Ours to Plough, Not to Plunder by Niyi Osundare for SS 1

‘Ours to Plough, Not to Plunder’ by Niyi Osundare

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain the themes of the poem;
2. identify poetic devices used to portray the relationship between humans and nature;
3. analyze how the poet’s tone and imagery convey criticism of exploitation;
4. discuss the moral and social implications of human greed on nature;
5. compose a short eco-themed poem expressing care for the environment.

Introduction to the Poem

Niyi Osundare is a renowned Nigerian poet known for his powerful use of language to address social, political, and environmental issues. His poem, ‘Ours to Plough, Not to Plunder’, is a strong statement about humanity’s relationship with the natural world. The title itself suggests a contrast between responsible stewardship (ploughing) and destructive exploitation (plundering).

The poem explores the consequences of human greed and the urgent need for a more sustainable approach to nature. It serves as a warning against the destruction of the environment and advocates for a harmonious coexistence between humans and the earth.

Discussion of the Poem and its Context

‘Ours to Plough, Not to Plunder’ is a call to action, urging humanity to treat the earth with respect and care. The poem highlights the beauty and generosity of nature, contrasting it with the destructive actions of humans driven by greed. It describes how humans exploit natural resources without thought for the future, leading to environmental degradation.

The context of the poem is rooted in the global concern for environmental issues, particularly in developing nations where natural resources are often exploited for economic gain. Osundare, as an African poet, often draws attention to the impact of such exploitation on local communities and the continent’s rich biodiversity. The poem reflects a deep concern for deforestation, pollution, and the depletion of resources, which are common problems in many parts of the world, including Nigeria.

The poet uses vivid language to paint pictures of both a thriving, giving nature and a suffering, exploited one. He reminds readers that the earth is not merely a resource to be taken, but a living entity that sustains life and deserves protection.

Themes in ‘Ours to Plough, Not to Plunder’

The poem explores several important themes that highlight the complex relationship between humans and nature:

1. Environmental Degradation and Destruction: This is a central theme. The poem vividly describes the negative impact of human activities on the environment, such as deforestation, pollution, and the depletion of natural resources. It shows how the earth is being harmed by reckless exploitation.
2. Human Greed and Exploitation: The poem criticises human greed as the primary driver of environmental destruction. It suggests that humans take more from nature than they need, driven by a desire for wealth and power, without considering the long-term consequences.
3. Stewardship vs. Plunder: The title itself introduces this theme. The poem advocates for stewardship, which means taking care of the earth responsibly, like a farmer ploughs the land for sustainable harvest. It condemns plunder, which is the act of taking resources violently and selfishly.
4. The Generosity and Resilience of Nature: Despite the exploitation, the poem also acknowledges nature’s ability to give and its inherent beauty. It suggests that nature is a source of life and sustenance, capable of healing if given the chance, but also vulnerable to human actions.
5. Call for Sustainable Living: Underlying the criticism is an urgent plea for a change in human behaviour. The poem encourages a shift towards sustainable practices, where resources are used wisely, and the environment is preserved for future generations.

Poetic Devices and the Human-Nature Relationship

Niyi Osundare uses various poetic devices to effectively portray the relationship between humans and nature in ‘Ours to Plough, Not to Plunder’. These devices help to deepen the poem’s message and evoke strong emotions in the reader.

The poetic devices used include:

1. Personification: This device gives human qualities or actions to inanimate objects or abstract ideas. In the poem, nature is often personified as a living entity that feels pain, gives generously, or suffers from human actions. For example, the earth might be described as “groaning” or “weeping,” showing its suffering due to exploitation. This makes the destruction of nature feel more personal and tragic.
2. Metaphor: A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” The poem uses metaphors to highlight the destructive nature of human actions or to describe the earth’s resources. For instance, human greed might be metaphorically described as a “cancer” eating away at the earth, or the earth itself as a “mother” being abused.
3. Simile: A simile compares two different things using “like” or “as.” Similes in the poem might describe the speed of destruction or the vastness of nature’s bounty. For example, resources might be consumed “like locusts,” emphasising the rapid and complete destruction.
4. Imagery: This refers to the use of descriptive language that appeals to the five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch). Osundare creates vivid images of both the beauty of nature (e.g., “green forests,” “singing rivers”) and the ugliness of its destruction (e.g., “bleeding trees,” “choking rivers”). These images help readers visualise the impact of human actions.
5. Symbolism: Symbolism involves using an object or idea to represent something else. In the poem, elements like “plough” can symbolise careful cultivation and stewardship, while “plunder” symbolises destructive exploitation. “Trees” might symbolise life and natural wealth, while “oil” or “minerals” might symbolise the resources that attract greed.
6. Alliteration: This is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in words close to each other. Alliteration can create a musical effect and draw attention to certain phrases, reinforcing the poem’s message. For example, “plough, not to plunder” uses alliteration to link the contrasting actions.
7. Repetition: The poet may repeat words, phrases, or lines to emphasise a point, create rhythm, or reinforce a central idea. Repetition can highlight the urgency of the environmental crisis or the persistent nature of human greed.

Tone and Imagery Conveying Criticism of Exploitation

The poet’s tone and imagery are crucial in conveying a strong criticism of environmental exploitation in ‘Ours to Plough, Not to Plunder’.

Tone

The tone of the poem is largely critical, urgent, and cautionary. It carries a sense of lament for the destruction already caused, coupled with a warning about future consequences if human behaviour does not change. The poet’s voice is authoritative and passionate, reflecting deep concern for the environment.

1. Critical Tone: The poet directly criticises human greed and the destructive actions of those who exploit nature. This is evident in phrases that condemn “plunder” and the selfish motives behind it.
2. Urgent Tone: There is a sense of immediacy and desperation, suggesting that the environmental crisis is pressing and requires immediate attention. The language often implies that time is running out for the earth.
3. Lamenting Tone: The poem expresses sorrow and regret over the damage inflicted upon nature. It mourns the loss of natural beauty and resources, conveying a feeling of sadness for the suffering earth.
4. Warning Tone: The poet warns of the dire consequences that will follow if exploitation continues unchecked. This tone aims to awaken readers to the dangers of their actions.

Imagery

Osundare uses powerful and contrasting imagery to highlight the severity of exploitation and its impact. He juxtaposes images of natural beauty and abundance with images of destruction and decay.

1. Images of Natural Beauty and Abundance: The poem often begins or includes descriptions of nature’s richness – “green forests,” “flowing rivers,” “fertile lands,” “singing birds.” These images evoke a sense of peace, life, and generosity, reminding the reader of what is being lost.
2. Images of Destruction and Suffering: In stark contrast, the poet presents vivid images of environmental damage. These might include “bleeding trees” (deforestation), “choking rivers” (pollution), “barren lands” (soil degradation), or “gaping holes” (mining). Such imagery appeals to the reader’s senses and emotions, making the consequences of exploitation tangible and horrifying.
3. Images of Human Greed: The poem also creates imagery associated with human greed, such as “hungry hands,” “insatiable mouths,” or “pockets bulging with plunder.” These images personify greed and show its destructive force.
4. Sensory Imagery: The poet uses sensory details to make the criticism more impactful. For example, the “smell of crude oil” might represent pollution, or the “sound of falling trees” might represent deforestation. These sensory details immerse the reader in the environmental crisis.

Moral and Social Implications of Human Greed on Nature

Human greed, as depicted in the poem, has profound moral and social implications for both nature and humanity itself.

Moral Implications

The moral implications relate to questions of right and wrong, and humanity’s ethical responsibility towards the environment.

1. Breach of Stewardship: Morally, humans have a responsibility to be good stewards of the earth, meaning to care for it and manage its resources wisely. Greed leads to a breach of this trust, as resources are exploited rather than preserved.
2. Injustice to Future Generations: Exploiting nature out of greed deprives future generations of essential resources and a healthy environment. This is a moral injustice, as current actions negatively impact those who are yet to come.
3. Disrespect for Life: The poem suggests that nature is alive and deserves respect. Greed leads to a disregard for the intrinsic value of natural ecosystems, plants, and animals, treating them merely as commodities.
4. Ethical Blindness: Greed can blind individuals and societies to the ethical consequences of their actions, leading them to prioritise short-term profit over long-term environmental health and sustainability.

Social Implications

The social implications affect human societies and communities, leading to various problems.

1. Resource Scarcity and Conflict: Over-exploitation driven by greed leads to the depletion of vital resources like water, fertile land, and forests. This scarcity can cause conflicts within and between communities and nations.
2. Displacement and Loss of Livelihoods: Environmental degradation, such as deforestation or pollution, can destroy the natural habitats and resources that communities depend on for their livelihoods (e.g., farming, fishing). This can lead to displacement and poverty.
3. Health Problems: Pollution of air, water, and soil due to industrial activities driven by greed can cause severe health problems for people, including respiratory illnesses, waterborne diseases, and other chronic conditions.
4. Social Inequality: Often, the benefits of environmental exploitation are enjoyed by a few wealthy individuals or corporations, while the negative consequences (pollution, resource depletion) disproportionately affect poorer communities. This exacerbates social inequality.
5. Loss of Cultural Heritage: Many cultures have deep connections to their natural environment. The destruction of nature can lead to the loss of traditional practices, knowledge, and cultural identity.

Composing a Short Eco-themed Poem Expressing Care for the Environment

Composing an eco-themed poem allows for personal expression of care for the environment, reflecting the message of Niyi Osundare’s poem. An eco-themed poem focuses on nature, environmental issues, and the importance of protecting the earth.

Steps to Compose an Eco-themed Poem

The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Choose a Specific Aspect of Nature: Start by thinking about a particular part of nature that you care about. This could be a tree, a river, an animal, a forest, the sky, or even a small plant in your compound. Focusing on one aspect can make your poem more vivid.
2. Brainstorm Ideas and Feelings:
   1. What do you love about this aspect of nature?
   2. How does it make you feel (e.g., peaceful, happy, worried)?
   3. What threats does it face (e.g., pollution, cutting down, litter)?
   4. What message do you want to convey about caring for it?
3. Use Sensory Details (Imagery): Describe what you see, hear, smell, touch, or even taste in relation to your chosen aspect of nature. This helps your reader visualise and feel what you are describing.
   1. Example: Instead of “a tree,” write “a tall, leafy mango tree, its branches swaying gently.”
4. Incorporate Poetic Devices: Use simple poetic devices to make your poem more interesting and impactful.
   1. Personification: Give human qualities to nature (e.g., “the river whispers secrets,” “the sun smiles”).
   2. Simile/Metaphor: Compare things (e.g., “leaves like emerald jewels,” “the earth is our mother”).
   3. Alliteration: Repeat sounds (e.g., “bright blue birds”).
5. Express Your Message of Care: Clearly state your feelings about protecting the environment. This could be a plea, a warning, a promise, or a simple statement of love for nature.
6. Structure Your Poem: You can choose to write in free verse (no strict rhyme or rhythm) or try a simple rhyme scheme (like AABB or ABAB). Divide your poem into short stanzas (groups of lines) to make it easier to read.
7. Review and Refine: Read your poem aloud. Does it flow well? Are there any words you can change to make it stronger? Does it clearly express your care for the environment?

Example of an Eco-themed Poem (for inspiration)

The River’s Plea

Our river, once so clear and bright,

Now carries burdens, day and night.

Plastic bottles, bags of waste,

A bitter, sad, and hurried taste.

The fish hide, the birds fly high,

As dirty waters slowly sigh.

Oh, listen to its silent plea,

To flow again, wild and free.

Let’s clean its banks, with gentle hand,

And heal the wounds across the land.

For this blue vein, so pure and deep,

Is ours to cherish, ours to keep.