The Invocation

"The Invocation," part of Gabriel Okara's "The Fisherman's

Invocation," is a poem rich in symbolism and imagery, exploring
themes of creation, transformation, and the cyclical nature of life.
The poem uses the elements of the sun, the moon, and the earth to
convey a sense of interconnectedness between the divine and the
earthly, as well as the past and the present.

The speaker begins by holding the sun and gods in their hands,
symbolizing power and divine presence. This act of seeing extends
to the earth and the universe, suggesting a deep connection with
the cosmos. The repeated phrase "I see" emphasizes the speaker's
awareness and insight into these profound connections.

The poem moves to the imagery of the moon and the womb,
suggesting themes of birth and creation. The speaker describes
themselves and others as shapes within the womb of the earth,
highlighting the idea of being part of a larger, cyclical process. The
sun is described as the "sperm of sperms," playing a role in this
creation, while the moon is depicted as a midwife, gently guiding
the transformative process.

As the poem progresses, the speaker describes a dance and song,

symbolizing the interplay of natural forces and the approach of a
significant transformation, referred to as "the Front." This
transformation is described with powerful imagery, such as the sun
playing, the rush of the river, and the deep drums of the gods, all
contributing to a sense of movement and anticipation.

Ultimately, "The Invocation" captures the essence of life as a dance

between the elements, where creation and transformation are
ongoing processes. The poem's vivid imagery and rhythmic
language evoke a sense of awe and reverence for the natural world
and its mysteries.
Contextual Background: The poem suggests a spiritual or
ritualistic invocation, possibly connected to traditional or indigenous
cultures where the natural world and its elements—such as the sun,
moon, earth, and water—are revered and considered sacred. The
imagery of the sun and moon, and references to the earth as a
womb, indicate a deep respect for the cyclical nature of life and the
universe. These themes are common in many cultural traditions
where the natural environment plays a central role in spiritual
beliefs and practices.

Significance of the Title: The title "Invocation" implies a calling

upon or summoning of spiritual or divine forces. In many cultures,
an invocation is a prayer or incantation meant to invite the presence
of deities or spiritual energies. Here, the invocation seems to be
directed towards natural elements, suggesting that the poet is
seeking a connection with the universe's creative forces.

Intention of the Poet: The poet seems to aim to explore the

interconnectedness of all things, using the metaphor of the "womb"
and "shapes" to represent the origins and shared essence of life.
The repeated imagery of the sun and moon in one's hands conveys
a sense of personal power and responsibility, as if the speaker holds
the universe's creative potential within themselves. The poem's
structure and repetition create a rhythmic, almost chant-like quality,
reinforcing the idea of a ritual or prayer.

Stanza by Stanza

Stanza 1: The speaker begins with a powerful image of holding the

sun in their hands, suggesting immense power and divine
connection. The repetition of "I see" emphasizes the speaker's
awareness and ability to perceive beyond the ordinary. The mention
of "the Gods in the sun" and "the Back" and "the Front" introduces a
duality or dichotomy, possibly representing the past and future, or
the hidden and the revealed.
Stanza 2: This stanza shifts the perspective to the reader or
listener, who is now also seeing these powerful images in the
speaker's hands. The repetition of "You are seeing" suggests a
shared vision or understanding between the speaker and the
audience. The stanza ends with the speaker reaffirming their vision
with "I see," reinforcing the connection between the seer and the
seen.

Stanza 3: The imagery shifts from the sun to the moon, another
powerful celestial body. The moon in the speaker's hands continues
the theme of holding cosmic power. The "back of the womb"
introduces the concept of creation and birth, with the womb
symbolizing potential and origin. The repetition of "I see" maintains
the theme of awareness and perception.

Stanza 4: The stanza explores the idea of identity and form, with
the speaker and the listener both described as "just a shape in the
womb" and "a shape of the Earth." This reflects the
interconnectedness of all beings and the Earth, emphasizing the
cyclical nature of life and creation.

Stanza 5: The Earth is described as "the womb of wombs,"

highlighting its role as the source of all life. The sun is described as
"sperm of sperms," suggesting its role in creation and life-giving
energy. The sun "playing in your front" and "urging my blood"
evokes movement and vitality, as life is continually created and
renewed.

Stanza 6: The speaker describes a dynamic interaction between

the sun, the Back, and the Front, with the sun playing and urging
movement. The "song of the Back" and the "dancing Back" suggest
a rhythm or cycle, with the Front coming "gently" but "painfully,"
indicating the challenges of creation and birth.

Stanza 7: The speaker calls upon the "midwifemoon" to assist in

the birthing process, rubbing "down the back of the Back." The
 imagery of mermaids singing beneath river waves evokes an
underwater, mystical world, suggesting the hidden depths of
creation and the nurturing role of the moon.

Stanza 8: The speaker invites the sun and moon to continue their
play, with the Front "coming gushing" like a river overcoming
obstacles. This imagery reinforces the idea of creation as a powerful,
unstoppable force, breaking through barriers to bring new life.

Stanza 9: The deep drums of water and Gods mingle with the
drums of "Today," suggesting a fusion of ancient and contemporary
forces. This blending of sounds symbolizes the merging of past and
present, the eternal cycle of life, and the anticipation of the Front's
arrival.

Stanza 10: The Front is described as breaking through the

speaker's "ruptured inside," with a "million-tongued lightning"
flashing in their head. This explosive imagery conveys the intensity
and transformative power of creation, as the new emerges from the
old.

Stanza 11: The poem concludes with the command for the
"thunder God" to rumble, suggesting a divine presence overseeing
this cosmic dance of creation. The thunder signifies power and
change, as the forces of nature and divinity unite to bring forth new
life.

Themes
1. Creation and Existence:
o The poem explores the genesis of life, symbolized by the sun and
moon as powerful forces of creation. The sun is described as "sperm
of sperms," suggesting the inception of life, while the Earth is the
"womb of wombs," reinforcing the idea of the planet as a nurturing,
life-giving force.
2. Interconnectedness:
o There is a strong emphasis on the connection between the
individual and the universe. The speaker and the elements (sun,
moon, Earth) are intertwined, reflecting a holistic view of existence.
The speaker's repeated assertion "I am" underscores this unity with
the cosmos.

3. Transformation and Renewal:

o The imagery of birth and rebirth permeates the poem. The "Front"
and "Back" can be interpreted as metaphors for the cyclical nature
of life, with the "Front" representing new beginnings and the "Back"
symbolizing history and past experiences.

Tones
1. Reverent:
o The tone is one of reverence for the natural world and its mysteries.
The speaker acknowledges the power and majesty of the sun, moon,
and Earth, treating them as divine entities.

2. Mystical:
o There is a mystical quality to the language, evoking a sense of
wonder and awe at the forces of nature and their role in the cycle of
life.

3. Urgent:
o The poem conveys a sense of urgency, particularly in its depiction of
the "Front" coming "rushing" and "gushing." This urgency reflects
the unstoppable force of nature and the inevitability of change.

Literary Devices
1. Repetition:
o The use of repetition, such as "I see" and "You are seeing," creates a
rhythmic structure that emphasizes the interconnectedness of the
speaker and the universe. It also reinforces the poem's meditative
quality.
2. Imagery:
o Vivid imagery is employed throughout the poem to evoke the sights
and sounds of nature. The "sun in my hands" and "moon in my
hands" are powerful visual metaphors that illustrate the speaker's
intimate connection with these celestial bodies.

3. Personification:
o The sun and moon are personified, described as playing and
rubbing, which imbues them with life and agency. This device
highlights their active role in the creation and transformation
processes.

4. Symbolism:
o The "Back" and "Front" serve as symbols of past and future,
respectively, while the "midwifemoon" symbolizes the nurturing
aspect of nature, aiding in the birth of new life and ideas.

5. Contrast:
o The poem contrasts different elements such as the "Back" and
"Front," and the "sperm of sperms" with the "womb of wombs," to
underscore the duality and balance inherent in the natural world.

Characteristic of Okara’s Poem:

1. Imagery and Symbolism: Okara frequently employs vivid imagery
and potent symbolism to convey complex themes. In "Invocation,"
we see recurring images of the sun, moon, earth, and elements of
nature, which are symbolic of creation, life, and the
interconnectedness of existence. For instance, the sun and moon
are central images that represent life forces and cycles.
2. African Cultural Elements: Okara often draws on African
traditions and cosmology. The poem references gods, earth, and
natural elements, evoking a sense of spirituality and connection to
African heritage. The imagery of "midwifemoon" and the "assembly
of mermaids" suggests a blending of traditional beliefs and
mythologies.
3. Repetition and Rhythm: The use of repetition, as seen in the
repeated phrases like "I see" and "You are seeing," creates a
rhythmic and incantatory quality, which is a hallmark of Okara's
 style. This repetition emphasizes the poem's meditative and
ritualistic tone, akin to an invocation or chant.
4. Exploration of Identity and Existence: Okara often explores
themes of identity and the essence of being. In "Invocation," the
speaker reflects on their own existence ("I am just a shape in the
womb") and the relationship between the individual and the
universe. This introspection is common in Okara's work, where
personal and collective identities are intertwined.
5. Interconnection of Opposites: The poem frequently juxtaposes
opposites, such as the "Back" and "Front," suggesting a balance and
unity in duality. This theme of interconnectedness is a recurring
motif in Okara's poetry, reflecting the complex nature of life and the
universe.
6. Musicality and Sound: Okara's poetry often has a musical quality,
and "Invocation" is no exception. The poem's structure, rhythm, and
sound patterns, such as the "deep drums of deep water" and the
"clatter of the drums of Today," contribute to its musicality and
enhance its sensory impact.