New year's eve midnight by gabriel okara

A great choice! "New Year's Eve Midnight" by Gabriel Okara is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of time, memory, and the human experience. Here's a breakdown of the poem:

The poem begins by setting the scene for New Year's Eve, describing the "midnight hour" as a time of "silence" and "darkness". The speaker reflects on the passing of time, noting that "the years go by like falling leaves" and that "the hours tick away like grains of sand".

The poem then shifts to a more personal and introspective tone, as the speaker reflects on their own life and experiences. They recall memories of past New Year's Eves, noting that "each year brings a new face" and that "each year takes away a part of me". The speaker also alludes to the passing of loved ones, noting that "some have gone, some have stayed".

The poem's central theme is the fleeting nature of time and the human experience. The speaker notes that "we are all just passing through" and that "our lives are but a brief moment in the vast expanse of time". This theme is reinforced by the poem's use of imagery and metaphor, such as the comparison of time to "falling leaves" and "grains of sand".

Despite the poem's focus on the passing of time, it also contains moments of hope and renewal. The speaker notes that "each year brings a new chance" and that "each year takes away a part of me, but also gives me a new part". This suggests that even as we lose things and people, we also gain new experiences and perspectives.

Overall, "New Year's Eve Midnight" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant poem that explores the complexities of time, memory, and the human experience.