Original Poem：
I was a little boy, at home with strangers.
I liked my playmates, and knew well,
Whence all their parents came;
From England, Scotland, royal France
From Germany and oft by chance
The humble Emerald Isle.
But my brown skin and close-curled hair
Was alien, and how it grew, none knew;
Few tried to say, some dropped a wonderful word or stray;
Some laughed and stared.
And then it came: I dreamed.
I placed together all I knew
All hints and slurs together drew.
I dreamed.
I made one picture of what nothing seemed
I shuddered in dumb terror
In silence screamed,
For now it seemed this I had dreamed;
How up from Hell, a land had leaped
A wretched land, all scorched and seamed
Covered with ashes, chained with pain
Streaming with blood, in horror lain
Its very air a shriek of death
And agony of hurt.
Anon I woke, but in one corner of my soul
I stayed asleep.
Forget I could not,
But never would I remember
That hell-hoist ghost
Of slavery and woe.
I lived and grew, I worked and hoped
I planned and wandered, gripped and coped
With every doubt but one that slept
Yet clamoured to awaken.
I became old; old, worn and gray;
Along my hard and weary way
Rolled war and pestilence, war again;
I looked on Poverty and foul Disease
I walked with Death and yet I knew
There stirred a doubt: Were all dreams true?
And what in truth was Africa?
One cloud-swept day a Seer appeared,
All closed and veiled as me he hailed
And bid me make three journeys to the world
Seeking all through their lengthened links
The endless Riddle of the Sphinx.
I went to Moscow; Ignorance grown wise taught me Wisdom;
I went to Peking: Poverty grown rich
Showed me the wealth of Work
I came to Accra.
Here at last, I looked back on my Dream;
I heard the Voice that loosed
The Long-looked dungeons of my soul
I sensed that Africa had come
Not up from Hell, but from the sum of Heaven’s glory.
I lifted up mine eyes to Ghana
And swept the hills with high Hosanna;
Above the sun my sight took flight
Till from that pinnacle of light
I saw dropped down this earth of crimson, green and gold
Roaring with color, drums and song.
Happy with dreams and deeds worth more than doing
Around me velvet faces loomed
Burnt by the kiss of everlasting suns
Under great stars of midnight glory
Trees danced, and foliage sang;
The lilies hallelujah rang
Where robed with rule on Golden Stool
The gold-crowned Priests with duty done
Pour high libations to the sun
And danced to gods.
Red blood flowed rare ’neath close-clung hair
While subtle perfume filled the air
And whirls and whirls of tiny curls
Crowned heads.
Yet Ghana shows its might and power
Not in its color nor its flower
But in its wondrous breadth of soul
Its Joy of Life
Its selfless role
Of giving.
School and clinic, home and hall
Road and garden bloom and call
Socialism blossoms bold
On Communism centuries old.
I lifted my last voice and cried
I cried to heaven as I died:
O turn me to the Golden Horde
Summon all western nations
Toward the Rising Sun.
From reeking West whose day is done,
Who stink and stagger in their dung
Toward Africa, China, India’s strand
Where Kenya and Himalaya stand
And Nile and Yang-tze roll:
Turn every yearning face of man.
Come with us, dark America:
The scum of Europe battened here
And drowned a dream
Made fetid swamp a refuge seem:
Enslaved the Black and killed the Red
And armed the Rich to loot the Dead;
Worshipped the whores of Hollywood
Where once the Virgin Mary stood
And lynched the Christ.
Awake, awake, O sleeping world
Honor the sun;
Worship the stars, those vaster suns
Who rule the night
Where black is bright
And all unselfish work is right
And Greed is Sin.
And Africa leads on:
Pan Africa!
Analysis and Interpretation of the Poem
This evocative poem narrates the journey of a boy with brown skin growing up among strangers from diverse European backgrounds. The poem explores themes of identity, alienation, historical trauma, hope, and cultural pride. The boy’s early experiences of exclusion and misunderstanding lead him to a haunting dream of Africa as a land scarred by slavery and suffering. Yet, as he matures and travels, he gains new insights that transform his vision of Africa from a place of despair to one of glory, resilience, and cultural richness.
The poem’s vivid imagery contrasts the dark legacy of slavery and oppression with the vibrant life and spirit of Ghana and Africa. The references to historical events, such as war, pestilence, and colonial exploitation, deepen the emotional impact. The poem culminates in a powerful call for global awakening and unity, emphasizing Africa’s leadership and the importance of selfless work and joy in life.
Background and Author Introduction
While the poem does not explicitly name the author, it reflects the voice of an African writer deeply engaged with the Pan-African movement and the struggle against colonialism and racial injustice. The poem’s historical and cultural references suggest it was written in the mid-20th century, a time when many African nations were gaining independence and reclaiming their identities.
The poem’s style and themes are reminiscent of poets like Kwame Nkrumah, Léopold Sédar Senghor, or Langston Hughes, who used poetry as a vehicle for social change and cultural affirmation. The poem’s journey from childhood alienation to mature pride mirrors the collective awakening of African peoples during the era of decolonization.
Reflection and Personal Response
Reading this poem invites us to reflect on the complexities of identity and history. It challenges us to confront the painful legacy of slavery and colonialism while celebrating the resilience and beauty of African cultures. The poem’s hopeful vision encourages us to see beyond past suffering and recognize the potential for renewal and unity.
For me, the poem is a reminder of the power of dreams and the importance of understanding our roots. It inspires a commitment to justice, empathy, and the celebration of diversity. The call to “Awake, awake, O sleeping world” resonates as a timeless plea for awareness and collective action.
Educational Value and Learning Points for Children and Students
This poem offers rich learning opportunities for children and students:
- Historical Awareness: It introduces the painful history of slavery, colonialism, and their impact on African identity.
- Cultural Pride: It promotes appreciation for African heritage, traditions, and the spirit of Pan-Africanism.
- Empathy and Inclusion: The poem encourages understanding and respect for people of different backgrounds.
- Critical Thinking: Students can explore the symbolism and imagery, interpreting the poem’s deeper meanings.
- Language Skills: The poem’s vivid vocabulary and poetic devices (such as metaphor, alliteration, and imagery) provide excellent material for literary analysis.
Practical Applications in Life and Learning
- Identity Exploration: Students can relate the poem to their own experiences of feeling different or excluded.
- Creative Writing: Inspired by the poem, students can write their own poems or stories about heritage and dreams.
- Social Studies: The poem can be integrated into lessons about African history, geography, and the Pan-African movement.
- Moral Lessons: The poem teaches values such as resilience, hope, and the importance of community and selflessness.
Reading Comprehension Questions
- Where did the boy’s playmates’ parents come from?
- How did the boy feel about his own skin and hair compared to others?
- What did the boy dream about Africa?
- What changes in the boy’s perception of Africa occur throughout the poem?
- What message does the poem convey about Africa’s role in the world?
- How does the poem describe the effects of war and disease on the boy’s life?
- What is the significance of the “Golden Stool” mentioned in the poem?
- How does the poem portray the West and its relationship to Africa?
- What does the poem suggest about greed and selfishness?
- What is the overall tone or mood of the poem by the end?
Answers to Reading Comprehension Questions
- The boy’s playmates’ parents came from England, Scotland, France, Germany, and Ireland (the Emerald Isle).
- The boy felt alienated because of his brown skin and close-curled hair, which were different from others.
- He dreamed of Africa as a land scarred by slavery, pain, and suffering, almost like a hellish place.
- Over time, the boy’s perception changes to see Africa as a land of glory, culture, and hope rather than despair.
- The poem conveys that Africa leads the world in values like joy of life, selflessness, and social progress.
- War, pestilence, poverty, and disease are described as hardships the boy witnesses and endures.
- The Golden Stool symbolizes Ghana’s royal heritage, cultural pride, and spiritual authority.
- The West is portrayed negatively, associated with decay, greed, and historical injustice toward Africa.
- Greed is condemned as a sin, while unselfish work is praised as right and honorable.
- The tone shifts from alienation and fear to hope, pride, and a call for global awakening and unity.
This poem is a profound educational resource that not only teaches literary appreciation but also fosters historical understanding and moral development. It encourages young readers to embrace diversity, reflect on history, and aspire toward a just and united world.
