Rapid is the tapping
on the borrowed drum,
hammering a tune it learned
in Odomankoma's class of
dondo-logy.
It beats a beat with its beak
so hard and fast
the dondo cannot help
but lose pieces of itself.
Pradada-dada, tap tap
Prododo-dodo, dondo.
A rhythm unknown
to any mortal ear
but the woodpecker's,
who really knows
and understands
Odomankoma's
favourite tune.
Odomankoma's Drummer - Kwadwo Kwarteng
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5 comments:
At a glance, it looks light and casual. But when well-read, it suddenly becomes weighty - by virtue of the message it carries.
Any compact verse which contains this might of symbolsm is bound to be valued.
Nevertheless, a lay reader may not feel comfortable with the literal or dennotative sense of the first verse in particular. It is suggestive of obsession and domineering.
But I see it as an intense utilisation of a nutural
opportunity. There's vision or an activity of utmost economy of skill. Excuse me to say, I'm almost seduced.
Well let me get my big fat Oxford--English dictionary..out-and look up --dennotative--so i can understand what this man means-me thinks simplicity is da secret.
Good work, Kwadwo. Your poem is sacred. I don't know why the first person to comment finds it seductive.
Certainly, there's no sexual undertones in the poem. I was only referring to the drummer's honour / pride ( for being the only subject 'who really knows and understands Odomankoma's favourite tune'). Isn't that glorious?
I was also took delight in its assertive: 'Pradada-dada'. The sound is pleasurable. One could easily be tempted to dance to its 'rapid' beat.
Thanks for giving the African drum a beautiful highlight.It was and it is and will be forever be our medium of communication with our unseen beings.Our ancestors must proud of you in their grave!Kudos bro
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