Wole Soyinka's poem "Season," found in the Grey Seasons section of his debut collection Idanre, and Other Poems, stands as one of his most accessible works. It captivates readers worldwide with a theme that's both simple and universal, a hallmark of many of his early works. As Soyinka matured as a poet, his focus increasingly shifted towards more political themes, requiring readers to possess greater historical awareness.

Exploring the Harvest

The speaker of "Season" is deeply engaged in the cycle of growth and harvest. As they survey a cornfield at the time of harvest, they ponder the entwining of maturation and decay. Despite an overarching tone of melancholy, the poem concludes with an uplifting message of hope.

Unpacking "Rust is Ripeness"

The poem begins with an evocative statement: “Rust is ripeness.” The richness of the word "rust" serves multiple purposes within the poem, symbolizing decay as oxidized iron and simultaneously representing life through the fungus known as rust, which can both destroy and thrive. Additionally, "rust" is the hue of ripe corn, a visual symbol of creation in many African regions. This phrase encapsulates a profound paradox inherent in life itself.

The Seasons of Life

Soyinka draws a contrast between youth and age, deftly using verb tenses to illuminate these phases. The poem's first stanza paints youth—"mating time"—with vibrant imagery of light, dance, leaves, and feathers. This period is expressed in the present tense, yet the speaker reflects on how "we loved to hear" it, marking this time as one that has passed for "us."

The Shadows of Harvest

The second stanza shifts to the present tense, portraying harvest time as people "draw/ long shadows from the dusk." The imagery here is stark, emphasizing darkness and dryness. However, hope persists. The stanza twice invokes the idea of "awaiting." Initially, the speaker is "awaiting rust," and by the stanza's end, they evolve this notion to "we await/ The promise of the rust," acknowledging creation arising from destruction.

Soyinka and the Influence of Ogun

Critics note that in his formative years, Soyinka found inspiration in the Yoruba deity Ogun, who embodies both artistic prowess and the fierceness of war. This duality, reflecting creation and destruction, resonates with the themes of growth and decay in "Season." Soyinka was captivated by Ogun's complexities, repeatedly exploring in his poetry and plays the inseparable nature of creation and destruction.