We have come to the cross-roads
And I must either leave or come with you.
I lingered over the choice
But in the darkness of my doubts
You lifted the lamp of love
And I saw in your face
The road that I should take.
Kwesi Brew (1928-2007) was and still is one of Ghana’s foremost poets. He is known for his simplicity in writing and that, perhaps, is what made me fall in love with The Mesh.
I am not a big fan of academic commentary on poems, with all the technical details and huge words that sometimes overshadow the poem itself. There are times when I have seen some of my poems butchered by those who consider themselves analysts of poetry.
Poetry offers a kaleidoscope of perspectives to any given subject, acting as a prism that separates the light of human thoughts and emotions into a stream of resplendent words. Each reader will approach a poem from a different perspective, gaining a unique insight that even the accredited poet may not be aware of.
That said, I would like to present my views on Brew’s The Mesh.
As a poet, I always face the challenge of summarizing my message in a single stanza. There is always the possibility of digressing or overdoing it. Brew, however, is able to present his message about love in seven lines. In its brevity, it speaks of dilemma, contemplation and then guidance.
We all lose our bearings concerning one issue or another in our journey through life, especially when it comes to love. To stay or not to stay? To love again after being betrayed and heartbroken? And isn’t it such a blessing when we meet that person who is willing to stay by our side and help us through those difficult moments.
Many love poems focus on imagery and metaphors about romance, feelings, the looks of the beloved and so on and so forth. There a scores of lines that talk about moments shared and moments lost. The pain one suffered when they lost their true love to some unforeseen catastrophe or how another stole said loved one. Brew on the other hand, focuses on the most important moment of all. The moment of commitment, without which one cannot truly love.
Love is not a game we play when we are bored. Neither is it the kissing and fondling often seen in movies and soap operas. It is a serious commitment we each have to make at some point in our lives to family, friends and most importantly, to that special person we want to spend the rest of our life with.
The Mesh tells me that loving someone may come with moments of doubt, but the right person will always accept your love and give all of theirs in return, no matter what the circumstances. This, perhaps, is what makes the title such a paradox.
a nice poem… but will the theme of poem be LOVE OR CHOICE?????????
I think it’s about both, Selasi.
It’s a love poem that speaks to choice.
no but then it has to be one of them because i had this same poem somewhere and the theme was asked….. some people said love others said choice so which is which??????
Selasi, I stated in my exposition on The Mesh that I am not a fan of academic commentary on poems.
I enjoy a poem and draw whatever message I get from it.
As I mentioned before, poetry offers a kaleidoscope of perspectives to any given subject,
acting as a prism that separates the light of human thoughts and emotions into a stream of resplendent words.
Two people will have different interpretations of the same poem
This makes the theme subjective.
Whether it’s about love or choice (or both), it is a lovely poem.
thank you, now i understand it better, it’s truly beautiful, its fews lines says so much on relationships.
I’m happy to hear this.
Kwadwo, your commentary is very descriptive and indepth.
I also appreciate the point about poetry being a prism reflecting emotions in humans.
Undoubtedly, Kwesi Brew’s ‘Mesh’ piece is a lovely poem.
The Mesh reminds me how simplicity is truly captivating. I fell in love with this poem right from the moment I’ve read it and right then I’ve become a Kwesi Brew fan. His choice of words in The Mesh is so realistic that anyone could directly relate to it. I love how you’ve pinpoint the core sense of the poem when you mentioned, ” In its brevity, it speaks of dilemma, contemplation and then guidance.” — ’twas lovely:)
I Love the poem because it expanciates on the difficulties one has to pass through before taking a serious decision in alove affair.
The poet tried to contemplate over a choice ‘love’ in the state of delimma
I Must Appreciate U For The Job Well Done,and I Will Lyk To Give My Theme:choice Made In A Love Relationship.