The poem begins with a reference to “Madonna and child”. The poet compares the image of the ideal mother and child to the mother and child in the poem and explains to readers, that nothing ever seen before, not even the perfect image of a mother and child can compare to the affection and care between the mother and son in the poem. These lines, will tell you that, her son is dying, and she “would have to forget "him. These opening lines grab complete attention of the reader.
Chinua then moves on from the mother and child to the standards of livings at a refugee camp. He lucidly describes the war scene and the lives of the people living at the refugee site. He explains to us the stench of diarrhoea that was throughout the camp, with children that are victims of malnutrition and starvation. The poet uses harsh words, such as “washed out ribs”, “ dried up bottoms” and “blown empty bellies.” to explain the severity of the situation. The circumstances, illustrate the brutality and cruelty of war and explains the lack of basic essential necessities, and hence the lack of survival. The situation is a simple effigy of the reality of life in countries at war.
A feeling of hopelessness pervades the air, as the mothers in the camp have given up faith. The situation is full of despair and despondency. However, there is hope witnessed in one mother who does not let go of her faith. Note how, there is an emphasis on “ but not this one” as if to distinguish that mother from the others, and how she had not lost trust. Although her child is dying, she comforts both him, and herself.
The “ rust coloured hair left” is another situation that illustrates the under nourishment of the child and the lack of food. The word “skull” is foreboding, and explains that doom is around the corner. Note the use of ellipses that force the reader to think of the attachment and emotional bond between mother and child.
The combing of hair is the last gesture. It is a ritual, and is a simple act taken for granted in our everyday lives. It is the very last loving touch of the mother. Due to the ailment of the child, the mother provides her child, with the only simple pleasure she can offer him; she combs his hair. This intensifies the reader’s empathy and compassion for the mother. The simplicity of this act brings to life the enormity of the painful conditions.
The poet uses simple graphic words and vivid images, creating a visual image that the reader can sense and feel. The words are skilfully woven to illustrate the misery and dejection in the refugee camp using imagery. The poet uses a metaphor “ ghost smile” and compares the smile to a ghost,. She may have been emaciated herself as she was proud to have her son, but is in dismay, as she could not protect him from the harshness of the world. The poem ends with a painful simile “now she did it like putting flowers on a tiny grave”. This demonstrates the attachment between the mother and child, and how the last gesture of combing her child’s hair, was like saying goodbye to him. Chinua’s control over the English language allows him to use plain and ordinary words but with powerful meanings to leave an impact on the reader.
The tone is painful, depressing, and one of melancholy and grief. It shows us the pain of losing a loved one, and the sorrow of war. The poem has no rhyme scheme, and is more like a eulogy or epitaph. This is because; a rhyme scheme may hamper the effect of the poem and the powerful display of emotions.
The poem teaches us the most pure and sacred relationship of a mother and child. The poem engenders a feeling of sympathy for the mother and it creates a vivid image of a mother holding on to her son, before he breathes his last. It brings to light the after-effects of war and illuminates the emotional bond between a mother and her child. The poem applies to mankind in general, and elucidates the reality and suffering of war. Chinua Achebe simply reinforces, the dread, horror and dismay of the war scene through the eyes of a mother
