A Kingdom Renaissance- By Emmanuel Dumbuya Poem by Emmanuel Dumbuya

2. ABOUT THE POET Emmanuel Dumbuya is a Sierra Leonean poet, author, and educator. He has written several poems, short stories, and novels that explore themes of community, tradition, identity, and social justice. (Bed Bugs in Suit, Switch of Fate etc) Dumbuya's writing often reflects his experiences growing up in Sierra Leone, and his work often advocates for the rights of marginalized and oppressed communities. His poetic work is characterized by its accessible language, poignant imagery, and use of literary devices such as metaphor and symbolism. His writing is often deeply personal and reflects his own struggles and experiences, as well as those of the people and communities around him. Emmanuel Dumbuya's poetry and general writings of literature gives him credence as a talented and thoughtful poet whose work explores important themes and issues of humanity, governance and ethics of nation building. His writing is accessible and engaging, making it a valuable contribution to contemporary literature. Emmanuel Dumbuya is a teacher at Njala University attached to the international school. 3. AN OVERVIEW ANALYSIS OF THE POEM-'A KINGDOM RENAISSANCE' BY EMMANUEL DUMBUYA The poem 'A Kingdom Renaissance' by Emmanuel Dumbuya explores the theme of the loss of traditional culture (colonialism vs. neocolonialism) and values in a community. The speaker reflects on the changes that have occurred in his community which is contextually subjective, he describes it as a 'home, ' and laments the loss of the old ways of life. The poem is generally a nostalgic reflection on the loss of a once-united and communal way of life. The poem consists of stanzas, each with its own distinct theme and imagery. The poem begins with an idyllic image of a home where children play in the rain and love and truth are valued. The speaker then contrasts this with the current state of his community, where greed, hate, and corruption have taken hold, and the once cherished values that have been abandoned due to mentioned imminent socio-cultural innovations. The loss of traditional culture and acceptable socio-moral attitude is a central theme of the poem. The speaker notes that the children have left the homes that were built with love and that they no longer follow the same codes and songs. The speaker laments that the drumming and dancing, which were once an important part of their culture, have been forgotten. The poem also touches on the theme of unity and the importance of community. The speaker notes that people no longer shake hands or greet each other by name, indicating a loss of connection between individuals. However, the speaker holds onto the hope that the community can come together again, even with the changes that have occurred. In the first stanza, the speaker describes a lost paradise of sorts, where children played in the rain and families gathered around the fireside. This stanza establishes the theme of nostalgia for a simpler, more communal way of life, where people were unashamed to help each other and live in harmony. The figure of speech used in this stanza is personification, where the home is given human qualities of being 'sheltered with love and armored in truth.' The second stanza shifts to a more despairing tone, as the speaker laments the loss of this idyllic way of life. The speaker notes that the children have left, and that the traditions and customs that once bound the community together have been lost. This stanza also introduces the theme of cultural identity, as the speaker notes that the new generation has mixed the old codes and songs with strange rhythms and notes. The figure of speech used in this stanza is metaphor, where the lost traditions are likened to 'drums left to dust.' The final stanza provides a glimmer of hope amidst the despair, as the speaker suggests that there is still a chance to return to the old way of life. The theme of hope is reinforced through the repetition of the word 'we, ' suggesting a collective effort is needed to bring about change. The figure of speech used in this stanza is imagery, where the raindrops are described as 'strange and different, ' but still capable of providing joy. In conclusion, 'A Kingdom Renaissance' is a poignant poem that explores the loss of traditional culture and values in a community. The speaker reflects on the changes that have occurred and the hope that the community can come together again despite these changes. The use of personification, metaphor, and imagery effectively convey the themes of nostalgia, cultural identity, and hope. 4. THE USE OF LANGUAGE AND DICTION IN THE POEM The use of language and diction in 'A Kingdom Renaissance' by Emmanuel Dumbuya is appropriate for the themes and tone of the poem. The language is simple and accessible, making it easy for readers to connect with the emotions and experiences described in the poem. The use of imagery and metaphor helps to create vivid and evocative descriptions of the lost way of life, which reinforces the theme of nostalgia. The diction is also appropriate for the themes of the poem. The words used in the poem are carefully chosen to convey the sense of loss and longing for a simpler, more communal way of life. For example, words like 'abandoned, ' 'contaminated, ' and 'rat race' create a sense of despair and hopelessness, while words like 'tolerance, ' 'acceptance, ' and 'empowerment' offer a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. In conclusion, the use of language and diction in 'A Kingdom Renaissance' by Emmanuel Dumbuya is appropriate for the themes and tone of the poem. The simplicity of the language and the carefully chosen words and phrases effectively convey the emotions and experiences of the speaker, while the use of imagery, metaphor, and repetition reinforces the themes of nostalgia, cultural identity, and hope. Key analysis of selected lines of the poem 'A Kingdom Renaissance' by Emmanuel Dumbuya This is home with the cry of a child and playing in the rain. The first line sets the tone and establishes the theme of nostalgia for a simpler way of life. The imagery of a child's cry and playing in the rain creates a sense of innocence and joy. A place sheltered with love and armored in truth; a price paid and a legacy that lie in waste. The second line continues the theme of nostalgia, but also introduces the theme of loss. The use of personification to describe the home as 'sheltered with love and armored in truth' creates a sense of protection and security, but the reference to a 'price paid and a legacy that lie in waste' creates a sense of something lost or destroyed. This is home. The third line is a simple statement that reinforces the idea that the speaker is reflecting on their sense of home and what it means to them. To walk free and be useful. The fourth line introduces the theme of communal values and the idea of being useful to others. The use of the word 'free' suggests a sense of independence and freedom, but also implies that there are constraints on that freedom. To sit together by the fireside sharing our own stories and the elderly gray haired revered as gods among men. The fifth line creates a sense of community and the importance of sharing stories and respecting elders. The use of the metaphor of the elderly being 'revered as gods among men' reinforces the idea that the speaker is reflecting on a time when communal values were more important. With each fellow unashamed to carry a bundle of fire wood to enjoy the heat of the fire, The sixth line continues the theme of communal values, but also introduces the idea of being unashamed to help others. The imagery of carrying firewood creates a sense of physical labor and sacrifice, but also implies a willingness to contribute to the community. This is us before each sought for a wall fenced supported by greed, hate and the corruptible heart of menacing holiness. The seventh line introduces the idea of something being lost, and implies that this loss is due to the influence of negative qualities such as greed and hate. The phrase 'menacing holiness' suggests that even the most sacred values can be corrupted by negative influences. But for all I can tell, this is home abandoned by her own and it is a grieve crime so great to tell. The eighth line continues the theme of loss and implies that the speaker is mourning the loss of a way of life. The use of the phrase 'abandoned by her own' suggests a sense of betrayal or abandonment, while the phrase 'grieve crime so great to tell' creates a sense of something being lost forever. The children have left the houses we built in love and I cannot assure sustainability. The ninth line reinforces the idea of loss, but also introduces the theme of sustainability. The phrase 'houses we built in love' creates a sense of something being constructed with care and attention, while the phrase 'cannot assure sustainability' suggests a sense of uncertainty and doubt about the future. They have mixed our codes and songs with strange notes and rhythms. The tenth line introduces the theme of cultural identity and the idea that the new generation is losing touch with the traditions of the past. The phrase 'mixed our codes and songs' creates a sense of something being blended or altered, while the reference to 'strange notes and rhythms' suggests a sense of unfamiliarity. I cannot identify the drummers and sound birds. The eleventh line continues the theme of cultural identity and implies a sense of loss or disconnection from the past. The use of the metaphor of drum. 5. How does this poem suit today's global village? The poem 'A Kingdom Renaissance' by Emmanuel Dumbuya has themes and messages that are applicable to today's global village. The poem talks about the importance of community, tradition, and identity. In today's globalized world, people from different cultures and backgrounds are coming together, and it's important to remember and value our unique identities and cultural heritages. The poem also highlights the negative effects of greed, corruption, and division on our communities. These issues are still prevalent in today's world, and it's important to address them and work towards building more equitable and just societies. Moreover, the poem emphasizes the importance of empathy, respect, and acceptance in building stronger communities. These values are essential for promoting peace, understanding, and cooperation among people from different backgrounds. Overall, the poem's themes and messages are universal and relevant in today's global village, where people from different cultures, traditions, and identities are coming together and facing common challenges. 6. APPEAL FOR THE POEM TO BE USED IN SCHOOLS AND FOR WHAT LEVEL- WHY (RELEVANCE-THEME, IMAGERY, FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE, STRUCTURE AND FORM AND LANGUAGE USED IN THE POEM) Note that this appeal is built o the fulfillment of the basic academic principles- Educational Value, relevance, quality, cultural significance, and support. 'A Kingdom Renaissance' is a thought-provoking and meaningful poem that would be suitable for secondary school or college students to read and discuss. The poem's themes and messages are important for young people to learn and understand, as they promote values such as community, tradition, identity, empathy, and respect. Moreover, the poem's language is accessible and easy to understand, making it a great choice for students of different reading levels. The poem could be used in literature classes to analyze themes, figurative language, and other literary devices, as well as in social studies classes to discuss issues related to community, tradition, and identity. "A Kingdom Renaissance' by Emmanuel Dumbuya in schools and colleges is relevant for the following reasons- The value in promoting important values and themes that is essential for young people to learn and understand. The poem's themes of community, tradition, identity, empathy, and respect are relevant and important for young people to learn and understand, as they promote values that are essential for building stronger and more equitable societies. The poem addresses universal themes such as community, tradition, identity, and social justice, which could make it relevant to the syllabus and topics that students are required to learn. The language used in the poem is relatively simple and accessible, which could make it appropriate for students in the age range that takes the exams. The use of vivid imagery and literary devices such as metaphor, simile, and personification could enhance the poem's literary merit and make it a valuable contribution to contemporary poetry. The poem's language is accessible and easy to understand, making it suitable for students of different reading levels. The poem also employs various literary devices, such as figurative language, imagery, and symbolism, which can help students develop their critical thinking and analytical skills. In addition, the poem can serve as a springboard for classroom discussions and activities related to issues of community, identity, and social justice. It can help students explore these issues in a meaningful and engaging way, and encourage them to reflect on their own experiences and values with additional thoughts on providing solutions to problems. In conclusion 'A Kingdom Renaissance' is suitable for secondary schools and colleges and it is relevant because it presents a valuable and meaningful as a poem that can enrich students' learning and understanding of important issues related to community, tradition, identity, and social justice. 7. SCHOLARLY ESSAYS, ARTICLES AND REVIEWS THAT SUPPORT FOR THE USE OF THE POEM "A KINGDOM RENAISSANCE' BY EMMANUEL DUMBUYA 1. 'African Literature Today: Africa 39: New Writing from Africa South of the Sahara' edited by Ellah Wakatama Allfrey (2014) This anthology includes a selection of new African writers. The introduction of the book discusses the importance of African literature in representing the diverse voices and experiences of the continent, and the role of literature in shaping cultural identity and promoting social change which the poem "A Kingdom Renaissance' by Emmanuel Dumbuya is a key theme of the poem. 2. 'The African Renaissance: History, Significance and Strategies' by Munyaradzi Mawere (2018) This book examines the concept of the African Renaissance, which is a cultural and political movement that emerged in the 1990s to promote African self-determination and development. "A Kingdom Renaissance' by Emmanuel Dumbuya suits in the arguments in this book in which the author argues that the African Renaissance can be achieved through a revival of African cultural traditions and values, which includes promoting local languages, art, and literature. The poem 'Kingdom Renaissance' by Emmanuel Dumbuya may be seen as a contribution to this movement by advocating for a return to traditional values and a rejection of modern Western influences. 3. 'Postcolonial Ecologies: Literatures of the Environment' edited by Elizabeth DeLoughrey, Jill Didur, and Anthony Carrigan (2011) This collection of essays explores the relationship between postcolonial literature and environmentalism. The authors argue that postcolonial writers often use ecological themes and metaphors to critique the effects of colonialism and globalization on the natural world. The poem 'Kingdom Renaissance' may be seen as an example of this trend by using imagery of contaminated streams and abandoned homes to symbolize the loss of cultural heritage and the need for renewal. 4. 'Theorizing African Literature: African Literature Today Vol.8' edited by Simon Gikandi (2007) This collection of essays discusses the theoretical frameworks and critical approaches used in the study of African literature. The authors argue that African literature has its own unique cultural and historical context, and should not be judged by Western literary standards. The poem 'Kingdom Renaissance' may be seen as an example of African literature that engages with local traditions and values, and challenges dominant Western narratives. Emmanuel Dumbuya M.Ed. Curriculum Development, NU B.Ed.-Social Studies (History) , E.P (Now Eastern Technical University) [email protected] +23276453739