing and celebrating our own
unique strengths and paths.
 Titie: Lines Written
in Eariy
Poet: Witiam Wordsworth Sprig
Iheme ihe contrast betmpen thr
Characters The speaker ttan)uility nt natutr attd the
turmoit hurman soCietY
of
Poet Int roduction William (reprpsroting humavity), Natre, and the birts and flowers
Woworth (1720 in the grOve
ngist iterature, known for his IR50)was a leading figute of
protound tove of nature andexploration of the Romanti. Movement in
Wordsworth NAs Britain'& poet Laureate from 1843 untit his hurmar ernotion.
CUckoØ are few f hik tamoUS death. Daffodii%, the solitary reaper, to the
poems.
William Wordsworth's poem "Lines Written in Early
{he seenity o nature and the Spring" poignantly explores the contrast
turmoiiof human society. At its core, the poem between
tranquttity and harmony of the natural world stand in stark reflects on h0w the
prevalent in human life. opposition to the discord and turmoil
Wordsworth begins by depicting a serene moment in nature, expressing, "I
notes / While in a grove Isate reclined." This idyllic heard a thousand blended
setting evokes a sense of peace and contemplation,
especially in "that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts / Bring sad thoughts to the
beauty Surrounding him, a sense of melancholy arises as he reflects on
mind." Despite the
the state of humanity,
highlighting the tension between nature's beauty and human sorrow.
The poet conveys a beiief in the inherent goodness and purity of nature,
suggesting that "to her fair
works did Nature link / The human soul that through me ran."
However, he expresses deep sorrOw at
"what Man has made of Man," lamenting humanity's destructive tendencies and
deviation from natural
harmoiy. This critique emphasizes how industrialization and urbanization have caused a disconnect
between people and nature, lead1ng to moral and spiritual degradation.
Throughout the poem, Wordsworth observes the joyous activities of birds and the budding twigs. He
describes how "the birds around me hopp'd and play'd," capturing their carefree essence, and notes
that "the budding twigs spread out their fan / To catch the breezy air." This natural joy contrasts sharply
with the chaos and disharmony that often characterize human society, marked by greed and conflict.
Wordsworth questions why the belief in nature's innate goodness, which he attributes to a divine source,
shouid not also extend to humaity: "if this belief from heaven be sent, / If such be Nature's holy plan, |
Have i not reason to lament / What Man has made of Man?"
Hisreflections serve as a critique of modernity, suggesting that by forsaking our connection to nature,
we have lost touch with our true selves and caused harm to both the environment and our own well
being. Wordsworth's lamentationcals for areturn to a more harmonious relationship with nature,
where humanity can once again find solace and redemption.
in conciusion, "Lines Written in Early Spring" is a poignant exploration of the relationship between
humanity and nature, as wellas the consequences of human actions on the natural world. Through vivid
inagery and introspective reflection, Wordsworth highlights the beauty and purity of nature while
lamenting the discord of human society. His poem serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of
preserving and cherishing the natural world, as well as the necessity for humanity to reevaluate its
relationship with the environment. Reconnecting with nature, as Wordsworth suggests, can lead to
personal and societal harmony. Moral: Reconnecting with nature can lead to personal and societal
harmony