Song of Lawino

"Song of Lawino" is an epic poem written by Ugandan poet Okot p'Bitek. First published in 1966 in Luo it was quickly translated into other languages, including English. "Song of Lawino" has become one of the most widely read literary works originating from Sub-Saharan Africa, and has also become a cultural icon in Africa itself, because of its scathing display of how African society was being destroyed by the colonization of Africa

"Song of Lawino" was originally written in rhyming couplets and had a regular meter. The poem is told from the point of view of Lawino herself in the 1st Person.

Plot

"Song of Lawino", which is a narrative poem, describes how Lawino's husband, Ocol, who is the son of the tribal leader of their specific Acoli tribe, has taken a new wife. Although Ocol's polygamy is accepted by society, and by Lawino herself, it is apparent from his actions (as described by Lawino) that he is shunning her in favor of his new wife. Ocol is also said to have a fascination with the culture of the white colonialists, as does Clementine. As an example of this, Lawino says Ocol no longer engages, or has any interest in, the ritualistic African dance but prefer the ballroom style dances introduced by the colonising Europeans. This loss of culture on the part of Ocol is what disturbs Lawino the most. The poem is an extended appeal from Lawino to Ocol to stay true to his own customs, and to abandon his desire to be white.

See also

* [http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/pbitek.htm Extract from Song of Lawino]