a mango tree at the volta
The poem 'a mango tree at the volta' is a reflective piece that explores the intersection of human ambition, nature, and existential musings. It begins by describing a gorge along the Volta River in Akosombo, a town known for the Akosombo Dam. The imagery of a wall built by a man driven mad by dreams suggests the overwhelming power of human ambition and its potential to consume vast natural resources, as indicated by the fire that swallows forests. The poem warns of the dangers of water for those unprepared, symbolizing life's challenges without faith or resources. It reflects on the vulnerability of both men and women in the face of nature's power. The poem also touches on the theme of forgotten stories and the relentless demands of nature. The imagery of something soft and broken resembling a heart suggests the emotional toll of these endeavors. The poem concludes with a meditation on time and existence, highlighting the futility of human efforts to control nature, as symbolized by the mango tree and the river. The poem's free verse form allows for a fluid exploration of these themes, emphasizing the complexity and interconnectedness of human and natural worlds.
| Word | Easy Meaning | Translation | Pron. |
|---|---|---|---|
| gorge | deep valley | a deep, narrow valley with steep sides | gawj |
| rapacious | greedy | having an excessive desire for wealth or possessions | ruh-pay-shuhs |
| resembling | looking like | looking similar | ri-zem-bling |
| silt | fine sand | fine particles of sand or clay carried by water | silt |
| offering | gift | a thing given as a gift | aw-fuh-ring |
| mad | crazy | very foolish or insane | mad |
| commanding | demanding | demanding attention | kuh-man-ding |
| faith | belief | trust or belief | fayth |
| current | flow | flowing water | kur-uhnt |
| praying | worshipping | talking to a god | pray-ing |
| emptying | clearing out | taking everything out | emp-tee-ing |
| soft | gentle | not hard or rough | soft |
| bark | tree covering | tree's outer layer | bark |
The poet of this piece is unknown. The poem appears to be a contemporary work, reflecting on themes of nature, human ambition, and existential reflection.