the labyrinth of life
By SAM ANOKAM
Tuesday, June 6, 2006
Photo: Sun News Publishing



Hues Lane by Adeshina Olusanya, FLAG Publishers, Lagos, 2006, pp65
Hues Lane is sequel to Hearstrings the first poetry collection by Adeshina Olusanya.

In this latest effort, the writer captures in verse, the contemporary times. Like Heartstrings, the collection covers a wide range of subjects, categorized under three broad headings namely: Events and Ideas; Piety, Peace and Tranquility, Love and Romance.

The subjects which also reflect in the verses that make up the special sub-division labelled Haiku, include some social and natural phenomena, such as love, friendship, peace, war, politics, freedom, poverty and wealth.

Under the subtitle Event and Ideas, the writer opens up with the poem Drunkard On Ghetto Street. He paints a vivid picture of the woes that trail a drunkard in stupor as can be seen in lines 1-5. Line 5 presents the picture of a drunkard in his sluggish movement described as 'legs bedraggled, slow, numb'.The drunkard seems not to notice or mind the danger of broken bottles and other stumbling blocks on his way.

Line eight shows how the drunkard's mood pales into oblivion as he is unaware of what is going on around him and lay in comfort of exhaustive sleep only to be woken up by the jeers of curious crowd who considers such spectacle a show.

Another poem, Heartache mirrors the society in tupsy turvy. The poem; The Battle or (Military
Solution) touches the heart and preaches about the hopelessness of human situation as can be seen in the senseless war in Rwanda and the carnage visited on humanity. The poet captures the maiming of innocent citizens, rape and genocide as described in line two, "two nearby clans mad each at each", and in line 17 Adesina called for God's intervention as things get out of hand.

"Money", another poem of five lines shows its importance in relation with friendship. In the second line, the poet urges: 'Make friends with money' because this is the mainstay of friendship in this clime.
"It Rains" underscores the importance of rainfall. In stanza two, the author talks about how rain brings divine blessing and favour, and for farmers, bountiful harvests.

The poem, "Art and Book Festival" is about the writer's experiences with arts and book festivals. In lines 13 and 14, the poet supplicates for longevity so that he can witness many more .
In "Freedom", the joy of independence and the yearning for freedom are mentioned. Line nine shows the elusiveness of the much sought-after freedom 46 years after. It points at the irony of being free yet enslaved.

The first sub-heading ended with the poem "Enemy of Progress", written in pidgin English. It talks about enemies everywhere impeding our progress and antagonizing us in every way possible.
The second section, "Piety, Peace and Tranquility" begins with the poem "Rainbow". The poem recalls the oath (covenant) God had with Noah in setting a bow in the cloud as a sign of the covenant that the earth would no more be destroyed with flood.

"Christ", the second poem in this part eulogises Jesus Christ as the messiah and the head of the Christian faith. The poet talks about his kingship and acknowledges the fact that he reigns.

Olusanya's writing in consonance with his style delves into Haiku a Japanese traditional poetic style of writing which consists of three lines and 17 syllables. With titles like "To light", "Parrot", "This Weather", "This Peace", "Rhinoceros", "A trip to Earth's Edge", "Too Late", "Turns", "Change of Name" et al, Olusanya shows his rythmic flow.
In the poem, "Thanks", the author expresses his appreciation to God for making his book (the Bible) available to everyone to read. In another poem entitled NEPA, Adesina writes about the erratic electric power supply by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria Plc (PHCN). He stressed that rather than supply electricity, it distributes bills for unrendered services.
In "Let Go", he writes about the need to carry on after a heartbreak as indicated in the last line let's not brood; life goes on."

Lovers war, is reminiscent of the Trojan war as Olusanya paints the destructive side of love with the death of the war heroes, Hector and Achilles.
The last sub-heading, "Love and Romance" contains titles like "This", "Unity", "Now I Miss You", "Hold Me", "This Approach" and "Jagbajantis".

Now I Miss You paints the picture in its true context. In lines three and four "I clutch your statue, hold your picture" evokes a feeling of loneliness which cannot be substituted.
Ultimately, Hues Lanes is a poetic portrait reflecting an exciting range of colours drawn from the author's socio-cultural and political milieu. The beauty of the verses can be found in the rythmic flow and simple language. With this effort, Olusanya has consolidated his position among the emerging generation of Nigerian writers.

Olusanya is an award-winning poet and an active member of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). A professional accountant, he was educated at Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Lagos State Polytechnic, Isolo, St. Finbarr's College, Akoka Yaba, Lagos. He is married with children.