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Every Stone That Turns: An Analysis of the Poem Peace Corpses by Bvuma

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Peace Corpses 

Peace Corpses by Bvuma is a paradoxical dirge that laments the devastating effects of AIDS during times of peace. The title itself is an oxymoron. The poem uses various literary devices to convey the loss, contrasting it with the deaths that occurred during Zimbabwe's liberation struggle.

Themes

Contrasting Deaths
The poem contrasts deaths during war, which "made sense" because they brought about freedom, with the seemingly senseless deaths in times of peace caused by AIDS. The conjunction "but" emphasises this sharp contrast.

Sexuality and Death
The poem reflects on sexual intercourse, metaphorically referred to as the "sweet apple that Eve and Adam shared." This alludes to copulation that leads to HIV infection, described as "invisible wriggling devils."

Literary Devices

The metaphor of the "sweet apple" is an innuendo that refers to copulation which leads to infection by HIV. By referring to Sigmund Freud, the persona employs an apostrophe. Sigmund was a psychologist who explored human sexuality and the sexual urges humans have. In their desperation, the persona cries out to Sigmund for answers. This indicates the anguish the persona is experiencing in the face of the occurrence of continuous deaths. The alliteration on  the harsh /k/ sound in "continue counting cadavers/corpses" creates a sense of cacophony, reflecting the ugliness and brutality of death. To draw the attention to the ever-present destruction caused by AIDS, the poet uses alliteration in "haunt" and "humanity." 

The poet, using a simile, compares the effects of AIDS, to the "mad spirit of a person," to symbolise the havoc caused by AIDS. To capture the spirit of sacrifice of the liberation fighters, the poet uses the metaphor of "blood and bones" that "constructed" independence. Reference to these gory images creates a sombre atmosphere. The idea that "peace" results in "corpses" as suggested by the title is oxymoronic. However, the poet employs this phrase to express the absurdity of the AIDS related deaths during times of peace.

Form

The poem is written in free verse to reflect the uncontrolled and relentless nature of AIDS- related deaths. The repetition of the word "count" reinforces this idea of continuous loss of life.

Historical Context

The poem likely refers to the 1990s, a period marked by the peak of AIDS-related deaths in Zimbabwe. The persona expresses immense grief at the widespread destruction caused by the condition. Against the backdrop of this lugubrious atmosphere, the poet commemorates the deaths of the "comrades" who sacrificed their lives in order to liberate Zimbabwe.

Tone

The poem begins on a celebratory note as the persona praises the "comrades" who fought in the liberation struggle, but shifts to a mournful tone as it reflects on the sorrow caused by AIDS.
 

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