Gabriel Okara’s Once Upon a Time is a poignant and powerful lament for lost innocence, authenticity, and the erosion of genuine human connection under societal pressures and the adoption of Westernised values. Through a deceptively simple, almost childlike narrative structure, Okara masterfully employs thematic contrasts, distinctive stylistic choices, and a range of poetic devices to critique the hypocrisy and superficiality prevalent in modern society.
Themes
The central theme of the poem is the loss of innocence and authenticity. The speaker, an older man, wistfully recalls a past where smiles were genuine, laughter came from the heart, and social interactions were sincere. This contrasts sharply with the present, where smiles are “fixed portrait smiles” and laughter is a “cold-eyed”, performative act, learnt “to show teeth.” This shift represents a profound dehumanisation and the adoption of a mask of conformity. The speaker articulates the burden of learning to “wear many faces,” highlighting a loss of self in the pursuit of acceptance and success in a materialistic world.
Another prominent theme is the critique of artificiality and hypocrisy. Okara condemns the superficiality of modern interactions, where people “shake hands without their hearts,” and conversations are driven by self-interest and transactional motives (“‘Feel at home!’ ‘Come again’… when I come again and feel at home, once, twice, there will be no thrice”). This exposes the insincere politeness that has replaced true hospitality and genuine warmth. The poem subtly suggests that this artificiality is a consequence of adopting a new, perhaps colonial, way of being that prioritises outward appearance over inner truth.
The poem also touches on nostalgia and regret. The speaker’s repeated longing to “unlearn all these muting things” and return to his “old, old simple ways” underscores a deep regret for the person he has become and a yearning for the simpler, more authentic self he once was. This nostalgia is not merely sentimental but carries a heavy sense of loss for a societal past that valued sincerity.
Style
Okara’s style in Once Upon a Time is characterised by its narrative, conversational tone, reminiscent of a fable or folk tale, which directly relates to the “once upon a time” opening. This accessible style makes the poem’s profound message relatable. The use of first-person perspective (“I”) allows for an intimate and confessional voice, drawing the reader directly into the speaker’s personal lament.
The poem’s structure is linear, progressing from the speaker’s recollection of a purer past to his current state of disillusionment and his desire for change. Each stanza marks a distinct aspect of the learnt artificiality. The repetition of phrases such as “I have learnt to wear many faces” and the cyclical nature of his yearning for a return to simplicity emphasise the depth of his internal conflict and the pervasive nature of societal change.
The simple, almost childlike vocabulary contrasts sharply with the complex and mature themes being explored, creating a powerful ironic effect. This simplicity makes the poem’s message universally understandable, transcending cultural barriers.
Poetic Devices
Okara skilfully employs several poetic devices to enhance the poem’s impact:
- Metaphor: The most pervasive metaphor is the “faces” the speaker learns to wear, representing the various masks of insincerity and conformity. His “heart” is also metaphorically presented as something that can be “fixed” or that once contained “authentic laughter.” The contrast between “cold-eyed” laughter and the warmth of genuine smiles is a subtle but effective metaphor for emotional detachment.
- Personification: “The sun” is personified as it “fixed its portrait smile,” subtly linking the natural world’s perceived sincerity with the artificiality of human expression. Similarly, “doors” are personified as they “slam on my back,” symbolising rejection and lack of genuine welcome.
- Repetition: The phrase “I have learnt” is repeated throughout the poem, emphasising the arduous and often painful process of internalising societal expectations and losing one’s innate authenticity. The opening “Once upon a time” sets the fable-like tone, while its underlying lament reinforces the distance from that simpler past.
- Juxtaposition/Contrast: The poem thrives on sharp contrasts between past and present: “authentic laughter” vs “cold-eyed smile,” “warm hands” vs “ice-block hands,” “feeling at home” vs “slamming doors.” This stark juxtaposition highlights the negative transformation the speaker has undergone and the societal decline he perceives.
- Imagery: Vivid imagery, though often simple, paints clear pictures: “fixed portrait smile,” “cold-eyed,” “ice-block hands,” “shake hands without their hearts.” These images contribute to the poem’s sense of disillusionment and artificiality.
- Alliteration: While not overly dominant, subtle alliteration such as “fixed portrait smile” and “show teeth” adds a soft musicality and reinforces the imagery.
- Irony: There is deep irony in the speaker’s “learning” process. What he learns are “muting things” that stifle his true self, rather than liberating or empowering him. The “civilised” behaviour he adopts leads to a more superficial and less human existence.
Conclusion
Gabriel Okara’s Once Upon a Time is a profound meditation on the erosion of authenticity in the face of societal change. Through its accessible narrative style, potent metaphors, and effective use of contrast and repetition, the poem powerfully articulates a universal yearning for a return to genuine human connection and a critique of the masks we learn to wear. It stands as a timeless commentary on the perils of losing one’s true self in the pursuit of superficial acceptance.
I’ve refined the text to align with British English conventions while maintaining the richness of the analysis. Let me know if you’d like any further adjustments!
Written with Gemini AI.
