The Root Of My Becoming Poem by Saviour Nicholas Uko

--- Poem Analysis of " Roots of My Becoming" 1. Explanation of the Poem This poem is a heartfelt tribute written by Saviour Nicholas Uko to the loved ones who have supported him through life's toughest challenges. It traces his journey from childhood, highlighting the losses of his father (2005) and mother (2015) , and the continuous love and care he received from family members. Stanza 1-2: Sets the background — losing parents early but being supported. Stanza 3-5: Specifically thanks his sister Edidiong (Tessie) , his aunty Francisca Adeosun, and his late grandmother Theresa Stanislaus. Stanza 6-7: Acknowledges his uncle and step-siblings for their role in his growth. Final Stanzas: A promise to remain faithful, to excel in his university journey, and to make them proud. The poem shows gratitude, remembrance, and determination, while affirming that this is just the beginning of his academic and life journey. --- 2. Relationship with Saviour Nicholas Uko's Life Personal Story: Saviour lost his father in 2005 and his mother in 2015. Since then, his education and well-being were carried by his family, especially his sister, aunty, uncle, step-siblings, and late grandmother. Edidiong (Tessie) : Paid his school fees, supported him directly. Francisca Adeosun (Aunty in the U.S.) : Offered support from abroad, both financially and emotionally. Theresa Stanislaus (Grandma) : Gave him care and prayers until her passing in December 2024. Uncle and Step-Siblings: Part of his daily life, helping him cope and grow. Promise: Now entering university, he vows to make them proud with his academic success. This makes the poem an autobiography in poetic form — a gratitude letter to his support system. --- 3. Literary Devices Used Here are some key ones: Imagery: " Through hunger and hardship, through nights full of tears" - paints a vivid picture of struggle. Repetition: " Your love… your hands… your prayers…" - emphasizes constancy of family support. Personification: " Your prayers still echo, your love lights my way" - makes love and prayers active forces. Metaphor: " The roots of my being are watered by you" - compares family support to life-giving water. Alliteration: " Faithful, steadfast" / " rise, be strong, and brave" - creates rhythm and emphasis. Tone: The overall tone is grateful, emotional, and hopeful. Structure: Written in quatrains (4-line stanzas) , giving it a hymn-like flow. --- 4. Location of the Poem This poem is set in Ikpe Annang, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, where Saviour Nicholas Uko hails from. It reflects his personal journey from his hometown, carrying memories of his late parents and grandmother, while acknowledging support from family both at home (sister, uncle, step-siblings, grandma) and abroad (aunty Francisca in the U.S.) . The mention of the university shows the forward-looking location — from Ikpe Annang roots to the halls of higher learning. -