AFRICAN POETRY
Examine the use of imagery in “Ambassadors of Poverty“.
Explanation
Umeh uses predominating visual images to express his disgust with the corruption which is prevalent in African societies. There is an omission of shared guilt as everyone is adjudged to be corrupt.
The negative activities of the so-called "Ambassadors" expose the depth of the corruption in these societies. They are all "Ambassadors of Poverty" aiving the word "ambassador" an ironical twist, "corrupt masters of the economy and determined merchants of the loot". In one way or the other, these contribute to the impoverishment of the nation.
The visual image involving "the head abroad and the anus at home" emphasizes the stench of the endemic corruption in the society. There is the image of government workers who are described as "office loafers" and barons of incompetence. They too are corrupt; their corrupt activities impoverish the nation.
Then follows groups of other images involving "the landlords" who charge exorbitant rents, thus contributing to the theme of corruption. The political elite, the rancorous elite, and the elusive importers pursue their own comfort and personal wealth at the expense of the poor. There are also the able-bodied men and the idlers in the society who are without motive, without vision and mission.
The poem ends on a sad note. The "Ambassadors of Poverty" "are all of us .... Whose inactions! steal our collective joy ..." and "bargain away/our conscience".