Labyrinths;: With, Path of thunder

by Christopher Okigbo

Christopher Ifekandu Okigbo (1930–1967) was a Nigerian poet, who died fighting for the independence of Biafra. He is today widely acknowledged as the outstanding postcolonial English-language African poet and one of the major modernist writers of the twentieth century."Elegy for Alto", the final poem in 'Path of Thunder', is today widely read as the poet's "last testament" embodying a prophecy of his own death as a sacrificial lamb for human Earth, unbind me; let me be the prodigal; let this bethe ram’s ultimate prayer to the tether . . .AN OLD STAR departs, leaves us here on the shoreGazing heavenward for a new star approaching;The new star appears, foreshadows its goingBefore a going and coming that goes on forever. . . .

Genres: Poetry, Africa, Nigeria, Literature

72 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1971

About the author

Christopher Ifekandu Okigbo (16 August 1932 – 1967) was a Nigerian poet, teacher, and librarian, who died fighting for the independence of Biafra. He is today widely acknowledged as an outstanding postcolonial English-language African poet and one of the major modernist writers of the 20th century.

Reviews

[Parker]

Got a used copy for $1 at one of the Boston Public Library's used book sales. My copy was full of dutiful annotations from its former owner. It's always a joy to find a book marked so lovingly, with analytical comments and original poems. To the poet who abandoned their work, I hope you're doing well. :)

As for my actual review of this poetry collection, I'm left stilted. While his work is thematically powerful, with well-constructed symbols, I found myself far from the emotions Okigbo tries to evoke. A lot of his messaging went over my head (except the rather excellent "Poems Prophesying War" section). However, that might be a "me" problem more than anything. Perhaps I need to sit and absorb his work more closely, like the owner before me.

[armin]

By far one of the most extraordinary collections of poetry that I have read in English... got my mind blown! spectacular! I had to return it to the library but I am pretty sure I am gonna get it again and read it over and over again! Also through the introduction I found out that Okigbo, Achebe and Soyinka were classmates which is wow!!! just wow!

[Barney Campbell]

Much of the collection went over my head if I'm being real, but what I do understand (and even what I don't) is quite amazing, in expression and idea. Parts of it, especially "poems prophesying war", feel very relevant in the current context. The final two verses of the collection:

The glimpse of a dream lies smouldering in a cave,
together with the mortally wounded birds.
Earth, unbind me; let me be the prodigal, let this be
the ram's ultimate prayer to the tether...

An old star departs, leaves us here on the shore
Gazing heavenward for a new star approaching;
The new star appears, foreshadows its going
Before a going and coming that goes forever...

[Dani Hayman]

Read for Research in Literary Studies course

[Sophie]

"He fed them on seed wrapped in wonders; / They deemed it a truth-value system, / Man out of innocence, / And there was none thirsty among them."

Wow.

[Brendan]

I don't know anyone who much reads poetry anymore. There's the effort involved and besides, it's a tricky form, more personal than prose. Donne and Dickenson might speak to you, while Baudelaire and Blake beckon me (why, yes as it happens!). Which brings us to Okigbo. Slaughtered in the Nigerian civil war of 1967 at just 35, one legend says Labyrinths includes remnants of his work, prophetically titled “the Path of Thunder”, salvaged from his burning hilltop home. And though I can't say he speaks to me, he ought to get the last word: “tears scatter, take root, burgeon into laughter of leaf...”
Sentus Libri 100 word reviews of overlooked books.

[Lady]

When I first skimmed through this book at my school's library I was attracted to the imagery and playful yet serious use of words. I almost put it back on the shelf but gave it another thought and brought this little book of poems home with me.
The poetry was well written and bordered on being really good, but often felt good enough to read once. I liked Okigbo's short summary of his character and his life on the back inside cover the most. It's a shame he died so early.
This book is worth reading at least once.

[Hayden]

Read for ENG 321: Research in literary studies.