Night
Oh, Night, you mystic veil,
Beyond the ordinary, you prevail,
A realm of shadows, dark and deep,
Where underworld spirits creep.
I try to grasp you, to telescope your might,
But you elude me, a fleeting, endless night,
Your darkness stretches, a boundless sea,
Where black cats prowl, with eyes aglow like embers' spree.
The chunky owl cries out, its eyeballs roll,
Like sockets burning, with a haunting, mournful soul,
The bat dangles, grunts, and vomits its plight,
As sleepless crickets sing, to the dull, little stars' pale light.
Cattle egrets dare not fly, in your dark, mysterious sway,
Mothers fail to recognize, their own children's faces gray,
I fear you, Night, with your jackal's eerie cry,
A time for wicked games, when robbers, witches, and wizards come alive.
But, Night, you're not all dark, and evil deeds,
For in your silence, worthy souls find noble creeds,
They study, meditate, and scribe, with idealistic zeal,
And in your stillness, they find wisdom's reveal.
Oh, Night, you're a paradox, a mystery, and a test,
A time for rest, and a time for the wicked to manifest,
But in your darkness, lies a beauty, yet unknown,
A time for reflection, and a time to call your own.
— Òjó Adésojí Rufus
About “Night”
The poem “Night” is a profound and multilayered depiction of the nocturnal realm, delving into the intricate complexities of darkness, fear, and the unknown. Through a masterful interweaving of figures of speech, the poet crafts a rich tapestry that not only reveals the night’s multifaceted nature but also invites the reader to contemplate its role in their own existence.
The poem commences by establishing the night as a mystical and enigmatic entity, a “mystic veil” that shrouds the world in an impenetrable darkness. The poet’s depiction of the night as a time of trepidation and uncertainty, when “black cats” prowl and “underworld spirits” creep, sets the tone for the remainder of the poem, expertly cultivating an atmosphere of foreboding and apprehension.
As the poem progresses, the poet skillfully reveals the night’s paradoxical nature, juxtaposing its association with darkness and fear against its potential for rest, reflection, and self-discovery. The night is portrayed as a time when “wicked games” are played, yet also a time when “worthy souls” can find “noble creeds” and “wisdom’s reveal”. This dichotomy is underscored in the final stanza, where the night is described as a “paradox” and a “mystery”, highlighting the complex and multifaceted nature of the nocturnal realm.
The poem also explores the existential fear of the unknown, as the poet describes the night as a time of fear and uncertainty. The image of the “jackals” crying out and the “robbers, witches, and wizards” coming alive creates a sense of ominous foreboding, underscoring the night’s power to inspire fear and awe. The poet’s admission that “I fear you, Night, with your jackal’s eerie cry” serves as a poignant testament to the night’s capacity to evoke both fascination and terror.
Moreover, the poem suggests that the night can be a catalyst for introspection and personal growth. The poet notes that the night is a time when “worthy souls” can find “noble creeds” and “wisdom’s reveal”, implying that the nocturnal realm can facilitate a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. This theme is reinforced in the final stanza, where the night is described as a time for “reflection” and a time to “call your own”, highlighting the night’s potential for self-discovery and empowerment.
In conclusion, the poem presents an insightful and thought-provoking portrayal of the nocturnal realm, one that challenges the reader to reevaluate their relationship with the night. As we navigate the complexities of our own existence, the poem invites us to contemplate the night’s role in our lives, to embrace its mysteries, and to harness its transformative power.
Related:
- Poem: “Obutun’s Plea” by Òjó Adésojí Rufus
- Poem: “The Churchyard Elegy” by Òjó Adésojí Rufus
- Poem: “Ògbólôgbó Àjàò” by Òjó Adésojí Rufus
- Elére-Ọmọ | Òjó Adésojí Rufus | Poetry
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I love the fact that literature texts are well treated here.Please can I get an overview of the literature texts that will be used for the 2025WAEC and JAMB
https://www.literaturepadi.com.ng/2021/03/26/2021-2025-recommended-literature-texts-for-waec-and-neco-ssce/