ONCE UPON A TIME
GABRIEL OKARA
INTRODUCTION
Gabriel Okara is a famous Nigerian poet. His writings have been translated into
many languages. "Once Upon a Time" presents the contrast nature of past and
present society. In this poem, he satirises the fake behaviour of modern men.
TRUE NATURE OF PEOPLE IN THE PAST
The poet expresses his love and longing for the past. He admires the past simplicity
and true nature in man's behaviour. There was a true love in man's heart for others..
His smile and actions came from the depth of his heart. His laughter was from the
happiness in his heart. His eyes showed the depth of his feelings.
FAKE BEHAVIOUR OF MODERN MAN
The modern man laughs just from his teeth and not from his heart. His eyes are
blank without any feelings. He shakes hands without hearts while calculating other
person's wealth. He expresses empty words to his guest. When the guest comes
again, he shuts his door. Modern man wears many faces according to the places like
homeface, officeface, and hostface. He greets others without real love and happiness.
THE POET'S LONGINGS
The poet hates this artificiality. He recollects the true nature of man during the past.
He longs to get true love and concern for others like past years. He found them in his
little son. He likes to be like his son with real love and innocence.
CONCLUSION
Thus Gabriel Okara recollects the people with true love and real concern for others in
the past. Also he satirises the modern man with fake behaviour and artificial words
and smile.
GABRIEL OKARA
INTRODUCTION
Gabriel Okara is a famous Nigerian poet. His writings have been translated into
many languages. "Once Upon a Time" presents the contrast nature of past and
present society. In this poem, he satirises the fake behaviour of modern men.
TRUE NATURE OF PEOPLE IN THE PAST
The poet expresses his love and longing for the past. He admires the past simplicity
and true nature in man's behaviour. There was a true love in man's heart for others..
His smile and actions came from the depth of his heart. His laughter was from the
happiness in his heart. His eyes showed the depth of his feelings.
FAKE BEHAVIOUR OF MODERN MAN
The modern man laughs just from his teeth and not from his heart. His eyes are
blank without any feelings. He shakes hands without hearts while calculating other
person's wealth. He expresses empty words to his guest. When the guest comes
again, he shuts his door. Modern man wears many faces according to the places like
homeface, officeface, and hostface. He greets others without real love and happiness.
THE POET'S LONGINGS
The poet hates this artificiality. He recollects the true nature of man during the past.
He longs to get true love and concern for others like past years. He found them in his
little son. He likes to be like his son with real love and innocence.
CONCLUSION
Thus Gabriel Okara recollects the people with true love and real concern for others in
the past. Also he satirises the modern man with fake behaviour and artificial words
and smile.
