Now, let me soar high among the clouds
Beyond the limit of the compass.
Let me wear the crown of the sunrise,
With those white fridges I want to lodge.
Before time shifts from my boyish charm,
Before my lamp oil is buried in the mud,
Before my vision become so dim and blue,
Before my voice can no longer sing in tunes.
I want to withstand the sounds of the rainclouds,
Where herders with guns cannot reach,
Where the light of day never is dim,
Except, of course, to make us sleep.
Now, let me soar so high among the clouds,
The farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes,
Their filthy clothes torn without repairs,
On our farmlands open grazing is now a crime.
Check out The Dreamer by the same griot.
Charles Akwen
Charles TERSEER Akwen, a poet, playwright, performer, photo(bio)grapher, literary and cultural critic, and Lawyer, is the author of several books among which are On this Land:Tattoos of Bulletholes(Poetry), and Across the Strait (Play). He is the founder of Transcultural Writers’ Network, and African Association of Taiwan Studies. He currently lectures in the Department of English, University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria.
- Charles Akwen#molongui-disabled-link
- Charles Akwen#molongui-disabled-link
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This poem “LET ME SOAR HIGH AMONG THE CLOUDS “by Dr. Charles Akwen is a powerful expression of the human desire for freedom, aspiration, and elevation . The speaker desires to rise above the limitations and limits of life, to soar high among the clouds and reach new heights. This desire is driven by a sense of restlessness and discontent with the current state of affairs.
The poem also shows the theme of mortality, with the speaker expressing a fear of losing their energy and charm. The lines “Before my lamp oil is buried in the mud, / Before my vision becomes so dim and blue”portrays a sense of urgency, showing the importance of making the most of the time available.
One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is its portrayal of conflict and violence. The image of “farmers’ tattoos made of bulletholes” is a haunting reminder of the devastating impact of violence on individuals and communities. The speaker’s desire to “withstand the sounds of the rainclouds, / Where herders with guns cannot reach” is a longing for safety and security, a desire to find peace and a place where they can feel protected from the dangers that surround them.
The poem’s use of imagery and metaphor is a testament to the power of imagination. The speaker’s desire to “soar high among the clouds” and “wear the crown of the sunrise” is a powerful expression of the human imagination’s ability to transcend adversity and visualize a better future.
Overall, this poem is a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. It urges the reader to reflect on the complexities of life, the importance of aspiration and freedom, and the impact of conflict and violence on individuals and communities.
Balogun Emmanuel
240102103
This poem “LET ME SOAR HIGH AMONG THE CLOUDS “by Dr. Charles Akwen is a powerful expression of the human desire for freedom, aspiration, and elevation . The speaker desires to rise above the limitations and limits of life, to soar high among the clouds and reach new heights. This desire is driven by a sense of restlessness and discontent with the current state of affairs.
The poem also shows the theme of mortality, with the speaker expressing a fear of losing their energy and charm. The lines “Before my lamp oil is buried in the mud, / Before my vision becomes so dim and blue”portrays a sense of urgency, showing the importance of making the most of the time available.
One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is its portrayal of conflict and violence. The image of “farmers’ tattoos made of bulletholes” is a haunting reminder of the devastating impact of violence on individuals and communities. The speaker’s desire to “withstand the sounds of the rainclouds, / Where herders with guns cannot reach” is a longing for safety and security, a desire to find peace and a place where they can feel protected from the dangers that surround them.
The poem’s use of imagery and metaphor is a testament to the power of imagination. The speaker’s desire to “soar high among the clouds” and “wear the crown of the sunrise” is a powerful expression of the human imagination’s ability to transcend adversity and visualize a better future.
Overall, this poem is a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. It urges the reader to reflect on the complexities of life, the importance of aspiration and freedom, and the impact of conflict and violence on individuals and communities.
“Let Me Soar High” is an inspiring piece that speaks to the human desire for growth, freedom, and self-fulfillment. Through vivid imagery of flight, the poem paints a picture of someone who refuses to remain trapped by fear, failure, or life’s limitations. The poet’s voice is bold and hopeful, expressing a deep longing to rise above struggles and discover one’s highest potential.
At its core, the poem explores the theme of freedom. The speaker dreams of breaking loose from invisible chains that hold them down—whether it is doubt, societal pressure, or personal hardships. By asking to “soar high,” the poem suggests that true liberation comes from refusing to be weighed down by negativity or obstacles.
Another strong theme in the poem is determination and resilience. The speaker does not simply wish for success; they declare their intention to fight for it. Like a bird pushing against strong winds, they are ready to face challenges on their journey upward. This reflects the idea that achieving one’s dreams requires courage, perseverance, and the willingness to keep moving forward despite setbacks.
The poem also carries a message of hope and self-belief. It reminds readers that everyone has the ability to rise and achieve greatness if they believe in themselves. The soaring imagery symbolizes endless possibilities, encouraging individuals to dream beyond their current circumstances.
In conclusion, Charles Akwen’s “Let Me Soar High” is more than just a poem about ambition—it is a motivational call to action. It urges readers to break free from limitations, embrace their inner strength, and reach for the heights they were destined for. The poem leaves us with a sense of empowerment, suggesting that like a bird in flight, we too can overcome adversity and soar toward our dreams.
The first line of the poem captures the voice of the Young speaker who seeks the opportunity to soar beyond limits while he’s young. “Beyond the limit of the compass” symbolizes is yearn for total freedom-a freedom that knows no bound. The persona is seen to compare his boyish charm as time is seen to want to steal his adventure and aspiration, he pleads for a chance to fulfill his dreams, which are to – “soar high among the clouds,” ” wear the crown of the sunrise.”
Stanza 4 and 5, seems to be describing a situation of turmoil and violence. The speaker begins by expressing his desires to be unaffected by the sound of rain cloud which symbolizes turmoil and also escape the reach of herders. The last stanza depicts the situation of farmers in the rural area who have been physically brutalized by herders- that their “tattoos are made of bulletholes”. Overall, the speaker appears to be yearning for a better life other than farming in the rural area which may be a limitation for him.
Bashorun Treasure Semilore
240102168
The poem expresses the speaker’s desire to escape into the clouds, symbolizing freedom, peace, and the joy of youth. He wishes to enjoy life before time and age take away his charm and vitality, shown in lines like “Before my lamp oil is buried in the mud.”
However, the tone shifts in the last stanza to lament social realities, highlighting the violence against farmers, with striking imagery like “The farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes.” This shows the harshness of rural life and the impact of insecurity.
Themes include aspiration, the passage of time, escape from harsh realities, and social injustice.
The poet uses vivid imagery, metaphor, and personification to blend personal dreams with social commentary.
240102067
The poem expresses the speaker’s desire to escape into the clouds, symbolizing freedom, peace, and the joy of youth. He wishes to enjoy life before time and age take away his charm and vitality, shown in lines like “Before my lamp oil is buried in the mud.”
However, the tone shifts in the last stanza to lament social realities, highlighting the violence against farmers, with striking imagery like “The farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes.” This shows the harshness of rural life and the impact of insecurity.
Themes include aspiration, the passage of time, escape from harsh realities, and social injustice.
The poet uses vivid imagery, metaphor, and personification to blend personal dreams with social commentary.
Adeoye Racheal Iyanuoluwa. 240303013. The poem presents a speaker’s heartfelt yearning for freedom, and striving to soar. The poet employs strong imagery, metaphor, and subtle rhythm to express both personal ambition and collective suffering. In stanza 1 , the poem present the theme of aspiration wishing to ” soar higher” and “go beyond limits” The “crown of the sunrise” symbolizes hope, glory, and new beginnings.
The second stanza reflects urgency and the passing of youth.
“Lamp oil buried in the mud” connotes lost potential or wasted energy.There is a subtle lament for a future that may never fully bloom.
In the third stanza, the poem shifts toward political and social commentary. The lines ,longing for a place “where herders with guns cannot reach” expresses a desire for safety and peace.The phrase “light of day never is dim” reinforces a hope for enduring peace and enlightenment.
The final stanza brink the reality of time back to focus.
The tone begins as hopeful , then shifts to sober and reflective then ends on a note of bitterness.
Let me soar high is a poem that expresses the peot persona’s urge for escape and urgency of action. The poem contains various themes like theme of aspiration and escape, morality and time, conflict and social injustice in order to express the persona emotion in lines like
“Now let me soar high
amongst the cloud
Beyond the clouds
let me wear the crown of
sunrise”
The persona expresses urge for freedom escape dignity and greatness the theme of mortality and term is also conveyed in line 6 -9
Phrase like lamp oil burned to in the mud suggests the way time is wasted if it is not used wisely .
Ajelara Al-Awwal Seye
240102125
*Work by it1864961*
The dominant theme is aspiration in the face of despair. The poet longs to “soar high among the clouds,” a metaphor for escaping earthly troubles—violence, mortality, and lost innocence. There’s also a strong socio-political undercurrent, especially in the final stanza, highlighting the tragedy of farmer-herder conflicts and rural suffering.
The tone is both hopeful and melancholic. The poet dreams of greatness (“wear the crown of the sunrise”) but is also aware of time’s swift passage and the grim realities of the present (“lamp oil buried in the mud”, “bulletholes”).
Rich, vivid imagery brings the poem to life—the clouds, fridges (perhaps a metaphor for purity or retreat), the lamp oil, the torn clothes. The repetition of “Now, let me soar…” frames the plea powerfully.
It’s a heartfelt, socially conscious piece blending personal longing with national reflection. It echoes the voice of a youth on the brink—hopeful, wounded, and deeply aware.
The poem tells the emotional journey of a young dreamer who longs to rise above the harsh realities of his environment. With vivid imagery, he expresses a deep yearning to “soar among the clouds,” escaping into a place of freedom, hope, and peace—far beyond the reach of violence and sorrow. As time threatens to steal his youthful energy and vision, he pleads for a chance to fulfill his potential before it’s too late.
Through metaphors like the fading lamp, dimming eyes, and a silenced voice, the poem reflects on the fragility of life and ambition in a society scarred by conflict. It shifts from personal reflection to sharp social commentary, highlighting the plight of rural farmers whose lives are torn apart by armed herders and lawlessness. Their suffering—etched into their bodies like “tattoos of bullet holes”—contrasts sharply with the speaker’s innocent dreams, painting a grim picture of a land where even farming has become a crime.
Ultimately, the poem is both a personal cry for escape and a powerful critique of a society that stifles dreams with violence and neglect. It speaks for every young voice caught between soaring ambition and a wounded homeland.
This is such an amazing poem
Abodunrin Iretide Sarah
240102146
Charles Akwen’s poem “Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” is about a young person who wants to escape from a hard and dangerous world. The speaker dreams of flying high into the clouds, far away from pain and trouble. The clouds and sunrise in the poem stand for peace, freedom, and hope.
The speaker knows that time is passing, and he may soon lose his youth, strength, and voice. He wants to leave before his dreams fade away. This shows a deep fear of growing up in a world full of problems.
In the second part of the poem, the speaker talks about real-life problems. He mentions farmers whose lands are no longer safe. Armed herders, bullets, and torn clothes show that there is violence and suffering in the countryside. The line “open grazing is now a crime” shows how old ways of life are being destroyed.
In the end, the poem mixes a personal dream with the sadness of a broken world. Akwen uses simple but powerful images to show how the speaker wants to rise above fear, violence, and poverty, and find a better life in the skies.
Oyeleke Funmilayo
240102178
The poem let me soar high among the clouds is a poem of freedom, hope, victory, inspiration and reality.
The poem tells us that we will fall, we will wear filthy cloth, but in all of this we must fight, strive and do everything we can do because it won’t last forever. It tells us that one day we will rise ,we will wear a crown, we will soar then the days when we were wearing filthy cloth will be a story. A story we will tell the younger ones coming behind us, it will be an inspiration, a motivation to them as this poem has been to us.
“Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” by Charles Akwen is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking poem. It expresses a powerful longing for freedom, peace, and a life beyond suffering. As I read through the lines, I could feel the speaker’s desire to rise above pain and hardship ,a desire I believe many people, especially young people in difficult environments, can truly relate to.
The recurring line, “Let me soar high among the clouds,” feels like both a prayer and a protest. It captures the poet’s deep yearning to escape limitations ,whether physical, emotional, or societal. This makes the theme of freedom and hope very clear. There’s an energy in the poem that pushes upward, toward something better, something purer.
The poem also touches on themes like violence, the passage of time, and the suffering of farmers. One line that really struck me was, “The farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes.” That image is unforgettable. It shows how people who should be safe and honored ,those who grow our food have become victims of violence. That line, for me, carried pain, truth, and protest all at once.
The poet uses strong imagery and metaphor to paint his feelings and fears. Lines like “Before my lamp oil is buried in the mud” and “Before my voice forgets the songs it knew” really moved me. They reminded me of how time passes quickly, and how easy it is to lose ourselves in a world filled with noise and chaos if we don’t hold on to our dreams.
Overall, this poem isn’t just about wanting to rise ,it’s about the fear of falling before we even get the chance to try. It reflects the reality of many people living in fear, people whose talents and dreams are being buried before they blossom. The poet speaks for them, and also for those of us still hoping, still reaching.
In conclusion, “Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” is a powerful, emotional, and relatable piece that mixes personal longing with social awareness. It invites us to dream, to feel, and to think about the kind of world we live in and the kind of world we wish to rise into.
Olaonipekun Mahmud Adeniyi
240102145
Shogbamu David Oluwaferanmi
240102019
The poem is a powerful expression of the human desire for freedom from harsh realities. The speaker longs for a peaceful, beautiful place, where they can soar high above the clouds, free from the troubles of the world. However, this dream is contrasted with the harsh reality of violence and hardship faced by farmers and herders, highlighting the struggles of rural communities and human suffering.
Through this poem, the speaker conveys a sense of desperation and longing for a better life, free from the fear of violence and the struggles of everyday survival
Awoniyi Nimotalahi Ayomide
240102069
“Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” by Charles Akwen is a poem that revolves around themes of aspiration, mortality, and social injustice through vivid imagery and symbolic expression. At its heart lies the persona’s yearning to “soar high among the clouds,” a metaphor for freedom, transcendence, and the pursuit of a life beyond limitations. The opening stanzas beautifully capture the fleeting nature of youth, as the speaker reflects on the urgency to achieve dreams “before my lamp oil is buried in the mud,” an image that poignantly represents the inevitable decline of vitality and time.
One of the poem’s greatest strengths is its striking imagery. The crown of sunrise, the rainclouds, and the farmlands evoke both beauty and struggle, anchoring the reader in a landscape that is at once dreamlike and painfully real. Particularly powerful is the metaphor of “farmers’ tattoos… made of bulletholes,” which conveys the violence and vulnerability endured by rural communities. This juxtaposition of lofty ambition with grounded suffering creates a compelling tension that gives the poem emotional depth.
In conclusion ,the poem succeeds in blending lyrical beauty with pressing social commentary.The poem draws the reader in, while its urgent message about violence and displacement resonates strongly.
The opening stanza establish a strong sense of aspiration. The persona yearns to “soar high among the clouds”and go “beyond the limit of the compass”. This suggests a desire for freedom and limitless potential. Here, the persona is young and full of life.
The second stanza introduces a powerful sense of urgency. The persona appears to want to get the things he stated quickly. The repetition of “Before” highlights a race against time. The persona is obviously aware of the fleeting nature of youth, capability and time. “Before time shifts from my boyish charm” reflects his fear of losing his innocence and youthful strength. “Before my lamp oil is buried in the mud” signifies the draining away of live and potential. The persona wants to hasten up before his*vision becomes so dim and blue “ that is, before he loses insight and before he “can no longer sing in tunes “ – express himself.
The poem continues with the persona seeking an ideal place, almost a sanctuary but suddenly it shifts to the harsh reality of violence, poverty, neglect and struggle that he is likely to face.
The poem is a journey from personal dream of escape and self- actualisation to the inescapable confrontation with painful realities of a community disturbed with conflict. The initial ambition of soaring now appears to be a desperate plea to rise above an almost inevitable situation.
240102079
Adeshola Eniola Victoria
TIJANI ZAINAB OMOTOLA
240102014
Analysis of the Poem
The poem expresses a deep desire for freedom, peace, and a better life. The speaker yearns to escape the hardships and limitations of their reality, seeking a world where they can thrive.
Themes and Imagery
The poem explores themes of freedom, youth, mortality, and social commentary. The imagery is vivid, with the speaker longing to “soar high among the clouds” and “wear the crown of the sunrise.” These images convey hope and aspiration for a brighter future.
Tone and Style
The tone is one of longing and urgency, with a sense of frustration. The language is simple yet powerful, creating a sense of flow and continuity.
Critique
While the poem is powerful, it could benefit from more nuanced language and better flow in some places. However, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses.
Conclusion
The poem is a moving expression of the human desire for freedom and a better life. Through its vivid imagery and powerful themes, it critiques harsh realities while yearning for a brighter future. Despite some flaws, the poem is a compelling and thought-provoking work.
Oshinuga Oluwaseun
240102051
“Let me soar high among the clouds” but Dr. Charles Akwen was written to show the desperation of a youth who wants to be successful despite the odds facing him, the odds being time, realities of life and violence.
In the first stanza, the person uses the lines “let me soar high among the clouds” and it sounds more like a prayer for someone who wants to be successful.
In the second stanza, the use of anaphora “Before” at the beginning of each lines pictures one of the odds which is time. ” Before time shifts from my boyish charm, before my lamp oil is buried in the mud………… ” This shows the urgent in the person’s voice to make it before time goes or he gets old.
The third stanza shows the determination of the person where he said ” I want to withstand the sounds of the rainclouds……….” This shows his resilience in achieving his aims.
The repitition of the sentence “Let me soar high among the clouds” and the rest of the stanza “the farmers’ tattoo are made up of bullet holes………” shows the violence of human nature and him wanting to escape from the realities of life.
Above all, the poem is based on the harshness and hardship of life and the problem a youth faces especially when one wants to succeed in life.
ANJORIN OLAMIDE OMOTOLANI
240102098
Your poem is powerful and layered with longing, resistance, and a profound yearning for freedom — both literal and symbolic. Here’s a reflection and possible completion or continuation based on the tone and themes you’ve established:
Now, let me soar so high among the clouds,
The farmers’ tattoos are made of bullet holes,
Their filthy clothes torn without repairs,
On our farmlands open grazing is now a crime.
Cries of children echo through cracked soil,
Mothers mutter prayers with empty bowls,
Time no longer flows, it limps in fear,
And justice hides behind guarded doors.
So let me rise where the hawks still glide,
Past charred homesteads and crooked spines,
Let me be wind where land is chained,
Let me be sky where dreams remain.
Before the night fully swallows the flame,
Before the drumbeats forget my name,
Let me write my truth across the sun.
That we once lived, and we did not run.
“Let Me Soar High Among The Clouds” is a poem about a person with a deep desire to escape their current difficult life and find peace and freedom. They dream of a perfect place, high above the ground, where troubles can’t reach them.
The poem starts with a strong desire to “soar high among the clouds” and go “beyond the limit of the compass.” This means the speaker wants to break free from all boundaries and limits in their life. They wish to be somewhere completely unrestricted and boundless.
They also want to “wear the crown of the sunrise” and stay with “white fridges,” which refers to clouds. This imagery suggests a desire for new beginnings, purity, and a clean, untouched life, far away from the dirt and problems they face now.
The poem then shows a sense of urgency. The speaker wants to achieve this escape “Before time shifts from my boyish charm,” and before their energy (“lamp oil”) runs out or is wasted. They also fear losing their clear sight or hope (“vision become so dim and blue”) and their ability to express themselves or find joy (“voice can no longer sing in tunes”). This part shows a deep fear of getting old, losing vitality, or becoming unable to pursue their dreams before they have a chance.
The speaker describes the kind of safe place they long for: It’s a place where they can handle nature, like “the sounds of the rain clouds,” but where human dangers, like “herders with guns,” can’t reach. This is a clear reference to the real-life conflicts between farmers and armed herders, especially in places like Nigeria. The speaker wants a place free from such violence. In this ideal place, the “light of day never is dim” except when it’s time to sleep. This means it’s a place of constant hope, clarity, and life, unlike their current reality which might be dark with fear or poverty.
The poem ends by sharply contrasting this dream with the painful truth of their life: The speaker repeats their wish to “soar so high among the clouds,” but this time, it feels more like a desperate cry because of the harsh details that follow. They mention that “The farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes.” This is a very powerful and sad image. Instead of decorative tattoos, farmers have the permanent scars of gun violence, showing how deeply conflict has affected ordinary people. Their clothes are “filthy… torn without repairs,” which highlights extreme poverty and hardship.
Finally, the line “On our farmlands open grazing is now a crime” directly points to real-world issues. It suggests that laws or conflicts over land use have made traditional farming practices dangerous or illegal, adding to the hardship and violence faced by these communities.
In short, the poem is a powerful expression of someone wishing to escape a difficult life filled with violence, poverty, and conflict, and find a safe, pure, and hopeful place before it’s too late. It paints a picture of dreams against a backdrop of very tough realities.
Nwankwo, Divine Victory.
240102077
ANJORIN OLAMIDE OMOTOLANI
240102098
Your poem is powerful and layered with longing, resistance, and a profound yearning for freedom both literal and symbolic. Here’s a reflection and possible completion or continuation based on the tone and themes you’ve established:
Now, let me soar so high among the clouds,
The farmers’ tattoos are made of bullet holes,
Their filthy clothes torn without repairs,
On our farmlands open grazing is now a crime.
Cries of children echo through cracked soil,
Mothers mutter prayers with empty bowls,
Time no longer flows , it limps in fear,
And justice hides behind guarded doors.
So let me rise where the hawks still glide,
Past charred homesteads and crooked spines,
Let me be wind where land is chained,
Let me be sky where dreams remain.
Before the night fully swallows the flame,
Before the drumbeats forget my name,
Let me write my truth across the sun —
That we once lived, and we did not run.
Teniola Favour Pentho
240102119
Charles Akwen’s poem “Let me Soar High Among the Clouds” is a powerful expression of human desire for freedom, elevation and hope. The speaker’s yearning to “Sore High Above the Clouds” portray
a sense of aspiration and longing for a better life The writer use of the metaphorical expression “beyond the limit of compass” suggest the writer’s aspiration and desires exceeding the boundaries and constraints of his currency situation. The speaker’s desire to “wear the crown of the sunrise” create a vivid image of glory, triumph and hope. By associating crown with sunrise, the speaker desire for a regal status, triumph or glory. A hope for a brighter and more glorious and better future. “Those white fridges I want to lodge” portrays the speaker’s longing for a comfort and security.
In the Second stanza, the poem tone shift to one of urgency and awareness of mortality. The use of “Before time shift from my boyish charm/Before my lamp oil is buried in mud/ Before my vision became so dim and blue/Before my voice can no longer sing in tunes” Express the awareness of the speaker that time is passing and their youth creative spark and vitality are fleeting. The tone is more somber than that of the first stanza. The Speaker is reflecting on the passage of time and how it affect their life. He realize that youthful charm and energy are temporary and will eventually fade away with time. “Before my lamp oil is buried in the mud” is a metaphor for for the speaker’s creative or intellectual spark being extinguished or lost.
The third stanza of the poem is a powerful expression of the speaker’s desire for safety. He is yearning for a place where they can escape the harsh realities of the world. “I want to withstand the sounds of the rainclouds” express how the speaker want to endure the challenges of life. The image of “herders with guns” create a sense of danger and threat, showing that the speaker is seeking a place of safety, free from violence, oppression or harm. “Except, of course, to make us sleep”. This line add a touch of realism to the speaker’s Vision, his need for rest and sleep, highlighting the natural cycle of life.
The final stanza is a repetition of the speaker’s desire to “soar high among the clouds” and also critiques the harsh realities of life, particularly for farmers, who face violence and struggle. The last stanza critique reveals a powerful commentary on societal issues. “Farmers’ tattoos made of bulletholes” critiques the prevalence of violence possibly related to conflicts over resources, land or power.
In conclusion, the poem is a great exploration of human desire for freedom and a better life. Through vivid imagery, and symbolism, the speaker their longing to rise above the challenges and harsh realities of the world, while also critiquing societal norms and issues. The theme of aspiration, mortality and search for safety and hope, create an emotionally resonant work of the poem.
Oluwafemi Hannah Precious.
240102099.
“Let Me Soar Higher Among The Clouds” by Charles Akwen is an optimistic poem, the poem shows human desires for freedom and hope. The poem aspires for an upward movement in the struggle of hardship and distress. The theme of freedom and optimism, is gotten the the emphasis of “Soar high among the clouds”. This shows the poet’s desire for freedom. The poem explores other themes like oppression, struggles faced by farmers, etc. The poem also imagery to deeply illustrate the poet’s desire. In all, the poem reflects on human experiences and struggles.
DUROSINLORUN MOSTURAH OMOWUNMI 240102157
Now let me soar high by Charles Akwen is an emotional piece that blends youthful ambition with the harsh realities of socio-political unrest in a rural setting. through its vivid imagery and symbolic language, the poet articulates a powerful longing for freedom, safety and purpose before life’s limitations clip the wings of possibility. The speaker expresses a desire to rise above the troubles of their world (Now let me soar high among the clouds). This soaring is symbolic of personal growth, freedom and achievement. However, this hope is constantly juxtaposed with the grim reality of life on the ground where herders with guns, torn clothes and open grazing threaten both livelihoods and dreams. The poem is rich in symbolic imagery, phrases such as ”soar high among the clouds” and ”crown of the sunrise”, evoke beauty, elevation and divine ambition. These images contrast with distressing visuals like ”filthy clothes torn without repairs” and ”farmers tattoos made of bullet holes”. this clear contrast deepens the emotional impact of the poem and highlights the tragic gap between the speaks dreams and the reality around them.
The poem is a beautiful poem that captures the conflict between youthful dreams and the violent decaying world in which those dreams struggle to survive.
Kazeem Anjolayo Ayomide
240102032
This poem expresses a young person’s dream to rise above the suffering and violence around them. It begins with a longing to “soar among the clouds,” symbolizing freedom, peace, and hope. The speaker wants to live a meaningful life before they grow old or lose their youthful energy.
As the poem continues, we see a desire to escape danger and reach a calm, safe place “where herders with guns cannot reach.” This shows the reality of violence in the speaker’s world, especially in farming communities. The line about “farmers’ tattoos” made of bullet holes and “filthy clothes torn without repairs” paints a sad picture of hardship in rural areas.
The poem ends by pointing to the farmer-herder crisis, showing how what used to be normal (like open grazing) has now become dangerous. The tone moves from hopeful to tragic, blending dreams with harsh truths. Overall, it is a poem of escape, urgency, and a deep wish for peace.
Usigbe Angel Chisom
240102005
“Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” by Charles Akwen. The poem begins with the speaker expressing his longing and yearning for freedom. In stanza 1, the speaker visualizes himself as a free bird transcending the sky with the sense of weightlessness, rising above the ordinary. He goes beyond boundaries, exploring new territories and pushes his limits.
“Wearing the crown of the sunrise” which symbolizes hope and renewal.
“With those white fridges I want to lodge” these white fridges represent comfort, wealth and modernity which the speaker wishes for.
In stanza 2, line 1, “i want to withstand the sounds of the rain clouds”. The sounds of the rain clouds are the challenges and difficulties the speaker endure. The mention “herders with guns” creates an image of violence, conflict and chaos. The speaker seeks a place free from threats and havoc.
In stanza 3, the stanza provides a stark contrast to the speaker’s desire for freedom and transcending, highlighting the harsh realities of life in a conflict ridden area.
In conclusion, “Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” by Charles Akwen is an indefinable talent and intriguing poem, this poem is a poignant and powerful exploration of the human desire for freedom, peace and transcending. It conveys a sense of longing for a better life, free from violence, conflict and hardships.
“Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” is a reflective and emotionally charged piece that speaks to both personal longing and collective struggle. One of its strongest features lies in its vivid imagery and evocative symbolism. Phrases like “let me wear the crown of the sunrise” and “soar high among the clouds” evoke a deep yearning for transcendence, freedom, and peace—something far removed from the harsh realities the speaker describes later in the poem. The tone is initially dreamlike and hopeful but gradually shifts into one of sorrow and urgency as the poet confronts the decay of youth, the loss of vision, and the violence that threatens rural life.
The poem touches on significant themes: the fleeting nature of youth, the silencing of creative voices, and the disruption of traditional ways of life. By connecting a personal desire for meaning and escape with a broader societal collapse, the poet offers a layered narrative that resonates with both individual emotion and communal pain. The contrast between the ideal (soaring, singing, sunrise) and the real (mud, violence, disrepair) is striking and deliberate.
“Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” is a moving poem that succeeds in combining lyrical beauty with sobering commentary. It captures a voice caught between the dreams of what could be and the grim truth of what is, offering a poetic lament for both the self and the nation.
DIAVBAN OGHENETEGA SAMANTHA
240102127
Ireoluwa Abiodun
240102080
The poem offers a moving and evocative reflection on youthful aspiration. The speaker’s wish to “soar high among the clouds” represents a yearning for transcendence, or liberation from the disorder, bloodshed, and disappointment that permeate their surroundings. The conflict between hope and despair is effectively conveyed by the contrast between the pristine beauty of nature (“crown of the sunrise,” “white fridges”) and the harsh realities of everyday life (herders brandishing guns, farmers with gunshot wounds, and ripped clothing). Emotional depth is added by the poem’s temporal urgency—”Before time shifts from my boyish charm”—which implies that dreams must be followed before innocence wanes or life is cut short.
“Let Me Soar Higher Among the Clouds” by Charles Akwen is a poem that expresses themes of aspiration, freedom, and the desire to rise above challenges. The imagery of soaring among the clouds symbolizes liberation and the pursuit of dreams. Akwen’s work often reflects a deep connection to nature and personal growth, resonating with readers who seek inspiration and motivation in their own lives.
The second line of the poem,”Beyond the limit of the compass” emphasizes the desire to rise above limitations and reach one’s goals, portraying a sense of longing to achieve greatness.
Soaring among the clouds represents freedom from earthly constraints and the pursuit of one’s true potential. It reflects a yearning for personal and spiritual liberation.
The imagery of clouds and the sky connects the speaker to the natural world, suggesting that finding inspiration and solace in nature can empower individuals to overcome challenges.
The poem acknowledges struggles and obstacles but encourages resilience and determination to rise above them.
There is an underlying message of hope, suggesting that with perseverance, one can renew their spirit and find joy in the journey toward their aspirations.
Thus, the poem creates an uplifting message about the power of dreams and the importance of striving for a higher purpose.
Balogun Temimori
240102165
tattoos… made of bullet holes.” The poem ends grounded in violence and poverty,but yet the poetic personae hopes to escape and reclaim his dignity. In all, this poem metaphorically represents the fleeting nature of time and the innate desire of humans to enjoy peace in the midst of the intense chaos
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The poem,”let me soar high among the clouds”is about a desire for freedom and aspiration.The speaker yearns to rise above limitations and reach new heights,symbolised by soaring among clouds.The tone is one of longing and hope, suggesting a deep desire for personal growth, spiritual connection or fulfillment.
This poem is a heartfelt wish for freedom, escape, and a return to innocence, sharply contrasted with the harsh realities of life.
The poem opens with a powerful desire to escape, as the speaker wishes to “soar high among the clouds / Beyond the limit of the compass.” This shows a longing to break free from all boundaries and find glory by wearing the “crown of the sunrise.” The wish to “lodge” with “white fridges” hints at a desire for purity and unchanging peace.
This urgent wish is driven by a fear of time passing and losing youth. The speaker wants to achieve these dreams “Before time shifts from my boyish charm,” and before their “lamp oil is buried in the mud,” meaning before their life energy runs out and their abilities fade.
The poem describes an ideal safe place: “Where herders with guns cannot reach” and where it’s always bright. This directly points to real dangers like violence and conflict in the world.
However, the poet abruptly returns to a difficult reality. The repeated desire to “soar so high among the clouds” is met with images of suffering: “farmers’ tattoos are made of bullet holes,” and their clothes are torn. The line “On our farmlands open grazing is now a crime” highlights specific problems like land disputes. This sharp contrast shows that the speaker’s dream of escape is a desperate wish to get away from very real and painful hardships.
Okechukwu Toluwani Chidinma
240102141
Nwachukwu Chinenye Precious
240102117
This poem, “Let me soar high among the clouds,” is a heartfelt wish to escape a difficult reality. The speaker deeply longs to fly up high, beyond everyday limits, to a pure and peaceful place, like a dream. They want to experience this beautiful freedom before they get old, lose their strength, or their voice fades away.
However, the poem then dramatically pulls us back down to Earth. The dream of peace turns grim as the speaker mentions “herders with guns” and a place “Where herders with guns cannot reach.” This brings a harsh dose of reality, hinting at the violence and dangers faced by people on the ground.
The final part of the poem makes this reality very clear and painful. We see farmers with “bullet holes” as their “tattoos,” wearing torn, “filthy clothes.” The simple act of “open grazing is now a crime” on farmlands, pointing to conflict and hardship.
So, the poem is essentially a powerful contrast: a yearning for a beautiful, impossible escape from the violence and struggles that sadly define life on the ground, particularly hinting at the real-world conflicts affecting communities in places like Nigeria.
Olalekan Titilayo Sekinat
240102025
This poem “Let me Soar High among the Clouds”is a poignant and thought-provoking expression of longing, aspiration, and social commentary.
The speaker yearns to “soar high among the clouds,” symbolizing a desire to transcend limitations and achieve greatness.
The poem touches on the fleeting nature of life, youth, and vitality, with the speaker aware of the passing of time and critiques the harsh realities of rural life, referencing violence, poverty, and the struggle for survival.
The Poet uses Imagery and Symbolism “The clouds and sunrise”which represent aspiration, hope, and new beginning, “White Fridges”which is a symbol of modernity, comfort, and luxury, contrasting with the harsh realities of rural life.
The poet attributes human-like qualities to non-human entities, such as “time shifts from my boyish charm,” adds depth to the poem.
The tone is reflective, aspirational, and melancholic, while the mood is contemplative and somber. The speaker’s use of imagery and metaphor creates a sense of longing and urgency.
The poem’s style is characterized by the lack of a regular rhyme and meter.
The Poet focus on concrete, sensory details paints a vivid picture.
Overall,the Poem highlights Social Longing and Freedom amidst the harsh realities of the environment and Life in general.
Olalekan Titilayo Sekinat
240102015
This poem “Let me Soar High among the Clouds”is a poignant and thought-provoking expression of longing, aspiration, and social commentary.
The speaker yearns to “soar high among the clouds,” symbolizing a desire to transcend limitations and achieve greatness.
The poem touches on the fleeting nature of life, youth, and vitality, with the speaker aware of the passing of time and critiques the harsh realities of rural life, referencing violence, poverty, and the struggle for survival.
The Poet uses Imagery and Symbolism “The clouds and sunrise”which represent aspiration, hope, and new beginning, “White Fridges”which is a symbol of modernity, comfort, and luxury, contrasting with the harsh realities of rural life.
The poet attributes human-like qualities to non-human entities, such as “time shifts from my boyish charm,” adds depth to the poem.
The tone is reflective, aspirational, and melancholic, while the mood is contemplative and somber. The speaker’s use of imagery and metaphor creates a sense of longing and urgency.
The poem’s style is characterized by the lack of a regular rhyme and meter.
The Poet focus on concrete, sensory details paints a vivid picture.
Overall,the Poem highlights Social Longing and Freedom amidst the harsh realities of the environment and Life in general.
Ezeani Uchenna
240102148
“Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” by Charles Akwen is a hopeful and bold poem. The speaker wants to break free from limits and rise above struggles, like a bird flying high. It shows a strong desire for growth, freedom, and success, with a tone that feels powerful and determined.
The poem paints two contrasting emotions of ecstasy and suffering. It starts off on a hyper note where the poet persona wants to “soar high above the cloud”, to feel a happy feeling and forget his troubles and the troubles of the society. The tone shift to a more troubled and disheartened tone in the succeeding lines of the poem. The poet persona is troubled about the herders and farmers clash, a phenomenon occuring in Northern Nigeria through which many have lost their lives and various casualties have occurred. The poet persona wants to forget this harsh reality some face and “soar high above the clouds” where the noise of the world won’t reach him.
“Let Me Soar High Among The Clouds” by Charles Akwen balances personal yearning with real life issues on violence, insecurity, and the destruction of rural life, especially in farming communities. Written in free-verse the poem is laced in Metaphors, making the message of the poet resonate with the readers emotionally and visually. The repetition of “Now let me soar high among the clouds” emphasizes the poetic personae’s desire to escape the harsh reality, but cannot ignore the violence and insecurity that has destroyed the rural life and has robbed people especially the farmers, of their dreams and dignity.
The symbolic use of words, such as, “clouds” “sunrise” “rain”, all natural element but they serve as both symbols of dreams and destruction. “Now, let me soar high among the clouds” represents a hopeful call to fulfill destiny. “Before my lamp oil is buried in the mud” this metaphor represents the fear of wasted potential and the fear of dying, not just dying, but dying without achieving their call.
The poem makes use of a mix of poetic diction “soar high among the clouds” “crown of the sunrise” giving the poem a tone of ambition, freedom and idealism. Reflective diction “before my oil lamp is buried in the mud” “my vision become so dim and blue” gives it a mildly symbolic feel. Evoking aging, death, and fading potential. The third stanze makes use of realistic and violent fiction “farmers’ tattoos are made of bullet holes” “filthy clothes torn without repairs”. This choice of words is more direct, unsettling, and pulling the readers from the dream-like-world into violent rural reality. The poem ends on a politically charged note “open grazing is now a crime”
All in all, the poem captures the desires of a young voice yearning to rise above the harsh realities of life before time steals “my boyish charm” “my vision” “my voice”. Yet, the personae’s vision is weighed down by the harsh realities of violence, insecurity, and societal decay, portrayed through images like “farmers’ tattoos are made of bullet holes” “their filthy clothes torn without repairs” “open grazing is now a crime”. The poem serves not only as a personal reflection of fading youth and lost opportunities, but also as a social commentary on how conflict and disorder continues to rob the dreams of individuals and entire communities.
Olagunju Folafoluwa Charity
240102142
Adesanya Ayobamidele
240102056
The poem “Let me soar above the clouds” by Dr. Charles Akwen is a poem that delves into a deep yearning for freedom from conflict, danger and difficulties. The writer employs the first-person narration which allows for full expression of their thought, feelings, and emotions. Through words, a deep-seated desire and a persistent dream to “…soar high among the clouds” is expressed. However, this strong desire for freedom suggests that there is a kind of limitation that the poet persona is experiencing. The repeated line “let me soar high among the clouds” communicates the desire to escape a limit and push past perceived boundaries and to explore new horizons. Line 9 -10 says, “I want to withstand the sounds of the rainclouds,
Where herders with guns cannot reach…” This line paints a vivid picture of a world affected by societal conflict where the writer dwells. The ‘herders with guns’ implies a setting where violence is prevalent.Therefore, the writer expresses his longing for relief from his current environment. “Before time shifts from my boyish charm / Before my lamp oil is buried in the mud…” infers that the writer is afraid that time is running out, his abilities aren’t expressible. The use of the literary device—anaphora— helps to emphasize this desperate cry to escape from this environment.
Eventually, he shares the pain and suffering they experience. “The farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes, / their filthy clothes torn without repairs,/ On our farmlands open grazing is now a crime”. This shows the dangerous and saddening occurrences that take place. This is what he desires to escape from—a life lived in fear of the unknown.
THANNI AISHAT IDUNNUOLA
This poem Is about a young person who is aiming at rising and soaring high without having to face life struggles or having any problems. This focus is to make use of his youth, time and talent very well with having to have problems. Youths wish to succeed, they don’t want to be held back by anything and definitely not live a hard life on earth. They want to achieve something before youth fades or death comes. The speaker feels time is running out and he doesn’t want to waste time.
This poem Is about a person who dreams big and wants to achieve alot in life. He wants to escape hardship and makes sure he doesn’t end up wasting his youth.
Aka Teniade Mariam
240102171
Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds, a desire for freedom, written in verse by Charles Akwen spells the struggle against reality and hardship. It highlights the need for freedom before the wicked hands of time go too far.
The major theme of the poem is hardship, as the poem gravitates from lighter tones to much heavier ones that indicate the preceding and lighter stanzas to be a desire for freedom, which leads to the subject matter, which is freedom. The poet says twice in the poem, “Let me soar high among the clouds”, the second mention having the adverb ‘so’ to intensify his desire. He includes, “beyond the limit of the compass,” indicating just how high he wishes to soar above the hardship that have threatened to hold him down till time comes. Thus, the mood and tone of the poem shifts from light and hopeful to its stark opposite—heavy and hopeless.
The opening stanza is a visible demand and desire for freedom. The poet wishes to soar high, using a metaphor to indicate just how high, with the word “clouds”. He further emphasizes on the second line, saying, “beyond the limit of the compass.” He wishes to wear the crown of the sunrise indicating his desired height further. In the second stanza, we see tendrils of fear, “Before time shifts from my boyish charm/Before my lamp oil is buried in the mud.” Here, the poet shows his fear of old age. An age where his “vision become so dim and blue.” and his “voice can no longer sing in tunes.” The third stanza introduce the terrible herders who terrorize with guns, such that the poet is willing to withstand the “sounds of the rainclouds” which would be louder than the sound of the herder’s guns. He wishes to seek comfort in a paradise he hopes to attain. In his last stanza, he communicates his pain, and shows the hardship, explaining, using metaphor to show how farmers have been shot, leaving scars; how farmers remain poor, and lack the freedom to even use their source of income to help themselves.
The poet, Charles Akwen, uses figures of speech to communicate his meaning clearly. He uses metaphors like “let me wear the crown of the sunrise,” “beyond the limit of the compass”, “soar high among the clouds”, to communicate to his readers his desire for heights of freedom. Further, he employs personification, “before time shifts from my boyish charm,” giving time a human attribute that can move. Also, he uses symbolism, “before my lamp oil is buried in the mud”, “before my vision becomes so dim and blue” “before my voice can no longer sing in tunes” to depict the inevitable coming of old age, before which, he has to attain freedom. To leave another strong message, he deploys metaphor, “The farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes.” Tattoos are permanent scars, meanwhile bulletholes have become the farmers’ permanent tattoos, indicating their hardship, and how they had to be shot.
To conclude, the poem does not fail to deliver its message through the use of its strong imagery and symbolism, and its poetic manipulation of words. Thus, the whole poem is a contrast between desire and reality.
Olusina Grace Opeyemi
240102006
English language
This poem is, like, super emotional and deep . The writer is basically craving this ultimate sense of freedom, like they wanna “soar high among the clouds” and just escape . The “crown of the sunrise” thing sounds like they’re dreaming of this perfect, epic moment 🏆. And wanting to lodge with “white fridges” is kinda weird, but maybe it represents this super peaceful place they wanna chill in .
The writer’s all like, “time is running out” vibes . They’re worried about losing their youth and charm, and their voice and vision fading . It’s like, they’re super aware that life is gonna change and they wanna experience everything before it does .
The part about “withstanding the sounds of the rainclouds” and being safe from “herders with guns” is, like, super intense . They wanna be in this safe haven where everything is okay . And the line about the “light of day never is dim” except to sleep is kinda beautiful , like they’re picturing this perfect place.
The last part, though, is super real . The “farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes” and “open grazing is now a crime” lines are, like, super raw and show that there’s this bigger struggle going on . It’s like, the writer is highlighting how tough life is for people in their community .
Overall, this poem is, like, this super personal and emotional plea 💔. The writer’s seeking freedom, safety, and happiness, and is worried about the future .
Nwachukwu Christabel Nneka.
240102129.
Charles Akwen’s “Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” is a poignant poem that expresses a deep desire for freedom, transcendence, and purpose. The speaker longs to rise above limitations, to reach a place of clarity and peace “beyond the compass” and “among the clouds.” The imagery of wearing “the crown of the sunrise” and escaping before “time shifts from my boyish charm” suggests a race against time to fulfill dreams before youth and hope fade. This flight becomes symbolic of personal growth, ambition, and the pursuit of a higher calling.
Beneath the uplifting metaphors, however, the poem carries a sobering commentary on social and political unrest. Akwen contrasts the dream of flight with scenes of violence on the ground—armed herders, displaced farmers, and faces marked with bulletholes. These images root the poem in a painful reality, revealing that the longing to soar isn’t just poetic, but a response to trauma and injustice. Ultimately, the poem becomes both a personal prayer and a social protest—an appeal for liberation from both internal limits and external oppression.
The poem is a poignant meditation on youthful ambition, existential urgency, and the desire to escape a world marred by violence and decay. The opening line, “Now, let me soar high among the clouds,” immediately introduces a longing for elevation—both spiritual and physical—beyond earthly limits. The phrase “beyond the limit of the compass” suggests a yearning to transcend known boundaries, to explore uncharted territories of possibility and identity. The speaker’s wish to “wear the crown of the sunrise” symbolises a desire to embrace a new dawn, perhaps signifying hope, renewal, and triumph over darkness. “Those white fridges I want to lodge” introduces a surreal yet serene image, possibly referring to clouds or ethereal dwellings above, untouched by earthly chaos.
In the second stanza, the poem shifts from aspiration to a tone of urgency and inevitable loss. The repetition of “Before…” emphasises the limited time the speaker feels they have to fulfil their dreams. The reference to “my boyish charm” and “my lamp oil… buried in the mud” symbolises the fleeting nature of youth and vitality—an acknowledgement that time, like oil running dry, will soon extinguish his inner light. The dimming vision and fading voice further portray the gradual erosion of one’s abilities with age or circumstance, evoking a fear of fading potential and lost identity.
The final stanza introduces a form of resistance and sanctuary. The speaker wishes to “withstand the sounds of the rainclouds,” possibly referencing challenges or sorrow, and longs for a place “where herders with guns cannot reach.” This line starkly introduces a socio-political reality—perhaps a critique of violence or conflict in rural regions—signalling a desire for safety and peace. The imagery of a place “where the light of day never is dim, except… to make us sleep,” contrasts with the earlier motif of fading vision and suggests an ideal realm where light (hope, clarity, truth) persists eternally, only pausing for rest, not defeat.
Altogether, the poem combines personal introspection with subtle social commentary, blending dreamlike imagery with grounded fears. It conveys a deep longing for purpose, peace, and the chance to rise before life’s inevitable decline takes hold.
This poem shows a strong wish to escape hardship and find peace. The speaker wants to “soar high among the clouds,” meaning they hope for freedom and a better life. Wearing “the crown of the sunrise” means having hope and a chance to shine before it’s too late.
It also talks about lost dreams. Lines like “before my lamp oil is buried in the mud” and “before my vision becomes so dim and blue” show how time, pain, and age can weaken someone’s hopes. The poet wants to reach their goals while they still can.
The poem also shows violence and fear. Words like “bulletholes” and “open grazing is now a crime” hint at conflicts in rural areas.
Overall, it mixes hope with reality, telling readers to rise and act while they still have the strength, and not let life’s troubles silence them.
Patrick Monica Chidinma.
240102176.
A truly wonderful and intriguing poem🥰. The poem captures a young speaker’s deep yearning to rise above limitations imposed by time, poverty, and violence. With phrases like “soar high among the clouds” and “crown of the sunrise,” it reflects ambition and hope. Yet, it is grounded in harsh realities rural insecurity, broken dreams, and the passage of youth.
Name: Joseph Ayomide Charles
Matric number: 240102053
Course: LAG ENG 128 (lit and sm)
Department: English language
Faculty: Arts
Analysis on “Let Me Soar High Among The Clouds” by Dr Charles Akwen
This poem is a powerful expression of the desire for freedom, escape, liberty and greener pastures. The poem explores the deep desire for freedom for a better life, free from the challenges and hardship faced by many people. The poem also highlights the importance of acting while one still have the opportunity to do so.
The poem also embodies diverse themes that distinctively portrays the message the poet is trying to pass across. The poem explores themes like; escape, freedom, youthfulness and vitality. These themes shows the hidden message encapsulated in the poem.
Moreover, the poem also makes use of symbolism which ads to the progression of the poem and another way the poet tries to pass the message. The clouds and sunrise represent freedom and hope for a better and brighter future. The use of symbolism for the Farmer’s tattoo denotes the scars, hardships and struggles those that strive in detrimental situations. Also, the use of ‘Boyish Charm’ is also a symbolism that represents youthfulness and vitality, portraying that one should strive when there is opportunity to do so. The use of these symbolism has actually given the poem more meaning, creating that literary use of the devices that enhances the message of the poet to the readers.
In addition, social commentary in the poem suggests that the persona is fully aware of the difficulties faced by others, particularly the farmers and herdsmen who strive to survive in unpleasant environment. Moreover, through the use of social commentary, the poem critiques societal issues such as violence, poverty, hardship and oppression, highlighting the struggles faced by farmers and herdsmen.
In conclusion, the poem’s message is one of hope and resilience, encouraging readers to strive for a better life despite the obstacles that may stand in their way and also that they strive when they have the opportunity to do so.
OLATUNJI ENIOLA VICTORIA
240102042
Dr. Charles Akwen’s poem “Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” explores the themes of ambition, the fear of aging, the desire for peace, and the harsh reality of violence and societal decay. Through the use of vivid imagery and emotional language, Dr Charles presents the voice that longs to be above the limitations of time and the suffering in the world.
The poem opens with a bold declaration, “Now, let me soar high among the clouds / Beyond the limit of the compass.” This metaphor of soaring among the clouds symbolizes the speaker’s yearning for greatness, peace, and spiritual elevation. His desire to go beyond the compass suggests the rejection limitation. The phrase “wear the crown of the sunrise” adds to the sense of hope and renewal, indicates a wish to embrace a higher purpose.
The second stanza shifts focus to the fear of time and aging. The lines “Before time shifts from my boyish charm” and “Before my voice can no longer sing in tunes” express a strong sense of urgency. The poet is aware that youth is temporary and is afraid of losing vitality, vision, voice and creativity before achieving anything meaningful. The metaphor “Before my lamp oil is buried in the mud” this implies the danger of wasted time and a life dimmed before it has had the chance to shine fully.
In the third stanza, the poet introduces imagery that implies a longing for a place of safety and freedom from violence. The speaker wishes to “withstand the sounds of the rainclouds,” a possible symbol for the storms and troubles of life. This is followed by a powerful political and social depiction “Where herders with guns cannot reach.” Here, the poem refers to the ongoing farmer-herder conflicts in Nigeria, which have led to widespread fear and destruction. The speaker dreams of a place untouched by such violence, a place where peace is the norm and rest comes naturally.
The final stanza is the most emotionally intense. The line “The farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes” is a metaphor that turns wounds into permanent marks on their identities. It portrays the brutality and suffering that ordinary people, especially the farmers, face in rural areas. Their “filthy clothes torn without repairs” and the criminalization of “open grazing” reflects injustice. This ending grounds the poem in the harsh realities of society, making the speaker’s wish to escape even more understandable.
The tone of the poem evolves from hopeful and inspirational to sorrowful and reflective. There is a clear difference between the dream of soaring and the reality of suffering. The poet skillfully employs literary devices such as repetition, metaphor, contrast, and imagery to reinforce these emotions. The repeated line “let me soar” shows how badly the speaker wants freedom, while the part about losing his voice shows he’s afraid of being silenced and forgotten.
In conclusion, “Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” is a deeply layered poem that speaks to the universal human desire for purpose, freedom, and peace in a world full of uncertainty and delay. Dr. Charles Akwen combines personal emotions with social commentary to create a powerful piece that resonates with themes of ambition, mortality, and resistance to delay. The poem not only captures a personal struggle but also reflects the collective cry of those who feel trapped in a world that does not allow them to move forward.
Oderinde Anjolaoluwa Esther
240102073
“Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds”by Charles Akwen
“Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” by Charles Akwen is a metaphor expressing a deep yearning for freedom, peace, and self-fulfillment. The speaker longs to rise above limitations, pain, and violence. The image of “soaring” suggests both ambition and escape from a harsh earthly reality.
The speaker is a hopeful individual who is deeply aware of the dangers and limitations in his environment. He speaks with urgency, desiring to achieve his dreams before time and circumstance rob him of the chance.
The poem’s tone is a blend of hopeful longing, urgency, and quiet sorrow. The speaker pleads with life to let him achieve greatness and peace before it’s too late. He wants to achieve his dreams “before time shifts from [his] boyish charm,” meaning before youth fades and energy is lost. There is a fear that life may pass by without fulfilling potential “before my vision becomes so dim and blue,” and “before my voice can no longer sing in tunes.” These lines show the fear of growing old without making a difference.
The mood of the poem is emotional and reflective. The reader is moved to feel both the beauty of the speaker’s dream and the tragedy of his environment.
The poem follows a four-stanza structure, each gradually unfolding the speaker’s inner world and the social issues around him.
The repeated line “Now, let me soar high among the clouds” acts like a refrain, reinforcing the intensity of the dream and contrasting it with the ugly reality on the ground.
In conclusion, the poem reflects real social issues in Nigeria, where herders and farmers clash, leading to deaths, displacement, and fear. It speaks on behalf of the voiceless rural population, who suffer from both violence and systemic abandonment. Thus, the poem is not just about one person’s dream, but about a collective cry for justice and peace.
Ojo Racheal Oluwasemilore
240102031
The poem conveys a sense of urgency and longing for a better life, free from the constraints of societal issues. It encourages the speaker to make the most of their youth and strive for freedom and aspiration.The speaker yearns to achieve something before losing their youthful charm and vitality.
The desire to “soar high among the clouds” suggests a longing for freedom and escape from the harsh realities of life.The references to “boyish charm” and “lamp oil” buried in the mud convey a sense of urgency, as the speaker recognizes that youth is fleeting. The imagery of their “vision” becoming “dim and blue” alludes to lost potential and the fading of dreams that often accompanies the passage of time.The poem touches on issues like violence, poverty, and conflict, highlighting the struggles of farmers and herders. the speaker’s dreams with harsh realities serves to critique societal structures that erode personal freedom and environmental sustainability. The poem’s style is lyrical, with a strong emphasis on imagery and symbolism. The use of metaphor (“crown of the sunrise”) and personification (“time shifts from my boyish charm”) adds depth and complexity to the poem.
240102089
Adeopa Kehinde Rachael
This poem is a powerful blend of hope, urgency, and lamentation, layered with vivid imagery and metaphor to express a deep yearning for liberation from both personal limitations and societal decay. The persona’s desire to “soar high among the clouds” symbolizes a longing to rise above the harsh realities of his world, realities marked by violence, poverty, and disillusionment. The repeated plea to act “before” certain changes occur, before age sets in, before light fades, before voice and vision fail underscores a sense of urgency tied to both time and opportunity. The contrast between the purity of the sky and the violence of the earth reflects the speaker’s internal conflict between idealism and despair. The imagery of “farmers’ tattoos” being “bulletholes” and “filthy clothes torn without repairs” starkly illustrates the physical and emotional wounds inflicted on rural communities, likely referencing conflict such as the herder-farmer crisis. This is not just a personal meditation, it’s a critique of social neglect, a cry against environmental and cultural erosion, and a poetic call for space to dream, to live fully, and to escape a world that is quickly closing in.
Sodiq oluwaseun Alege
240102144
The poem is a powerful expression of a soul caught between a desperate longing for an idealized, peaceful existence and the brutal realities of a world marred by conflict, especially concerning land and livelihood. The specific mention of “herders with guns” and “open grazing” grounds the poem in a particular contemporary struggle, making the yearning for escape even more poignant and understandable. It’s a lament for lost innocence, a cry for peace, and a vivid depiction of the enduring scars of violence.
Ogunlowo Tijesunimi Abigail
240102107
“Let Me Soar Higher Among the Clouds” by Dr Charles Akwen conveys the desire for freedom away from hardship. The poet yearns to soar higher above the troubles of life, desiring freedom and peace. The poet use ‘lamp oil and mud’ to symbolize the frailty of life and time passing. ‘rain clouds and guns’ also assert a sense of danger and oppression through insecurity in the nation.
The poem expresses the pursuit for freedom amidst the struggles and hardships of life, particularly violence and social tension.
240102007
“Let me soar among the cloud” by Charles Akwen is a poignant expression of the human desire for freedom, youth, and a better life. The speaker yearns to transcend their current reality and thrive without fear or struggle. The fleeting nature of youth is a central theme, with the speaker aware that their youthful charm and vitality are temporary.
The poem also serves as a powerful social commentary, highlighting the struggles of farmers and herders. Vivid images like “farmers’ tattoos made of bulletholes” and “filthy clothes torn without repairs” starkly portray the violence and poverty many face. The line “On our farmlands open grazing is now a crime” underscores the difficulties and restrictions these individuals encounter.
The poem is a call to action, urging readers to recognize the importance of preserving identity and creative expression. The speaker’s desire to “soar high among the clouds” and “sing in tunes” testifies to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and determination. Through its powerful themes and imagery, the poem sheds light on the struggles of the marginalized while celebrating the strength found in creativity and the desire for freedom.
OFEM OBASEOTA NNEOTA
240102173
‘Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds’ by Charles Akwen is a poem about a young person’s deep desire to rise above the struggles and dangers of life. It talks about dreams, time, violence, and the need for peace and safety. The poet mixes hope with sadness, as he looks at both the beauty of ambition and the pain of reality.
Firstly, the poem is made up of four stanzas, each containing four lines, also known as quatrains. It is a free-verse poem. The poem begins and ends with the same line, “Now, let me soar high among the clouds,” and this repeated line shows that the speaker’s dream remains constant despite all the suffering he describes. The first and third stanzas focus on the speaker’s desires, while the second and fourth stanzas contrast those dreams with the harsh reality of time, violence, and suffering.
Secondly, the poem makes use of several literary devices to convey its meaning. One important device is imagery, which helps paint vivid pictures. For example, “Before my lamp oil is buried in the mud” is an image of death or wasted time. The line “The farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes” is a powerful metaphor showing how violence has left permanent marks on the bodies of farmers. Repetition is also used effectively with the line “Now, let me soar so high among the clouds,” which appears at both the start and end of the poem. This emphasizes the speaker’s dream. Alliteration appears in phrases like “dim and blue,” where the repeated ‘b’ sound adds to the sad tone. Another example is personification in “Before my voice can no longer sing in tunes,” which gives the voice human ability and emotion.
Furthermore, the diction of the poem is simple but emotional. The poet uses words that are easy to understand but full of meaning, like “sunrise,” “lamp oil,” “dim and blue,” and “bulletholes.” These words create clear pictures in the reader’s mind. The tone of the poem shifts between hopeful and sorrowful. In the beginning, the tone is uplifting, as the speaker says, “Let me wear the crown of the sunrise,” showing a desire for greatness. However, it becomes sad in lines like “Before my vision become so dim and blue,” and “The farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes.” The mood of the poem is emotional and reflective. It makes the reader feel both inspired by the speaker’s dreams and sad about the painful realities he faces.
In conclusion, Charles Akwen’s ‘Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds’ is a touching poem that shows a young person’s wish to escape pain and reach greatness. It talks about time, peace, ambition, and violence in a simple but powerful way. The poem speaks for people who want a better life, far from fear and suffering. It reminds us how important it is to act while there is still time and how deep the wounds of conflict can be.
Umeze chika francisca
240102083
This poem talks about the powerful expression of longing for freedom.
The writer writes to soar beyond limitations, wearing the “crown of the sunrise’’.the poems imagery is vivid, and it’s themes of youth, mortality and resilience and thought provoking.overall its a stunning piece of writing.
This poem expresses a deep longing to escape from a harsh reality into a peaceful, almost dreamlike place. The opening lines paint a hopeful picture of soaring beyond limits, filled with light, music, and innocence. But as the poem unfolds, the tone shifts ..revealing the painful truth of violence, lost farmlands, and broken lives. Lines like “The farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes” are especially powerful, showing the deep scars left by conflict. The contrast between the calm beauty of nature and the harshness of reality creates a strong emotional impact. Overall, the poem quietly mixes personal reflection with a call for peace and freedom, making it both touching and thought-provoking.
(240102123)
This poem is a poignant and powerful expression of the desire for freedom, peace, and hope amidst a backdrop of violence, hardship, and fear. The speaker’s words convey a deep sense of longing and urgency, making the poem a compelling and thought-provoking piece.
The speaker’s longing to “soar high among the clouds” symbolizes a deep yearning for escape and liberation. This aspiration is further emphasized by the desire to “wear the crown of the sunrise”, which suggests a quest for optimism and illumination in the face of adversity. The imagery used here is rich and evocative, painting a vivid picture in the reader’s mind.
The poem’s depiction of rural conflict is stark and unsettling, with the imagery of “bulletholes” and “open grazing is now a crime” vividly portraying the harsh reality of danger and hardship faced by farmers and herders. This portrayal serves as a powerful commentary on the impact of violence and fear on everyday lives.
The overall tone of the poem is one of urgent desperation, emphasizing the need to seize hope and dreams before time runs out. The speaker’s plea to “soar high among the clouds” once more serves as a reminder of the human desire for freedom and transcendence, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Daniel Success Ezinne
240102062
Daniel Success Ezinne
240102062
This poem expresses a deep desire to rise above hardship and pain. The speaker wishes to “soar high among the clouds,” which shows a longing for freedom, peace, and something greater than the harsh reality around him. The idea of wearing “the crown of the sunrise” suggests hope and the chance to shine before time runs out.
The poem also touches on the sadness of lost dreams. Phrases like “before my lamp oil is buried in the mud” and “before my vision becomes so dim and blue” show how time, suffering, and age can weaken someone’s spirit. The poet wants to achieve his dreams while he still can.
There’s also a strong image of violence and fear, especially in the lines about farmers and herders. Words like “bulletholes” and “open grazing is now a crime” point to the conflict happening in rural areas. The poem blends hope with reality, showing both the pain people face and the wish to escape it.
In all, the poem is a mix of dreams and truth. It reminds readers to rise while they still have the strength, and not let the world’s troubles silence their voice.
This poem expresses a deep desire to rise above hardship and pain. The speaker wishes to “soar high among the clouds,” which shows a longing for freedom, peace, and something greater than the harsh reality around him. The idea of wearing “the crown of the sunrise” suggests hope and the chance to shine before time runs out.
The poem also touches on the sadness of lost dreams. Phrases like “before my lamp oil is buried in the mud” and “before my vision becomes so dim and blue” show how time, suffering, and age can weaken someone’s spirit. The poet wants to achieve his dreams while he still can.
There’s also a strong image of violence and fear, especially in the lines about farmers and herders. Words like “bulletholes” and “open grazing is now a crime” point to the conflict happening in rural areas. The poem blends hope with reality, showing both the pain people face and the wish to escape it.
In all, the poem is a mix of dreams and truth. It reminds readers to rise while they still have the strength, and not let the world’s troubles silence their voice.
Olanrewaju Rihanat Opeyemi
240102110
Adesokan Victoria Oreoluwa
240102013
Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” by Charles Akwen highlights emotional struggle of an individual who dreams of rising above hardship in a society filled with violence and neglect. It captures the tension between personal ambition and harsh reality, using poetic language to express both hope and despair. Through vivid imagery and symbolism, the poet presents a world where time is short, dreams are fragile, and rural communities suffer from abandonment.
The speaker longs to escape life’s limitations and achieve something meaningful before it’s too late. Lines like “let me soar high among the clouds” and “before my lamp oil is buried in the mud” highlight themes of hope vs reality and the fear of time passing. However, this dream is interrupted by harsh realities, as seen in references to “herders with guns” and “bullet holes,” symbolizing the violence rural farmers face. The poet uses imagery, metaphor, and symbolism to express how suffering has become part of everyday life. This contrast between personal dreams and societal pain makes the poem deeply emotional and politically powerful.
Demilola Odunaiya
240102158
This poem talks about someone who wants to achieve their dreams before it’s too late. The first part uses beautiful images like flying among the clouds and wearing the crown of the sunrise to show hope and ambition. The second part becomes more serious, talking about getting older and losing energy, which adds a sense of urgency.
Towards the end, the poem shifts to real-life problems like violence and struggles faced by farmers. The line “the farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes” is strong and emotional. It shows how much pain people are going through.
Some parts, like “white fridges,” are a little confusing and could be clearer. Also, the change from personal dreams to social issues feels a bit sudden. But overall, the poem is emotional, powerful, and makes the reader think about both personal goals and the problems in society
MUHAMMED ENITAN OWOLABI
240102037
This poem expresses the deep dreams and longings of a young speaker who desires to escape the violence, suffering, and limitations of the world around him. The persona’s plea to “soar high among the clouds” serves as a central metaphor for rising above pain, war, and the harsh realities, particularly those afflicting farmers and rural communities. The poem presents a powerful blend of personal aspiration and social commentary, using vivid imagery and symbolic language to convey a desperate yearning for peace and fulfillment. This urgency is intensified in lines such as “before my lamp oil is buried in the mud,” a metaphor that implies wasted potential or an unfulfilled life. The poem also critiques societal and political decay through striking visual images like “farmers’ tattoos are made of bullet holes” and “filthy clothes torn without repairs,” which reflect the violence and poverty caused by open grazing and rural neglect. Personification strengthens the emotional weight of the poem, as in “before time shifts from my boyish charm,” where time is portrayed as a force that robs the speaker of youth and innocence. Overall, through its reflective tone, sensory richness, and layered symbolism, the poem becomes both a personal lament and a broader cry against a broken system, revealing the speaker’s hope for a future untouched by fear, violence, or despair.
Blessing Folashade Ayodele 240303003
This poem is a expression of pain, fear, and longing for peace in a community affected by violence, particularly the conflict between farmers and armed herders. The speaker wishes to find a place above the chaos—where even the threatening sound of rain clouds (symbolizing trouble) can be endured, and where armed herders cannot reach to cause harm. In this imagined place, light is always present, representing hope and peace, only dimming naturally at night for rest—not because of fear or violence. The poet then reflects on harsh realities: farmers now bear the marks of violence, with “tattoos made of bulletholes,” showing how their suffering has become a part of their identity. Their clothes, dirty and torn, reflect neglect and hardship, with no one to mend or support them. Finally, the poem touches on the political tension of open grazing, which is now criminalized—perhaps too late—highlighting how farmland, once a source of life, has become a battlefield. Overall, the poem is a moving cry for safety, justice, and the restoration of dignity to a wounded rural people.
240102054
“Let Me Soar High by Charles Akwen is a plea for peace. The poetic persona desperately yearns for peace. He is tired and frustrated by the lack of peace in his environment. “Farmers tattoo are made of bullet holes” and “herders with guns” points out what makes up the insecurity state of Nigeria. Herds men move about with gun instead of rod, farmers are attacked on their farms. The persona though still young yearns to leave this earth. The persona wants to soar high among the clouds, he wants to wear the crown of sunrise all these can be likened to the Christian belief to soar with the Christ when he comes which they call rapture. The persona wants all these to take place if that is the only way through which peace can come.
Mokah Ruth
240102085
This poem is a yearning for peace far from the troubles of the world, with the phrase “let me soar high among the clouds,beyond the limit of the compass” this symbolizes the distance as to which the poet would want to be away from the real world.
“Before the time shifts from my boyish charm” tells us the speed as to which one ages,so therefore, the poet would like to accomplish these feats while they are still young and jovial. The lines after that still speak on acting fast before age strikes like a thief.
“Where herders with guns cannot reach” can be seen as a metaphorical saying that exposes the harsh living of the rural area. On the last line “fear” can be a very noticeable theme where the poet talks about what they have seen living in such rural conditions and complains of how they are restricted to farm in their on lands and are treated brutally for no reason,so therefore the poet would like to be far away from these pains and suffering of the real world, which is not physically possible so we assume they mean they would like to be in a position where these things won’t matter neither would it bother them.
Ajayi Emmanuel
240102059
The poem articulates a powerful desire to transcend earthly constraints and societal turmoil, yearning to “soar high among the clouds” and wear the “crown of the sunrise.” Vivid imagery contrasts ethereal elements like clouds and sunrise with harsh realities—farmers with “tattoos… of bulletholes” and “filthy clothes torn without repairs.” This juxtaposition highlights the speaker’s speaker’s aspiration for purity and freedom against a backdrop of violence, possibly referencing land conflicts like herder-farmer disputes. The repeated urgency to soar before “time shifts” or “vision become dim” reflects awareness of mortality, infusing the poem with a melancholic yet hopeful tone. The cyclical structure reinforces persistent dreams amidst adversity, blending personal longing with societal critique.
240102049
Anuoluwapo Jesulayomi Ajakaye
240303011
This poem reflects the deep yearning of a young soul who longs to rise above the limits of time, age, and hardship. It begins with hopeful images of soaring through the sky, crowned with the beauty of the sunrise, symbols of ambition, growth, and endless possibilities. The speaker is aware that time is running, and with it, the freedom and energy of youth may fade.
However, the poem soon shifts from personal dreams to the painful reality of a broken society. The speaker draws attention to the suffering of farmers caught in violent conflicts with herders, symbolized by torn clothes and bulletholes. The once peaceful farmlands have become battlegrounds, and even nature’s rhythm like rainclouds and daybreak cannot offer safety or healing.
In blending personal hope with political awareness, the poem captures the tension between the ideal and the real. It is both a cry for opportunity and a lament for a land that has failed its people.
Sonde, James Abiodun
240303014
“Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” by Charles Akwen is a powerful poem that explores the themes of aspirations, ambition, environmental insecurities and the timeliness of achieving one’s aspirations. From the first stanza, the poem introduces the subject matter of aspiration and ambition through the visual imagery and metaphor “Now, let me soar high among the clouds/ Beyond the limit of compass” this lines show the poetic persona’s desire to reach endless possibilities such that he compares it to the “crown of the sunrise”. But the poetic persona shows the deep connection that exist between his aspirations and timeliness — “Before time shifts from my boyish charm/before lamp oil is buried in the mud/ before my vision become so dim and blue’ all these suggests that the aspirations and dreams must be achieved before he grows old or dies. This stanza is very rich in metaphor by comparing death to a lamp oil buried in death. In the third stanza, the poetic persona returns to reiterate his ambition ” I want to withstand the sounds of rainclouds” but while he says this, he also points out that he need a state of tranquility and security — ” where herders with the gun cannot reach/ when light of day never is dim” . In the last stanza, the poetic persona repeats the title of the poem, one that gives the poem a rhythmic beauty and also shows the motif of the poem. A clear description of his community state of being is revealed — ” the farmer’s tattoos are made of butterflies /their filthy clothes torn without repairs/ on our farmlands open grazing is a crime”. While the poem serves as a powerful evocation of dreams, aspirations and ambition, it also exposes the societal condition of the poetic persona’s environment, still the poetic persona seems resolute to soar high above all these problems.
Oyinlade Esther Oluwafeyikemi
240102111
The poem Let Me Soar expresses the dreams of a young person who wants to rise above the struggles of life. The speaker longs for freedom, success, and peace — a life far from hardship and fear. Words like “soar high among the clouds” and “wear the crown of the sunrise” show that the speaker has big dreams and wants more than the life they currently live.
However, there is a sense of urgency. The speaker is aware that time is moving fast and that youth and strength won’t last forever. There is also a clear picture of pain and suffering around them, especially in farming communities. The poem touches on violence, poverty, and insecurity, especially when it mentions “herders with guns” and “tattoos made of bulletholes.”
These images show how ordinary people, especially farmers, are suffering due to conflict and neglect. Despite all this, the speaker still holds onto hope. The poem mixes a deep desire to escape with a sharp awareness of reality. It shows the sadness of wanting to dream big in a world that keeps pulling you down.
In the end, Let Me Soar is both a personal cry for freedom and a powerful reminder of how harsh conditions can shape — and sometimes threaten — our dreams.
AGBAJE MOYINOLUWA OLUWASHINDARA
240102011
This powerful piece of writing carries strong symbolism, social commentary, and emotional weight, and can be approached from multiple analytical angles — poetic, political, and cultural.
This opening line suggests a longing for endurance or inner strength. “Rainclouds” could symbolize hardship, conflict, or emotional turmoil — not just literal weather. The speaker isn’t trying to run from trouble but to face it head-on.
This line introduces conflict — likely referencing the herder-farmer crisis in Nigeria or other regions where armed pastoralists have clashed violently with locals. The poet persona seeks a place of safety, untouched by violence.
A call for liberation — rising above conflict, trauma, and political failure. The clouds may symbolize freedom, escape, or spiritual ascension
This describes neglect, poverty, and lack of societal support. “Without repairs” implies a government or society that ignores the suffering of its people.
This is a political and legal commentary. Open grazing bans have been implemented in parts of Nigeria to prevent violent clashes. But here, the tone is mournful — as though even survival through farming is criminalized, or conflict has turned common practice into a battleground.
This poem is a cry for refuge, justice, and healing in the face of violence, state failure, and rural suffering. The speaker dreams of rising above, but the weight of conflict pulls them down. It feels personal, yet speaks to national wounds — particularly those faced by farmers, villagers, and marginalized communities affected by violent displacement.
Falaye Tomiwa Ezekiel— 240102109
This poem is a blend of aspiration and lament, deploying imagery of flight (“let me soar high among the clouds”) with a cry for escape from societal decay. The speaker longs for transcendence, symbolized by the “crown of the sunrise” and the “white fridges”—metaphors of peace or celestial rest. There is an urgent desire to act “before time shifts from my boyish charm,” suggesting the fragility of youth and vision.
References to “lamp oil buried in the mud” and “voice can no longer sing in tunes” evoke mortality and lost potential. The poet dreams of safety “where herders with guns cannot reach,” invoking the harsh realities of violence in rural areas. “Farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes” sharply portrays suffering and dispossession.
The repeated line “let me soar so high among the clouds” serves as both plea and refrain, contrasting violent land disputes (“open grazing is now a crime”) with the dream of a world untouched by conflict. In essence, the poem is rich with metaphor, sorrow, and yearning for sanctuary beyond the chaos.
240102090
Damilare-Ojo Raphael Anuoluwa
The poem can be critically examined as a reflection on youthful ambition contrasted with societal hardship. In the opening lines, the speaker expresses a strong desire to achieve greatness, using uplifting images like “soar high among the clouds” and “wear the crown of the sunrise” to symbolize freedom, hope, and limitless potential. The urgency of fulfilling dreams is shown in “before time shifts from my boyish charm” and “before my lamp oil is buried in the mud,” which imply that youth and opportunities do not last forever. However, the poem takes a darker turn as it reveals the harsh realities faced by farmers, victims of poverty and violence, as seen in the striking metaphor “the farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes.” The statement “on our farmlands open grazing is now a crime” points to land conflicts and insecurity caused by armed herders. This sharp shift in tone—from aspiration to social criticism—emphasizes the gap between individual dreams and collective suffering. Through its vivid imagery, symbolism, and contrasting tones, the poem critiques the social and political issues that hinder progress, while also highlighting the fleeting nature of youth and the need to seize opportunities before they are lost.
The poem can be critically examined as a reflection on youthful ambition contrasted with societal hardship. In the opening lines, the speaker expresses a strong desire to achieve greatness, using uplifting images like “soar high among the clouds” and “wear the crown of the sunrise” to symbolize freedom, hope, and limitless potential. The urgency of fulfilling dreams is shown in “before time shifts from my boyish charm” and “before my lamp oil is buried in the mud,” which imply that youth and opportunities do not last forever. However, the poem takes a darker turn as it reveals the harsh realities faced by farmers, victims of poverty and violence, as seen in the striking metaphor “the farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes.” The statement “on our farmlands open grazing is now a crime” points to land conflicts and insecurity caused by armed herders. This sharp shift in tone—from aspiration to social criticism—emphasizes the gap between individual dreams and collective suffering. Through its vivid imagery, symbolism, and contrasting tones, the poem critiques the social and political issues that hinder progress, while also highlighting the fleeting nature of youth and the need to seize opportunities before they are lost.
Madu Chika Jonas.
The poem under analysis paints a vivid picture of youthful ambition entangled with the grim realities of socio-political insecurity. It begins with a call for transcendence “Let me soar high among the clouds” signifying the speaker’s deep yearning for freedom, greatness, and a life beyond present limitations. The speaker seeks to “wear the crown of the sunrise,” a metaphor for glory and new beginnings, suggesting a hopeful and determined spirit.
The dominant concept in the poem revolves around the conflict between personal aspiration and environmental turmoil. While the speaker dreams of rising above, societal violence and rural decay weigh heavily on the background. The closing stanza, which refers to farmers as victims “The farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes” reveals the painful transformation of traditional life into a scene of violence and loss, especially due to open grazing conflicts.
The tone of the poem is both hopeful and lamenting. The initial stanzas express hope, ambition, and the desire for fulfillment, but the tone gradually shifts into mourning and disappointment as harsh realities emerge such as insecurity, death, and decay of rural life.With the writers tone it is reasonable that themes like Dreams and aspirations,loss of innocence and time, insecurity and violence in rural areas can be derived from this poem.
In conclusion, the poem is a thoughtful reflection on the tension between youthful dreams and the disillusionment bred by violence and hardship. The speaker’s desire to “soar” serves as a metaphor for hope in a world falling apart, where farmers are left with scars instead of harvests.
240102074 Ajayi Naomi Adetayo
The poem is both personal and political a personal yearning for meaning and freedom, and a symbolic reflection of rural communities in Nigeria suffering violence and neglect.It stands as a call for justice,showing recognition of farmers’ struggles, condemning violence, and highlighting the need for safety and dignity.The speaker wants to fly high, escape danger, and live fully before youth disappears..Through contrast, the poem urges awareness and change.it’s both hope and protest. This poem expresses a strong desire to escape from violence, injustice and suffering, especially the kind faced by farmers and rural peopl
This poem expresses both a personal dream and a deep concern about the world around the speaker. In the beginning, the speaker wants to rise above all limits, to achieve greatness, and enjoy life before time takes away their youth. They dream of soaring high into the clouds, wearing the “crown of the sunrise” — a symbol of hope, ambition, and beauty.
But as the poem goes on, the tone changes. It becomes more serious and sad. The speaker talks about violence, especially what farmers suffer from armed herders. Powerful images like “farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes” and “filthy clothes torn without repairs” show how badly people are suffering. The speaker wants to escape to a place where there is peace — “where herders with guns cannot reach.”
To summarize this, the poem combines dreams of a better future with the pain of present struggles. It talks about growing up, wanting peace, and standing strong in a world full of violence. It’s emotional, honest, and powerful, using strong images to make us feel both the beauty of dreams and the sadness of reality.
In a critical analysis, this captivating poem is rich in visual imagery, allowing readers to picture the high aspirations and the harsh realities faced by the subject. The poetic persona expresses a desire for freedom, excellence, and a longing to escape the harsh realities of life. It discerns the speaker’s aspirations of soaring high and achieving greatness with the grim conditions faced by people in their environment. The theme of ambition, struggle, and the desire for liberation from societal limitations are examined using the challenges faced by farmers and herders invoked by a sense of urgency to rise above the social limitations inflicted by poverty, violence, despair, struggle, and the desire for liberation. The “crown of the sunrise” used in the poem metaphorically means achievement and enlightenment. From the lens of realities, the poem highlighting “farmers’ tattoos… made of bulletholes”, the poet reveals the devastating impact of violence on ordinary lives. The lesson here is clear: unchecked conflict corrupts communities, identities, and the land it occupies, also the poet warns against procrastination—“Before my lamp oil is buried in the mud”—suggesting that delaying purpose or action can lead to irreversible loss. We must act while our vision is still alive.
240102047. JIMOH ROKEEB OLAMILEKAN
This poem explores the themes of escape and harsh reality. The speaker initially longs to “soar high among the clouds” and “wear the crown of the sunrise,” a clear desire to transcend limits and avoid the decay of time, as expressed with lines like “Before my lamp oil is buried in the mud.”
However, this hopeful vision is brutally interrupted by grim realities. The poem contrasts personal dreams with collective suffering, evident in the shattering image of “farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes.” The idyllic escape is replaced by a stark depiction of “Their filthy clothes torn without repairs” and the somber truth that “open grazing is now a crime.”
Through these contrasting pictures, the poem highlights how personal hopes can be overshadowed by unavoidable societal pain. It uses vivid imagery and repetition to emphasize both the yearning for freedom and the inescapable presence of real-world struggles. Ultimately, it suggests that even the grandest dreams can’t fully shield one from a difficult reality.
Edward Rachael Michael
240303042
This poem is a deeply reflective piece that expresses a desire to rise above personal and societal struggles. The speaker uses the metaphor of soaring among the clouds to represent freedom, peace, and the pursuit of purpose before time or hardship dims their light. The imagery of “the crown of the sunrise” and “the white fridges” evokes hope, dreams, and purity, contrasting with the harsh realities of violence and loss experienced by those around them.
The lines about “lamp oil buried in the mud” and “voice no longer singing in tunes” suggest a fear of wasted youth and fading passion, while also portraying the urgency to fulfill one’s potential before it’s too late. The poem blends personal longing with a powerful commentary on rural conflict, specifically referencing the pain of farmers affected by armed herders, torn clothing, and the criminalization of survival through open grazing.
In all, the poem captures a tension between hope and despair, between youthful dreams and a brutal reality. The voice is both fragile and bold,yearning to escape, yet grounded in the truth of what surrounds them.
This poem evokes a deep emotional response, blending longing, innocence, and the harshness of reality in a strikingly poetic way. The desire to “soar high among the clouds” and “wear the crown of the sunrise” paints a vivid image of aspiration and escape—a yearning to rise above the limitations and violence that plague the world below. There’s a quiet desperation in wanting to reach this place “before time shifts from my boyish charm,” suggesting a fear of losing youthful hope to the ravages of age or circumstance.
The references to rainclouds, herders with guns, and dimmed light speak to both literal and metaphorical storms, hinting at the ongoing conflict and insecurity in rural communities. The final stanza is particularly poignant: the metaphor of “farmers’ tattoos” being bullet holes and “filthy clothes torn without repairs” reflects a grim reality of neglected lives and lands. The line “open grazing is now a crime” brings in a politically charged undertone, showing how everyday survival has become entangled with danger and oppression.
Overall, the poem beautifully balances lyrical imagery with social commentary. Its tone is reflective but urgent, quietly crying out for peace, dignity, and the freedom to dream without fear. It lingers long after the last line.
Sadiq Zeenat Adeola
240102008
This poem is a personal protest. The speaker longs to rise above the violence, limitations, and fears of their present environment but not merely to escape. They want to achieve, to shine, to live fully, before life dims their light.
It gives voice to a generation caught between dreams and disillusionment, especially in regions plagued by violence, insecurity, and neglect.
Ezeamaka Miracle Onyeisi
“Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” is a reflective and emotional poem about a speaker who dreams of escaping the harsh realities of life. He wants to rise above the struggles of time, violence, and insecurity before his youth and energy fade.
The poem moves from hope to harsh truth. At first, the speaker imagines peace and freedom, but by the end, we’re faced with images of suffering. Farmers with “tattoos made of bulletholes” and torn clothes. This shift highlights the pain caused by violence in rural Nigeria, especially the farmer-
herder crisis.
With strong metaphors and vivid imagery, the poem shows how difficult it is to dream in a world filled with fear. It’s a call for peace, a cry from someone who still hopes for something better.
“Let Me Soar High Among The Cloud”, is an expression of longing for freedom and a better nation. The opening lines convey a desire to transcend limitations and explore before the constraints that come with old age sets in. Unfortunately, the speaker’s dream is contrasted with the sad reality of violence and oppression in the nation as seen in the last stanza.
All in all, the poem can be seen as a form of encouragement to young people to live fully and experience something greater and also as a plea for a safer and better nation.
ADELEYE AISHAT ADEKUNMI—240102027
The poem “Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” is a very touching and powerful piece. It talks about a young person who wants to be free, dream big, and rise above the pain and struggles around them. The poet uses strong words and beautiful pictures to show how hard life is for some people, especially farmers, and how the speaker wants to escape and find peace before it’s too late.
The poem starts with the line, “Now, let me soar high among the clouds / Beyond the limit of the compass.” This shows that the speaker wants to go far, not just physically, but in life. They want to chase their dreams and go where no one has gone before. It sounds like they are dreaming of freedom and greatness. The next line, “Let me wear the crown of the sunrise,” makes it feel like the speaker wants to be successful and shine bright like the morning sun.
But even though the beginning sounds hopeful, there is also sadness. The speaker says, “Before time shifts from my boyish charm, / Before my lamp oil is buried in the mud.” These lines show that the speaker is afraid that time is running out. They are still young, but they are already thinking about how life can change fast, and how their light, or their energy and dreams, might be lost if they wait too long.
The poem also talks about danger and violence. The line “Where herders with guns cannot reach” tells us that the speaker lives in a place where people are not safe, especially farmers. Later in the poem, we read “The farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes,” which is a very sad way of saying that farmers have been shot and hurt, and their bodies are marked with bullets instead of ink. It makes the reader feel the pain of the people in the speaker’s world.
Even the land is not safe anymore. The poet writes, “On our farmlands open grazing is now a crime.” This shows that there is conflict over land, farming, and survival. The farmers are suffering and the system is failing them. There’s a lot of pain, but also the speaker still wants to rise above it all, and that’s what makes the poem strong and emotional.
In conclusion, “Now, Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” is about a young person who wants to rise above violence, suffering, and lost dreams. It talks about growing up in a hard world but still hoping to fly high and achieve something before life becomes too difficult. The poem uses powerful images and deep feelings to show how bad things have become, and how much the speaker wants to escape and find peace. It is sad but also brave, and it makes the reader think about how important it is to chase dreams even when the world feels heavy.
Ayesa Praise Oluwadamilola
The poem “Let me soar high among the clouds,” by Charles Akwen, illustrates how the poetic persona presents a heartfelt plea to rise and soar above a world that is at once beautiful and brutal.
The language is rich in symbolism. Images of flight, clouds, and the sunrise illustrate aspiration and elevation. Yet this desire to ascend is not rooted in illusion; it grows out of a harsh reality. The poetic persona expresses an urgent longing to achieve something meaningful “before time shifts from my boyish charm,” aware that dreams are fragile and easily buried. There is a subtle mourning for youth and vitality, paired with a growing awareness of danger, both personal and communal.
The arrangement of the poem allows thoughts and images to unfold in a fluid, unforced manner, echoing the natural motion of a mind meditating on both hope and hardship. This looseness in structure mirrors the desire to escape the limits of place, age, and time.
Violence emerges not in loud declarations, but in quiet details: farmers wear “tattoos… made of bulletholes,” clothes go unrepaired, and farmlands become contested ground. These images reveal a world where survival itself is under threat. Through them, the poetic persona’s longing becomes political, not just personal.
Despite the sorrow portrayed in the poem, there is a deep voice of hope. It refuses to be crushed. The soaring imagined is not only escape, but resistance. A declaration that, even in silence and solitude, the human spirit desires for light.
VANESSA KELECHI NDUKWE..
“Let me soar high among the clouds”is a poem that depicts and solely describes the poets optimism and wish to make so many accomplishments and achievements before old age or death comes calling .This poem is written from a young person’s perspective.The poet yearns and desires to pass beyond the difficulties and hardships of life.The poet makes use of imagery and symbolism in the lines of this poem .For examples: Cloud and sunshine were used which represents freedom and a brighter future.Secondly,” white fridges” which symbolizes comfort and desire for modernity.
So ,overall,the poet writes from a point of seeking peace,freedom and not limiting himself to accomplish more.
“Soar High Among the Clouds” is a poignant layered of youthful aspiration and socio-political lament. Through vivid metaphors: clouds, sunrise, and bullet-marked farmers, the poem contrasts personal dreams with a brutal reality shaped by violence, insecurity, and lost innocence. The repetition of the desire to “soar” underscores a deep longing for peace, purpose, and escape from a nation bleeding in silence. This free verse not only captures the urgency of fleeting youth but also protests the erosion of rural dignity. It stands as both a personal prayer and a national cry.
Ogunsola Olamide Motunrayo
“Let Me Swoar High Among the Clouds” by Charles Akwen is a poem that originates from the poet’s longing for success. The poet yearns to attain success before growing old and losing his vitality, as evident in the lines “before time shifts from my boyish charm” and “before my lamp oil is buried in mud.” These lines depict the writer’s fear of growing old and not being able to attain success.
The imagery used in “let me wear the crown of the sunrise,” symbolizes the poet’s aspiration for success, which is the highest peak of success. The poem also touches on the poet’s desire to withstand tribulations and trials.
The repetition in the poem, emphasizes the poet’s determination. Furthermore, the poem critiques social issues, particularly the struggles of farmers and the impact of conflicts on their lives, as seen in the lines “the farmers’ tattoos are made of bullet holes” and “on our farmlands open grazing is now a crime.” This highlights the poet’s concern for the challenges faced by farmers.
Overall, the poem is a powerful expression of aspiration and a commentary on societal issues.
MOSHOOD TEMILADE ABIKE
Let Me Soar High among the Clouds, Charles Akwen expresses a deep yearning for escape, hope, and purpose before time and tragedy steal his innocence. With vivid metaphors like wearing the “crown of the sunrise” and escaping “herders with guns”—the poet contrasts youthful dreams with the harsh realities of violence, insecurity, and rural decay. The desire to rise above bullets, broken farmlands, and fading strength captures a powerful emotional tension between aspiration and affliction. Ultimately, the poem speaks to a generation caught between potential and peril, longing to rise beyond the chaos below.
This poem is rich in imagery and symbolism, the speaker expresses a desire to fulfill potential before time takes away his youth. Through the use of vivid metaphors and imagery, the poem blends personal ambition with social commentary.
The poem is both personal and political a personal yearning for meaning and freedom, and a symbolic reflection of rural communities in Nigeria suffering violence and neglect.It stands as a call for justice,showing recognition of farmers’ struggles, condemning violence, and highlighting the need for safety and dignity.The speaker wants to fly high, escape danger, and live fully before youth disappears..Through contrast, the poem urges awareness and change.it’s both hope and protest. This poem expresses a strong desire to escape from violence, injustice and suffering, especially the kind faced by farmers and rural peopl
“Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” by Charles Akwen is a poem that talks about freedom and dreams. The poet starts by dreaming big, he wishes to soar high beyond limits. He wishes to achieve great things before old age, before time passes him by. The poet wants to soar high to a place where corruption and crimes doesn’t exist. A place where peace and tranquillity exists.
Abatan Rihanah Adeola
240102046
The poem has a wishful and hopeful tone. Here the poet is yearning for freedom from violence, aging and lost dreams. It is a poem of twenty five lines and it makes use of free verse as it has no specific rhyme scheme or whatsoever, it flows like a stream of thought. It poem is a plea to rise above suffering, time and violence.
The poem makes use of visual imagery in ” crown of the sunrise”-it gives a hopeful tone in the poem. It also makes use of auditory imagery in “sounds of the rainclouds” and finally it showed a strong emotional image in “tattoos made of bullet holes”. The poem also makes use of repetition in “let me soar high among the clouds” this was used to show emphasis in the poem. Metaphor was also used in the poem in “crown of sunrise” which symbolises victory. Also in “tattoos made of bulletholes” shows trauma. Symbolism was used in the poem as the “clouds” were used to symbolise a place of escape. The major themes forms in the poem are “escape from violence” and “hope for a better world” as the poem is a plea and hope for a better world away from violence and suffering.
This poem reflects a deep yearning for freedom, growth, and fulfillment before the inevitable passage of time dulls the speaker’s youthful energy. The opening lines express a desire to rise above earthly limits, symbolized by soaring among the clouds and wearing the “crown of the sunrise.” These metaphors suggest dreams of greatness, purity, and escape. The repetition of “Before…” creates a sense of urgency, highlighting the speaker’s awareness that youth is temporary and that time may soon silence their passion, blur their vision, and bury their potential if action is not taken soon.
As the poem progresses, it shifts from personal longing to a somber reflection on the harsh realities of rural life. The rainclouds, once a symbol of beauty, become a refuge from violence, referencing the deadly farmer-herder conflicts. The imagery of farmers bearing “tattoos” of bulletholes and wearing torn, unrepaired clothes paints a picture of suffering and abandonment. The mention of open grazing now being a crime points to political and social shifts that further threaten their survival. Through vivid contrasts, the poem powerfully blends personal ambition with the collective struggles of a community caught in crisis.
The poem “Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” by Charles Akwen talks about a young person’s dream to rise above pain and problems. The poet wants to escape before he grows old and loses his strength and hope. He wishes to reach a place where there is peace, away from danger and sorrow. The line about herders with guns shows the violence faced by farmers. The poet feels sad about how farming has become risky, and people suffer without help. The poem uses strong images like torn clothes and bullet holes to show real pain. In the end, the poet just wants to fly away to a better place, full of light and peace.
There are three aspects to take notice of in this poem. The writer lays a perfect transition from portraying a vision of his goal as a youth to
telling us about wanting to achieve them before he gets old and then to perfectly describing the brutal reality of life in the last stanza
This poem “Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds”by Dr.Charles Akwen is a poem that explores themes of freedom and youthfulness comparing with freedom of a bird which soar high with no limits reflects the youthful living as a period when you can do all things with no restrictions.
Moreso,the poem portrays the awareness of the Old age with limited freedom after youthfulness in his words “Before time shifts from my boyish charm,
Before my vision become so dim.”
Moreover,the poem in the the third verse portrays the resilience of the speaker using metaphor to show his quest to grow through the brutality and hardship of life that he might get to the higher peak of life,a more brutal experience than that of the herders which reflects the degree of pain, and agony the herdsman had
cause particularly in However,the repetition of the phrases “Let me soar high among the clouds” describes the determination of the speaker of not giving up on his goal for freedom despite the hardship, poverty,fear,and denial of ownership using symbolic imagery like “The farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes,Their filthy clothes torn without repairs”.All in all,the speaker reflects the desire for freedom which may come with some sacrifices of pain but determination to get it before it period elapses.
The poem “Let Me Soar High” by Charles Akwen portrays a young person’s desperation to escape violence and pain and to become free and successful while he is still in the bloom of youthful vitality. The poem explores themes like freedom, hope and resilience, violence, and lastly youthful vitality.
Right from the start, the persona says, “Let me soar high among the clouds,” which means that he is dreaming of flying away from anything that holds him down. He says he wants to go “beyond the limit of the compass,” which means that he desires to break boundaries set by the society.
The persona in stanza two shows that he is fearful of losing his youthful vitality, knowing that some things can only be done while being young. Therefore, he urgently wants to be free from the boundaries restricting him.
In stanza three, the poet, inspired by the herder-farmer conflict in Nigeria, introduces a reference to violent conflicts, which the persona wishes to “withstand.” Thus, the persona is resilient.
In the last stanza, the poet metaphorically points out the pain the farmers went through. It reflects the affliction and hardships that the farmers were facing—the reason why the persona wishes to escape and get his freedom. He again repeats, “Now let me soar so high among the clouds,” to emphasize his wish to escape and be free.
In conclusion, “Let Me Soar High” is a poem about a young person’s deep desire to escape the pain, violence, and unfairness around him. He dreams of rising above it all while he’s still young and full of energy so he can live freely and fulfill his potential. Through imagery, the poem shows the struggle between holding onto hope and facing harsh realities. It highlights how important it is to act while there’s time. Through the persona, we see the hardships and suffering in his world and his determination to escape it and reach something better.
Iluyomade Hannah
“Let Me Soar High Above the Clouds” by Dr. Charles Akwen expresses a deep yearning for a better life, particularly during the poet’s youthful years. He desires greatness “before time shifts from my boyish charm,” emphasizing the urgency of fulfilling his dreams before aging dims his potential. The poem also reflects a desire to escape the harsh realities of life, symbolized by his wish to “withstand the sounds of the rainclouds, where herders with guns cannot reach.” The line “the farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes” is a powerful image that highlights the brutality of poverty, violence, and hardship. Though personal, the poem resonates with a universal longing, giving voice to many who seek freedom and success despite adversity.
This poem effectively explores a person’s desire to escape life’s difficulties and imagine a better future. The poet talks about rising above current problems, seeking happiness and freedom. The speaker yearns to “wear the crown of sunrise” and avoid life’s challenges and hardships. There is a sense of urgency and longing. The poet is aware of the fleeting nature of youth and wants to experience certain things before it’s too late.
The poet uses vivid imagery to describe a harsh reality marked by violence and poverty, as seen in “farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes” and “filthy clothes torn without repairs.” The speaker desires safety and peace, longing for a place “where herders with guns cannot reach” and “where the light of day never is dim.”
The poem highlights themes of escape and freedom, youth and mortality, and hardship and struggle. The speaker is aware of the passing of time and the fleeting nature of youth. The poem is a powerful expression of the human desire for a better life, free from hardship and struggle. The speaker’s longing for freedom and happiness is palpable, and the poem’s imagery makes the emotions and themes feel intense and relatable.
“Let Me Soar High among the clouds” is a poem that generally the subject of freedom from a longtime subjection under oppression. The tone of the poem is hope as it is clear that the persona is still a victim but hopes and determines to get him freed. The persona understands the concept of time and how it flies, he promises himself to maximize his youthful advantages and invest with his potentials now that he has them. The persona understanding the kind of life he desires to live, he is aware the of struggles to fight free. “I want to withstand the sounds of the rain clouds” shows the writers consciousness of difficulty on his journey to liberty and how prepared he is towards the impending barriers. The last part of the poem shows their successful gaining liberty and how their lives begin to transform.
“Let me soar higher among the clouds” is a poem that shows the youthful ambition of the boy and the sky becomes not even a limit to how free and high he wants to go, it is evident in the first staza of this poem when he said” Now, let me soar high among the clouds
Beyond the limit of the compass/
Let me wear the crown of the sunrise”. This boy has ambitions and is not ready to make it die or go dim, because he is focused and really have the mind to go higher “Before my vision become so dim and blue”.
It also portrays determination and the drive to stay focused so that it won’t become a later regret when he gets old, “Before time shifts from my boyish charm/
Before my lamp oil is buried in the mud”. It shows time as an important factor of life in the sense that time waits for nobody and the youthful age is prime, because it determines what the remaining life of the person would be.
In all the poem talks about the ability to do things on time, and also time and determination tells a lot about how far a person can go in life.
Let me Soar High among the Clouds by Dr Charles Akwen exemplifies how the poet dreams of rising above all limits and reaching great heights, like soaring among the clouds and wearing the “crown of the sunrise.” He wants to achieve his goals while he’s still young, strong, and full of life.he doesn’t want to grow old and weak, or his voice is silenced before he could live a purposeful life.He hopes to escape to a peaceful place far from danger,far from violence, gun-carrying herders, and suffering. He actually want a world where daylight brings hope, not fear.In the final part, he reflects on the pain of farmers whose lands are no longer safe. They suffer, their clothes are torn, and their bodies carry bullet scars. Open grazing has become a problem, turning peaceful farms into battlegrounds.
The poem expresses how the youths desire to rise above limitations and achieve greatness while they are still full of energy.Furthermore, the poet wants to reach a peaceful, safe place away from violence and suffering. The poem mixes hope and ambition with the sad reality of insecurity and lost peace in rural communities.
This poem is an expression of longing for transcendence and freedom, juxtaposed with the harsh realities of life. The speaker yearns to “soar high among the clouds,” symbolizing a desire to escape the difficulties and hardships of life, while the repetition of this phrase becomes a refrain, underscoring the urgency of this desire. However, the poem also starkly portrays the brutal reality of violence and poverty, particularly in the lines “The farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes” and “On our farmlands open grazing is now a crime,” highlighting the trauma and restrictions faced by rural communities. The speaker’s awareness of their own mortality and the fleeting nature of youth and beauty is evident in the lines “Before time shifts from my boyish charm” and “Before my voice can no longer sing in tunes,” adding a sense of urgency to the poem. Overall, the poem masterfully intertwines themes of hope, despair, and resilience, painting a complex picture of life’s struggles and the human desire for freedom and beauty.
This poem expresses a deep yearning for freedom, peace, and escape from the harsh realities of a troubled world. The speaker dreams of soaring “high among the clouds,” symbolizing a desire to rise above conflict, violence, and the loss of innocence.
In the first stanza, imagery like “the crown of the sunrise” and “white fridges” (possibly clouds or peaks) suggests hope, purity, and ambition. The poet wants to achieve greatness “before” time robs him of youth, strength, and creativity, as shown in the second stanza.
The third stanza contrasts this dream with reality mentioning a safe place “where herders with guns cannot reach.” This points to real-world violence affecting rural communities. The dream becomes a shelter from that danger.
In the final stanza, the poem returns to reality: farmers suffer, their clothes are torn, and open grazing, once normal is now criminalized due to conflict. The contrast between the dreamlike sky and the harsh ground reality creates a powerful message about lost peace and a desire for escape.
OLANREWAJU EMMANUEL.
The poet mood is a sad one. Hoping for freedom and relive of stress. The poem shows the violence between the farmers and the herdsmen, while the poem also shows dream and hope that the farmers had being longing for, wishing things go well as they desired.
This poem expresses a yearning for transcendence and escape from harsh realities. The narrator’s desires to soar high among the clouds, seeking a sanctuary beyond earthly limits, like a crown of sunrise, before the inevitable loss of youth and vitality takes hold. This aspiration is fueled by the harsh reality of a land filled with violence and conflict, ultimately fueling the desperate plea for a haven of peace and clarity.
In conclusion, the poem utilizes a metaphorical language to express the yearn for freedom and enjoyment of life, escaping the discomforting side of reality.
This poem is a cry for freedom and a lament for a lost innocence. The speaker longs to escape the constraints of the world, wishing to “soar high among the clouds” and experience the beauty of the sunrise. The poem expresses a desire to hold onto youth and vitality, fearing the passage of time and the loss of clarity.
However, the poem takes a darker turn, revealing a harsh reality. The “herders with guns” and “farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes” suggest a world marked by violence and conflict. The final lines highlight the injustice and hardship faced by those who live in this environment. The poem is a powerful juxtaposition of dreams and reality, longing for escape while acknowledging the difficult circumstances of the speaker’s world.
ADENUGA YETUNDE KUDIRAT
In this poem, Charles Akwen explores the tension between youthful dreams and the grim realities of rural life marked by conflict. The speaker begins with a plea to rise above earthly limitations—“let me soar high among the clouds”—expressing a deep longing for freedom, growth, and the pursuit of personal aspirations. The use of natural imagery, such as “the crown of the sunrise,” symbolizes hope and the desire to reach one’s full potential.
However, the tone shifts in the second stanza, where the speaker acknowledges the fleeting nature of youth and the urgency to act “before my vision become so dim and blue.” This awareness of aging and lost opportunity introduces a melancholic undertone, emphasizing how time and circumstance may threaten dreams.
In the latter part of the poem, Akwen brings in stark social commentary. References to “herders with guns” and “farmers’ tattoos… made of bulletholes” reveal a community plagued by violence and land disputes. These lines connect the speaker’s personal longing with a broader political context—one where rural livelihoods are under siege, and survival often overshadows ambition.
Overall, Akwen’s poem balances lyrical beauty with social realism. It captures the universal desire to rise above one’s circumstances while grounding that desire in the harsh truths of a region affected by conflict and marginalization. The poem ultimately becomes both a personal cry and a collective lament.
AYOOLA IRETOJOJU ROSE
This poem follows the speaker’s passionate plea to escape the suffering and violence of life on earth — especially in rural, war-torn areas — by soaring “high among the clouds.” He longs to reach a peaceful, untouched place before the burdens of age, death, and sorrow weigh him down. As he reflects on this desire, he also reveals the brutal conditions faced by farmers and villagers, who are victims of gun violence and political oppression. The poem ends on a sobering note, showing that the dream of escape stands in sharp contrast to the harsh reality on the ground. The speaker presents a heartfelt meditation on the desire to rise above suffering, violence, and injustice. The speaker dreams of escaping to a higher, purer place — “beyond the limit of the compass” — before time and tragedy rob him of youth, joy, and life itself. Through vivid imagery and symbolic language, the poem reflects the harsh realities faced by individuals in violent, rural communities, while also expressing a desperate longing for peace and purpose.
The poem expresses a deep longing to escape from the violence and suffering of rural life. The speaker dreams of rising “beyond the limit of the compass,” a metaphor for freedom, peace, and spiritual elevation. He wishes to achieve this before his youth fades and his life ends, symbolized by lines like “before my lamp oil is buried in the mud.”
However, this dream is contrasted with the harsh reality around him. He describes how farmers are now victims of violence — their “tattoos made of bulletholes” and their clothes “torn without repairs.” The mention of “herders with guns” and the criminalization of open grazing points to real social and political conflicts affecting rural communities.
Through vivid imagery and a sorrowful tone, the poem highlights the contrast between idealistic dreams and a brutal reality. It becomes a cry for peace, justice, and a better life for the forgotten and oppressed.
“Let me Soar High among the Clouds” encapsulates a profound emotional journey of aspiration amidst adversity. The speaker’s desire to “soar high” symbolizes not only personal freedom but also a broader commentary on the socio-political challenges faced by people whose lives are entangled in conflict. The images evoke a vivid contrast between hope and despair, which resonates deeply as a reflection of the human condition.
This poem is an emotional poem that discusses the human desire to be free. The title of the poem ‘Let me soar high among the clouds’ passes across the major message of the poem which is liberty, self discovery and fufilment. Here, the poetic persona desires to be free but is obstructed by social forces such as oppression and social judgement. Charles Akwen uses imagery to visualize the poetic persona’s desire to be free. The poetic persona is basically pleading to be offered the opportunity to freedom. The poem speaks for people who are trapped and limited and are calling for emancipation.
This poem is a powerful expression of the desire for freedom, peace, and a better life. The speaker yearns to transcend the limitations and hardships of their current reality, symbolized by the “compass” and the “mud” that threatens to engulf their “lamp oil.” They aspire to rise above the conflicts and violence that plague their world, where “herders with guns” and “bulletholes” are a harsh reality.
The poem also touches on themes of mortality, the passage of time, and the loss of innocence. The speaker is aware that their “boyish charm” is fleeting, and they want to make the most of their time before their “vision becomes so dim and blue” and their “voice can no longer sing in tunes.”
The imagery is vivid and evocative, with the “crown of the sunrise” and “white fridges” representing a desire for comfort, security, and modernity. The contrast between the speaker’s aspirations and the harsh reality of their world is stark, highlighting the struggles faced by many in their community.
The poem’s critique of the current state of affairs is clear, particularly in the lines “On our farmlands open grazing is now a crime” and “The farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes.” These images convey a sense of violence, trauma, and displacement, underscoring the need for change and a better future.
Overall, the poem is a poignant and powerful expression of the human desire for a better life, free from conflict, violence, and hardship.
Akinwunmi Joshua boluwatife
240102072
Akinwunmi Joshua boluwatife
This poem is really powerful—it starts off feeling like a dream or a prayer, with the speaker longing to rise above the ordinary and touch something pure, like the clouds or the sunrise. But as the poem goes on, that dream is grounded in a harsh reality. The line “farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes” hit me the most—it’s such a painful and vivid image. You can feel the weight of violence and loss, especially in rural life, where even farming has become dangerous.
There’s also a deep sense of urgency, like the speaker knows time is running out—“before my voice can no longer sing in tunes” is both poetic and sad. It shows how quickly innocence, creativity, or even life itself can be taken away. The contrast between the beauty of nature and the brutality of what people are going through makes the message even more striking. This isn’t just a personal longing—it feels like a cry for peace, for safety, and for freedom that so many people deserve but don’t have.
Charles Akwen’s poem “Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” is a quite poem that evokes meditation through rich imagery and emotive language. He contrasts the boundless dreams of youth with the constraints imposed by societal challenges.
The speaker expresses a yearning to rise above earthly limitations, seeking freedom and a broader perspective. This aspiration is not just physical but symbolic of a desire to escape the confines of a troubled environment.
As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of youth and the urgency to realize dreams before time diminishes vitality.
The poet then juxtaposes this personal longing with the stark realities faced by his community.
These vivid images highlight the violence and neglect suffered by farmers, turning their bodies into canvases of conflict and their livelihoods into battlegrounds. The mention of “open grazing” becoming a crime points to socio-political issues affecting agricultural practices and land rights.
Throughout the poem, the writer employs powerful metaphors and a tone that oscillates between hopeful yearning and somber reflection. The act of soaring becomes a metaphor for liberation, ambition, and the pursuit of a life unshackled by violence and oppression.
In conclusion, “Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” is a compelling exploration of the tension between dreams and reality. The writer masterfully captures the essence of youthful aspiration amidst societal turmoil, urging readers to acknowledge and address the challenges that hinder the realization of such dreams.
Charles Akwen’s Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds is an interesting and a nice poem that explores a deep yearning for freedom, greatness, and escape from the violence and limitations of a troubled society. The speaker dreams of rising “beyond the limit of the compass” before time robs him of youth, strength, and voice—making the poem partly about ambition and urgency. However, this personal hope contrasts sharply with the harsh realities around him: farmers marked by “bulletholes,” gun-toting herders. This line reflect political tension and rural suffering in Nigeria. By mixing dream-like imagery with brutal truth, the poem shows how hope and trauma exist side by side. The repeated desire to “soar” becomes both a symbol of ambition and a plea to escape violence and decay, making the poem both personal and political.
ANALYSIS OF “LET ME SOAR HIGH AMONG THE CLOUDS” BY CHARLES AKWEN.
“let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” is a powerful pieces that explores themes of dreams, fulfillment, longing, and war. It is a poem written in the first person point of view. The poet persona seeks to achieve life dreams and escape before the persona’s voice is “buried in the mud”. Through the style and metaphoric expression, the poem depicts a setting where war has ravage dreams and hope—but the poet desires a life of fulfillment and flee before he/she also get the “farmers tattoos” which are “gun bulletholes”. A place where the tunes of music is bullet sounds, is a place of no hope. Therefore, this essay aims at analyzing “Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” by Charles Akwen.
Using the title, “Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” denotes desire of the persona wanting to escape the victimization that others have experienced. He/she wishes to travel to a place where there is no sudden death:
“No, let me soar high among the clouds
Beyond the limits of the compass.”
The metaphoric word “compass” suggests the persona’s believes that these killers go around killing people, and how it will eventually get to his turn. The persona further states that:
“Let me wear the crown of the sunrise,
With those white fridges I want to lodge”
With these lines, it is evident that the persona desires to live in a place where there will be no fear or escaping threats of death. The sunrise which symbolizes morning in this context, and which connotatively means time where everything feels anew, the poet longs for that morning gift.
Also, the writer states his reasons for wanting to “soar” before this life of “compass” rotates and gets to him/her. The persona say:
“Before my lamp oil is buried in the mud.”
Here, the speaker explores the themes of dreams, using one of the sensory imagery (visual). The above line denotes the poets dreams and life ambition, but the environment where they find themselves undermines this dream and is ready to shatter that life aspirations any given time.
Then, in the third stanza, the voice also gives benefits that comes with “soaring” (leaving) this setting.
“I want to withstand the sounds of rainclouds”
This line depicts freedom. Using “rainclouds”, while the rain is a symbolism of suffering, the poet believes that they can “withstand” other rains from other and peaceful atmosphere, as the rain is going to be soothing and bearable.
“Where herders with guns cannot reach”.
Through the above line, it is suggests that the poet believes in soaring to another place, these killers cannot get there with their guns and voice’s “lamp oil” will not be “buried in the mud” aftermath.
Moreover, the persona continues to explores the benefits that come with leaving this place:
“Where the light of the day never is dim
Except, of course, to make us asleep”.
From the last two lines of the third stanza, the poet continues to tell how the place he/she seeks to be, is so free that the life (light) is never dim except to make one sleep soothingly.
Then, in the last stanza, the poet continues in his desire to flee from this current place by justifying and giving reason using persona’s fellow farmers who are victims as an example.
“ the farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes,
Their filthy clothes torn without repairs,
On our farmland open grazing is now a crime”.
Through this last stanza, it can be deduced that the persona does not want to flee to seek other pleasures, but to escape from the hands of these “herders” who kills the farmer and makes the means of getting their food impossible. The voice believes relocating is the best and safe thing to do.
In essence, “Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” by Charles Akwen, is a powerful piece that resonates with Victims of war and oppression. The poetic persona satires war through narrator’s experience and long to flee from their geopolitical location before the killing gets to the persona’s turn. Through the choice of words by the poet, it is evident that the persona fears that his/her’s dreams may be shatter if the persona continues to dwell in that same location—therefore, fleeing is the only and best decision to make. While the poem satires the environmental ills, it mirrors life hardship.
Idoko Godwin John
240102009
This poem expresses a young person’s strong desire to rise above hardship. The speaker wants to “soar among the clouds,” which shows their dream for freedom and success before time or age stops them.
There’s also a clear picture of pain and conflict especially in lines about farmers with “bulletholes” and “herders with guns.” These lines suggest violence in rural areas, likely from clashes over land.
Overall, the poem mixes personal dreams with social issues. It’s a cry for peace, growth, and the chance to live without fear.
This is an eloquent poem that involves yearning for freedom and elevation-‘let me soar high above the clouds’.This is used both metaphorically and literally.There is the desire to achieve something before time slips away.The poem also shows how there’s violence and the need to be far away from such injustice.
The poem “Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” by Dr. Charles Akwen expresses a deep desire for freedom and escape from life’s suffering. The speaker wishes to rise above the troubles of the world, especially the violence and pain faced by innocent people. He dreams of soaring like a bird into the sky, beyond limits and fear. The poem shows the sadness of growing older and losing strength, voice, and vision. There is a strong feeling of urgency, as the speaker wants to fly before time runs out. The images of farmers hurt and silenced remind us of real struggles in society. Through this, the poet connects personal dreams with the wider pain in the world. The sky becomes a symbol of hope and peace. The poem uses simple but powerful language to show that even in hard times, the human spirit still longs to rise. In the end, it is a cry for freedom, healing, and the chance to live fully.
240102050
This one hits hard. The opening is so full of hope — “let me soar high among the clouds” feels like a dream of freedom, of breaking away from all the limits life places. That “crown of the sunrise” line? Gorgeous. It paints such a radiant picture of youth and ambition.
But then — boom — the shift. “Before time shifts from my boyish charm…” It’s like the speaker knows their innocence is running out, that there’s an urgency to live, to escape, to matter before the light dims. That line about “lamp oil buried in the mud” is such a raw metaphor for wasted potential or a life cut short.
And then the imagery gets even more intense. “Herders with guns”? “Farmers’ tattoos made of bulletholes”? It’s chilling. It’s no longer just a poem about hope — it’s also about survival, violence, and being caught in a reality where dreams clash with harsh truths.
But what’s beautiful is how the speaker still wants to fly — to rise above all this madness. The contrast between clouds and chaos is so sharp and emotional. It’s like pleading for peace in a world that keeps shattering it.
Definitely not a forgettable piece. Feels like a cry from a generation caught between innocence and war.
This is a heartfelt poem about longing for freedom and escape from a harsh, violent world.
The poem mixes beautiful images like clouds and sunrise with the painful reality of conflict in Nigeria—especially the violence between herders and farmers. Lines like “the farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes” and “on our farmlands open grazing is now a crime” show real-life suffering. In the end, the poem is a call to rise above pain and limitation, blending personal dreams with a strong wish for peace and justice.
Ajiboye Aisha Abike .
The poem “Let me soar high among the clouds” is a word of a person that is caged ,whether physically, spiritual or emotionally and want to break free. The person speak out of desperation .The poet uses Figure of speech like Metaphor to convey the person feeling. The person wants to be free before time runs out .
The poem also talks about the fear of herdsmen, who kill farmers and invade their farms with their cattles . The farmers that survive are always with scar “The farmers tatoo’s are made of bullet holes”.The farmers also live in fear to farm on their land “On our Farmlands open grazing is now a crime ” All this shows the ordeal Farmers go through in the hand of the herdsmen.
Written in free verse, Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds, captures a blend of personal aspiration and the harsh realities of life.
Charles Akwen uses metaphors to portray his dream of freedom, growth and escape. He expresses the desire to perhaps, escape from the harsh realities of life before it reaches him. His request, “let me soar high amount the clouds”, show his determination to leave behind a rural area, or some kind of war zone to a place of comfort or modern living where he can lodge “white fridges”.
The use of anaphora in stanza 2 captures the urgency in which he yearns to grow and gain freedom before he ages, dies or loses his voice.
The tone of the poem progresses from a hopeful one to a serious one, with the use of piercing language and powerful lins. He talks on the conflict between “herders” and “farmers” in Nigeria, expressing the violence that occurs with strong metaphors like “herders with guns”, “filthy clothes torn without repairs” and “the farmers’ tattoos” which are now “made of bullet holes”.
Overall, the poem is a powerful one that contrasts dreams and harsh realities, depicting emotional depth.
“Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” is a powerful exploration of the human desire for freedom and transcendence. The speaker’s longing to “soar high” is a potent metaphor for liberation, while the imagery of clouds and sunrise adds a sense of hope and new beginnings. The poem also touches on themes of social justice, highlighting the struggles faced by marginalized communities. Overall, it’s a compelling and thought-provoking work that invites readers to reflect on their own aspirations and the world around them.
The poem is a powerful and evocative expression of youthful aspiration, social disillusionment, and a longing for transcendence. The speaker begins with a soaring desire—to rise “high among the clouds” and wear “the crown of the sunrise.” These metaphors suggest ambition, freedom, and a desire to reach spiritual or imaginative heights beyond the limitations imposed by the harsh realities of life.
The first two stanzas reflect the urgency of time. Phrases like “before time shifts from my boyish charm” and “before my lamp oil is buried in the mud” suggest the inevitable decay of youth, energy, and dreams if not acted upon swiftly. There is a sense of impending loss—a recognition that time is a thief of dreams if the speaker does not act.
In the third stanza, the poet juxtaposes this desire for peace and freedom with the growing insecurity and violence in rural spaces. The wish to “withstand the sounds of the rainclouds / Where herders with guns cannot reach” speaks to real socio-political concerns—especially the farmer-herder crisis in Nigeria. Here, nature and rural life, once peaceful and fertile, are now scenes of fear and conflict. The imagery is strong: “The farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes,” evoking the physical scars left by violence.
Finally, the poem’s repetition of “let me soar so high among the clouds” functions as both a cry for escape and a form of resistance. The dream to rise above the ugliness of reality becomes a form of protest. The speaker is not just running from violence but imagining a higher existence where such chaos cannot reach.
Overall, the poem weaves personal longing with political commentary, using vivid imagery and symbolism to reflect a deep yearning for peace, dignity, and a future untainted by violence or oppression.
This poem is about wanting to escape limits of aging, of violence, of unfair laws and find freedom up in the clouds. The speaker dreams of staying forever bright and young, safe from “herders with guns” and muddy traps below. By soaring above, they imagine a place where light never fails and time cannot steal their voice or vision. Yet the final image of farmers marked by bullet holes reminds us why that escape feels so needed,to rise beyond both personal fears and real world injustice.
The poem balances dreamy escapism with brutal reality. The speaker’s desire to transcend through nature, art or imagination is thwarted by violence and time’s passage. The speaker’s desire to escape earthly constraints symbolizing a longing for boundless freedom. The final lines reveal a world where freedom is a crime, leaving the “soar” unfilled.
The poem expresses a deep longing for freedom and transcendence, as the speaker dreams of soaring beyond earthly limits (“among the clouds”) and wearing the “crown of the sunrise.” However, this desire is contrasted with the fear of time running out—before youth fades, vision dims, and voice weakens. The speaker seeks refuge in an idealized world untouched by violence (“where herders with guns cannot reach”), yet reality intrudes with stark images of suffering: farmers scarred by bullet holes, torn clothes, and oppressive laws (“open grazing is now a crime”). The poem ends where it began—with the wish to “soar high”—suggesting an unresolved struggle between aspiration and harsh truth.
This poem captures the voice of a dreamer longing to rise above chaos and conflict. Through vivid nature imagery and emotional lines, the speaker reflects on lost innocence, violence in rural life, and the urgency to act before youth fades. The contrast between beauty (clouds, sunrise) and brutality (guns, bulletholes) highlights a harsh reality, yet the tone remains quietly defiant and filled with hope.
240102121
The poem is a powerful exploration of the human longing for freedom and escape from a world filled with violence and insecurity;could also be seen as an ascension to greatness,depicting a voice that speaks out of desperation
Having a clear aim to reach heights but also conscious of time
Charles Akwen’s poem “Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” is a touching cry for peace, freedom, and escape from a life full of violence and hardship. The speaker, likely a young person, dreams of rising above the troubles of the world and reaching a place of safety, beauty, and peace. From the start, the image of “soaring among the clouds” shows a strong desire to escape suffering and go beyond life’s limitations.
The poem also shows an awareness that time is running out. Phrases like “Before time shifts from my boyish charm” suggest that the speaker wants to achieve something meaningful before youth fades. There is a deep fear of growing old without fulfilling dreams.
As the poem goes on, it speaks of real dangers, especially violence in farming communities. Lines like “farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes” and “open grazing is now a crime” reflect the pain caused by conflicts between farmers and herders in Nigeria. These lines give the poem a political and emotional depth.
Through powerful images and emotional language, the poet mixes hope and sadness, dreams and reality. In the end, the poem is not just about escape, but also about the struggle for peace, justice, and a better life, especially for young people and the oppressed.
The poem expresses a deep desire for freedom, growth, and peace. The speaker wants to “soar high among the clouds,” which shows his dream to rise above the limits and problems of life. He hopes to achieve great things before he gets old or loses his strength and voice.
The second stanza shows how short and uncertain life can be. The speaker fears that time will take away his youth and energy. He uses lines like “before my lamp oil is buried in the mud” to show how life can suddenly end or lose its light.
In the third stanza, the speaker longs for a peaceful place, far from danger. He wants to be in a place where “herders with guns cannot reach”, showing that violence and fear are part of his everyday life. This part of the poem reflects the problems in farming areas, where herders and farmers often clash.
The last lines talk about the pain of farmers. Their “tattoos” are not for beauty but are bulletholes, showing how they suffer from gun violence. Their torn clothes and the line “open grazing is now a crime” point to a broken system and poor living conditions.
The poem mixes hope with sorrow. It uses strong images and simple language to talk about serious issues like dreams, aging, and violence. The poet speaks not only for himself but for the rural poor who are often forgotten.
The poem “Let Me Soar” is a powerful expression of hope, dreams, and the desire to escape hardship. The poet wants to rise above life’s troubles, using the image of flying “high among the clouds” to show a longing for peace, freedom, and fulfillment.
In the first stanza, the speaker wants to enjoy success and beauty (“crown of the sunrise”) while still young and full of life. He knows that time will not wait—his charm, vision, and voice will fade, so he wants to achieve his dreams now.
The third stanza shows a deep desire to escape danger and violence. The speaker wants to live in a peaceful place “where herders with guns cannot reach.” This reflects the fear and suffering caused by conflict in rural areas.
The final stanza paints a sad picture of farmers suffering from attacks. Words like “bulletholes,” “filthy clothes,” and “open grazing is now a crime” show the pain of poor villagers who are caught in violence they didn’t cause.
In summary, the poem mixes hope with reality. It is about dreaming of peace, safety, and success, while also showing the harsh life many people face today.
In “Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds,” Charles Akwen captures the tension between youthful hope and the harsh realities of a world marked by violence. The speaker begins with a longing to rise not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually above a life that seems increasingly unsafe and limited.
The first stanza sets the tone with a dream-like voice, “Let me wear the crown of the sunrise.” There’s beauty in that image it suggests ambition, light, and new beginnings. But this hope is paired with urgency: “Before time shifts from my boyish charm.” The speaker knows that time doesn’t wait. Youth fades, energy dims, and the chance to escape might disappear. The repeated “before” emphasizes that the world he sees now is changing and not for the better.
As the poem unfolds, the tone becomes heavier. The poet introduces danger with quiet power: “Where herders with guns cannot reach.” Suddenly, soaring isn’t just about dreaming big, it’s about fleeing violence. The poem moves from soft clouds and sunlight to a grim image of rural suffering: “The farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes.” That line is especially striking. What should be peaceful land and hardworking lives has become a battlefield. The phrase “open grazing is now a crime” hints at political and social tension, turning farmland into a place of fear and conflict.
Throughout the poem, the poet balances beauty with brutality. The speaker’s voice remains gentle, even poetic, but the world he describes is broken. By the end, the desire to soar feels less like ambition and more like survival, a quiet, desperate plea to escape a place where dreams and safety no longer exist.
In just a few stanzas, Akwen manages to capture the heartbreak of lost innocence and the deep need for freedom. This is a poem about more than just flying above the clouds, it’s about leaving behind a world that has failed to protect its people.
This poem is a powerful exploration of the human desire for freedom, escape, and transcendence in a world marked by conflict, violence, and insecurity. The speaker’s longing to “soar high among the clouds” serves as a metaphor for the quest for a higher ground where dignity and peace still exist. The poem’s use of imagery, such as “herders with guns” and “farmers’ tattoos made of bullet holes,” highlights the stark contrast between the speaker’s aspirations and the brutal reality of their world. The speaker’s awareness of time’s fleeting nature adds a sense of urgency to their quest, as they seek to rise above the suffering and find a place where “the light of day never is dim, / Except, of course, to make us sleep.” Ultimately, the poem is a poignant reminder of the human desire for safety, dignity, and peace, and the need to escape the weight of reality. The poem’s powerful duality – the private desire to fly and the public pain of a people – lends depth and emotional weight to the narrative, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
This poem emphasizes on the life of farmers who faces harsh realities of life from the herds men, who constantly harass them and deprive them of their farmland; that is why they ” I want to soar above the clouds” therefore, wanting to escape a cruel world which has offered them a lot of troubles. This herdsmen attacks is a highly dangerous crime in the society, especially for farmers who puts efforts to make a living — this herdsmen wants to dim their vision and their voices when they “can no longer sing in tune”
The poem, “Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” titular meaning could be celestial or ascension to greatness. It is a calm, quiet and imaginative read. Even the use of the first person singular pronoun, makes the readers be an active participant or observer in the poem.
In this world of chaos and noise, this poem is like a pause among the noise of the world.
This poem depicts a voice which speaks out of desperation. This voice in the poem seeks to “soar high among the clouds”, that is, beyond limitations. The poetic persona has a clear dream which is to reach higher heights but at the same time is very conscious of time as seen in the second stanza. The persona is fully aware of time that passes away. The persona is also fully conscious of age because as time passes by age also passes by, and this old age can serve as a hindrance of achieving dreams.
In the third stanza, the persona speaks about a society that suffers persecution and hopes to leave for a better place.
Furthermore, in the fourth stanza, the persona seeks to “soar so high among the clouds”, far away from a society of tribulations where limitations hinder people from various activities and where unjust penalties are paid.
OLUWATOSIN OLUWATAMILORE
Charles Akwen , ” Let me soar high above the clouds”, is a poem that focuses on the dreams of a young man set against the harsh realities of life. The young man hopes and aspires to “go beyond the limit of a compass”. Let me wear the crown of the sunrise,”
“Before time shifts from my boyish charm”, these lines show that the speaker is a youthful boy who shows a longing to rise above limits, and wants to achieve his dreams before old age catches up to him “Before time shifts from my boyish charm/Before my lamp oil is buried in the mud,/Before my vision become so dim and blue,/Before my voice can no longer sing in tunes.”, these lines show that opportunities to get freedom and escape in a cloud of dreams at old age is next to impossible, he is aware that time doesn’t wait for no man and passes very fast, so death approaches. He plans to take risks, before his dreams becomes lost. Finally, the speaker imagines a world of tranquility—where darkness is only for rest, not caused by fear or violence, caused by the clashes between the farmers and the herders. . He longs for normalcy and peace.
“Let Me Soar High Among the Clouds” by Charles Akwen is a reflective and emotive piece that captures the desire of the persona to rise above earthly limitations before the weight of age and hardship silences their youthful voice. It opens with a deep yearning for freedom, using phrases like “let me soar high among the clouds” and “beyond the limit of the compass”, which shows the speaker’s longing to explore beyond what life currently offers.
There’s a strong presence of imagery throughout the poem. Phrases like “crown of the sunrise” and “white fridges I want to lodge” evoke a sense of beauty and peace a place far from the troubles of the real world. The repetition of “Before…” gives a sense of urgency, suggesting the speaker is aware that time is running out, and they want to fulfil their dreams before life wears them down.
Themes of time, loss, and violence also come into play. The speaker reflects on the slow passing of youth: “Before time shifts from my boyish charm”, “Before my vision becomes so dim and blue”. These lines carry a sense of fading energy, showing that life’s brightness is slowly being covered.
In the second part of the poem, the tone shifts from personal to political and social. The speaker talks about real-life issues affecting rural farmers and the violence that has invaded peaceful lands. Lines like “The farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes” and “On our farmlands open grazing is now a crime” portray the painful reality of insecurity and loss of freedom in rural communities.
The use of contrast between the peaceful desire to soar and the harsh imagery of suffering farmers makes the poem even more powerful. The phrase “Where the light of day never is dim / Except, of course, to make us sleep” plays with irony, showing how even the natural brightness of day can’t shine on people suffering injustice.
In all, the poem is both personal and societal, a cry for escape, a plea for hope, and a call for change before it’s too late.
This five-stanza poem simply explains the ambition, desires or goals of a person during is youthful age of how he fly high in the sky,that is, a desire to soar ‘beyond the limit of the compass’ and be in a high position where people would see and respect you. Going further, it’s obvious that the persona’s quest/thirst for this position is so that he wants his plans to be successful before his ‘vision become so dim and blue’ – this visual imagery typically pictures an old age,becuase every aged man is believed to loose his sight at a particular period when he is too old; the persona uses this to show that if doesn’t fulfill his goals at a young age,a time would come when he would be too weak to do anything, therefore,the youthful period is the time to achieve dreams.
Finally,the last stanza states the reason why this persona wants to soar high among the clouds and that is because, primitive men or the minorities suffer from the turtore of the ‘herders with guns ‘ as we can see in stanza 4 ,’the farmers tattoos are made of bullet holes……’ , this shows that the farmers or minorities suffer from certain restrictions which is stated in the last line that ‘On our farmlands open grazing is now a crime ‘ they are hindered from doing certain things on which shows that disobedient leads to death and this is what triggers and angers the persona as he believes that he would be free from the ‘herders of guns ‘ and no longer seen as minority.
Thesis: An Exploration of Freedom, Mortality, and Longing in [Poem’s Title]
This analysis delves into the thematic and metaphorical landscape of [Poem’s Title], examining the poem’s poignant exploration of the human desire for freedom and escape. Through a close reading of its vivid imagery and carefully crafted metaphors, this thesis argues that the poem effectively conveys a sense of urgency and desperation, immersing the reader in the speaker’s world of struggle and longing.
At its core, the poem’s central theme revolves around the speaker’s yearning for transcendence and a better life. The recurring image of soaring “high among the clouds” functions as a potent symbol of liberation and escape from the constraints of reality. The metaphorical “crown of the sunrise” further reinforces this theme, representing hope and optimism in the face of adversity.
Furthermore, the poem skillfully navigates the complex themes of mortality and violence. The speaker’s contemplation of losing their “boyish charm” and the poignant image of their “lamp oil” being “buried in the mud” serve as a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of youth and beauty. The inclusion of violent imagery, such as “herders with guns” and “farmers’ tattoos” made of “bulletholes,” underscores the pervasive violence and trauma within the speaker’s environment.
The poem’s tone is characterized by a palpable sense of urgency and desperation, with the speaker’s voice resonating with a cry for freedom and escape. The strategic repetition of the refrain “Now, let me soar high among the clouds” amplifies the speaker’s longing and yearning, highlighting their deep desire to transcend their present difficulties.
One of the most compelling aspects of the poem is its adept use of imagery and metaphor to communicate the speaker’s emotions and experiences. The evocative comparison of the speaker’s voice to a silenced song serves as a powerful metaphor for the loss of vitality and creative expression.
The poem also subtly touches upon the themes of disconnection and longing, particularly through the image of the speaker’s desire to “lodge” with “white fridges.” This image suggests a sense of alienation from modernity and comfort, thereby emphasizing the speaker’s feelings of isolation and vulnerability.
In conclusion, [Poem’s Title] offers a compelling commentary on the human condition, illuminating the various ways in which individuals seek to escape challenges and find solace in the face of adversity. Through its rich imagery and evocative metaphors, the poem effectively conveys a sense of urgency and desperation, drawing the reader into the speaker’s world of struggle and longing.
The poem’s deliberate and evocative use of language fosters a sense of intimacy and immediacy between the reader and the speaker. The speaker’s emotions and experiences are skillfully conveyed through a series of powerful images and metaphors, which collectively reinforce the poem’s overarching themes of freedom, mortality, and longing.
Ultimately, [Poem’s Title] stands as a masterful exploration of the human desire for freedom and escape. Through its vivid imagery and resonant metaphors, the poem conveys a sense of urgency and desperation, immersing the reader in the speaker’s world of struggle and longing. The poem’s poignant exploration of mortality, violence, and disconnection serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges we face in life and the ways we strive to overcome them.
This poem explores the speaker’s escape from reality and unachievable ambition. “ Now let me soar high among the clouds / Beyond the limit of the compass”. The persona is excited about his youthfulness that he plans to achieve so much within the transient period. “ Before time shift from my boyish charm/Before my lamp oil is buried in mud”. He is aware of the fleeting nature of time and fears the end of his youthfulness. “ I want to withstand the sounds of the rain clouds”. The persona is so determine to achieve his desired goal and surpass limit.“ Where herders cannot reach/ Where the light of the day never is dim/ Except of course to make us sleep”. The poem persona’s delusion is heightened as he tries to escape from reality and his cravings for peace in the chaotic world is depicted. “ The farmers tattoos are made of bullet holes/ Their filthy cloth torn without repair”. These are symbolic images that reflect the world the persona avoids. Violence, Poverty and insecurity are the order of world in reality. Other than time constraints,these realities are the limit to the myriad of ambitions of the poem
persona as they are striking contrast.
The Above poem uses strong images to depict youthful ambitions,dreams,hopes and aspirations.In the second stanza the speaker reveals the inevitable-Time passing and growing older, expressing his awareness of this harsh realism,the poetic persona talks about his fantasies “I want to withstand the sound of rain cloud / where herders with guns cannot reach / where light of day never is dim’ this stanza suggests the existing harsh reality of the poetic persona and it is further buttressed in the last stanza using images such as; “farmers,tattoos,bullet holes,filthy clothes,to suggest the contradiction between the speaker’s reality and Fantasies
Ifejilika Emmanuella
The Above poem uses strong images to depict youthful ambitions,dreams,hopes and aspirations.In the second stanza the speaker reveals the inevitable-Time passing and growing older, expressing his awareness of this harsh realism,the poetic persona talks about his fantasies “I want to withstand the sound of rain cloud / where herders with guns cannot reach / where light of day never is dim’ this stanza suggests the existing harsh reality of the poetic persona and it is further buttressed in the last stanza using images such as; “farmers,tattoos,bullet holes,filthy clothes,to suggest the contradiction between the speaker’s reality and Fantasies.
This poem blends a soaring sense of personal ambition with a grounded awareness of harsh social realities. The speaker longs to rise “among the clouds,” a metaphor for freedom, possibility, and escape perhaps even transcendence. Yet, that yearning is tinged with urgency, as time threatens to take youth, vitality, and voice. There’s a poignant awareness that dreams must be chased before they’re no longer possible.
The imagery moves fluidly from ethereal clouds, sunrise, vision to starkly real: “herders with guns,” “bulletholes,” “filthy clothes.” This contrast deepens the emotional weight of the poem. It speaks to a world where violence and hardship have crept into once-sacred spaces, like farmlands, and where personal dreams clash with collective struggles.
What makes this poem powerful is its duality, the private desire to fly and the public pain of a people. The speaker is not removed from the suffering but rather seeks a kind of freedom that also acknowledges it. The plea to soar is not just for self-escape, but perhaps for a higher ground, where dignity and peace still exist
This poem talks about the poet’s dream to escape the problems in society and live a peaceful and better life. It shows the pain of violence, poverty, and lost dreams, especially in rural areas where farmers suffer because of insecurity.
In the beginning, the poet says he wants to go “beyond the limit of the compass” and “wear the crown of the sunrise.” This means he wants to rise above his present situation and do something great. He dreams of comfort and peace, shown by the line “with those white fridges I want to lodge,” which suggests a good life, far from suffering.
The second stanza shows that time is passing, and the poet is worried about losing his youth and strength. He says “Before my lamp oil is buried in the mud,” which means before he dies or loses his energy. He wants to chase his dreams before it’s too late.
The next part talks about the violence in society. The poet says he wants to be in a place “where herders with guns cannot reach.” This shows the danger faced by farmers in Nigeria due to attacks from armed herders. He wants to find a safe and peaceful place, where the light never goes dim.
The final stanza shows how much farmers are suffering. The line “The farmers’ tattoos are made of bullet holes” is a metaphor that means farmers are being shot and injured. Their clothes are torn and dirty, showing poverty. The poet also says “open grazing is now a crime,” which refers to the conflict between farmers and herders in Nigeria today.
In conclusion, this poem is about the poet’s wish to escape pain and live in peace. It talks about real problems like violence, insecurity, and poverty. Through strong images and simple words, the poet shows both his personal dreams and the struggles of many people in his society.
This poem speaks with urgency and longing — a desire to rise above the limitations of the world and escape into something higher, freer, and untouched. The speaker dreams of soaring above the clouds, past the boundaries that define ordinary life. Phrases like “wear the crown of the sunrise” and “lodge with white fridges” suggest a poetic, almost mystical vision of peace and elevation — a place far from the chaos on the ground.
But beneath the dream, there’s a clear awareness of time running out. The second stanza reflects that — a voice aware of aging, of fading youth, and of the fear that the light within might be buried before its time. There’s a quiet sadness in lines like “before my lamp oil is buried in the mud”, suggesting that the poet wants to make something meaningful out of life before it’s too late.
The final verses shift from personal yearning to social commentary. The speaker connects their dream of flight with a painful reality — farmers suffering, land becoming dangerous, and violence creeping into everyday life. “Farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes” is especially powerful. It’s raw and unsettling, highlighting how brutal life has become in places where peace should live. The dream of rising isn’t just about freedom — it’s about survival, and the hope for something untouched by conflict.
The poem explores a deep desire for freedom, self-fulfilment, and escape from the harsh realities of life. The speaker opens with a hopeful plea: “Now, let me soar high among the clouds / Beyond the limit of the compass,” revealing dreams that go beyond boundaries. The imagery of “the crown of the sunrise” and “white fridges” suggests success, modern comfort, and a better future.
This ambition is paired with an awareness of how quickly time passes. The poet reflects on the fear of growing old before achieving his dreams—“Before time shifts from my boyish charm” and “before my lamp oil is buried in the mud.” These lines express urgency, as if the window for living meaningfully is small and closing fast.
In the final stanzas, the poem turns from personal dreams to societal struggles. References to “herders with guns,” “farmers’ tattoos… made of bulletholes,” and “open grazing is now a crime” speak to real-life violence and conflict in rural areas. The speaker’s dream becomes more than individual success—it becomes a wish to rise above fear, poverty, and injustice.
Altogether, the poem blends personal ambition, the pressure of time, and social commentary to express a powerful message: the desire to live fully, safely, and meaningfully, before time and conflict take that chance away.
This poem feels like a cry for escape — not just physical escape, but emotional, spiritual, even political. The poet wants to soar, to rise above everything that’s weighing them down. That opening line — “Now, let me soar high among the clouds / Beyond the limit of the compass” — sets the tone. It’s not just flying for fun, it’s about reaching a place so far and free that even a compass can’t follow.
There’s also a lot of urgency in the second stanza. The poet knows time is moving — their boyish charm won’t last forever, their lamp oil (aka energy, purpose, maybe youth?) is already getting buried. It’s like they’re racing against life before it dims them down. And that line “Before my voice can no longer sing in tunes”? That’s not just literal. That’s about losing joy, passion, even identity.
Then we get into the heavier stuff. Rainclouds, herders with guns, farmers’ tattoos being bulletholes — that’s deep. It turns the poem from soft dreaminess to real-life violence and fear. It’s not just metaphorical anymore. The poem is talking about real people — farmers, herders, victims. It’s touching on insecurity, conflict, and how everyday life (like farming) has become dangerous. The line “on our farmlands open grazing is now a crime” shows us how deep the conflict runs — it’s not just emotional pain, it’s political too.
But even in all this, the poet still dreams of safety — a place “where the light of day never is dim, / Except, of course, to make us sleep.” That’s the dream. A peaceful world, where light fades only because it’s bedtime — not because of sadness, bullets, or fear.
This poem is one big, emotional push for freedom, peace, and escape. The poet wants to fly above the madness — before life steals their youth, their voice, their joy. And at the same time, they’re showing us the reality on the ground: bullets, broken clothes, and the scars of conflict. It’s poetic, it’s political, it’s heartbreaking — and honestly, it stays with you.
This poem is about a young person who wants to rise above the problems in their world. The poet uses strong images to express a dream of freedom, peace, and hope, while also showing sadness about what is happening in their country or community.
In the first few lines, the speaker says, “let me soar high among the clouds / Beyond the limit of the compass.” This means they want to go far beyond what is expected or possible. They want to succeed, shine, and live freely, “wear the crown of the sunrise” shows a desire for greatness, hope, and a new beginning.
The next stanza talks about time passing and growing older. The poet says “before time shifts from my boyish charm,” meaning they want to make the most of their youth. Phrases like “before my lamp oil is buried in the mud”suggest a fear of dreams being wasted or life being cut short. The speaker wants to act before it’s too late.
There’s also a wish to escape danger and suffering “herders with guns,” “sounds of the rainclouds,” and the need to find a place where life is calm and secure. This part of the poem talks about violence in farming communities, possibly caused by conflict or insecurity.
The final lines bring the focus back to reality. Even though the speaker dreams of soaring high, they face harsh truths: “farmers’ tattoos are made of bullet holes” is a strong image showing how farmers suffer from violence. Their “filthy clothes torn without repairs” shows poverty and hardship. And “open grazing is now a crime” hints at conflict between herders and farmers.
The poem shows a strong desire to escape pain and achieve something greater in life, but it also shows the real struggles people face violence, poverty, and lost dreams. The poet combines hope and sadness to make us think about both the future and the present.
This poem expresses a strong desire to rise above life’s troubles and limitations. The speaker dreams of soaring high, going beyond ordinary limits, and living fully before aging or hardship sets in. There is also a wish for peace and safety, away from violence and fear, where light and freedom can be enjoyed.
This part of the poem reflects the pain and struggles faced by rural farmers. Dr Charles Akwen expresses a wish to escape (“soar so high among the clouds”) while describing the harsh realities of life on the ground—farmers wounded by violence, dressed in tattered clothes, and affected by changing laws about open grazing.
The poem begins with a strong desire for freedom: “let me soar so high among the clouds.” This suggests Dr Charles Akwen wants to rise above the suffering they witness.
The next line uses powerful imagery: “The farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes.” This shows how violence has left scars—literal or symbolic—on farmers, turning their wounds into marks of identity.
Their “filthy clothes torn without repairs” symbolizes poverty and neglect. These are people who work hard on the land but are left in poor conditions.
Finally, the line “On our farmlands open grazing is now a crime” refers to a real issue—conflict over land use. It shows how laws or government actions are affecting people who rely on the land for survival.
Overall, the tone is sad and critical, and the poem uses simple but vivid language to speak about injustice, suffering, and a longing for peace.
This poem is both lyrical and haunting. It begins with a strong sense of aspiration,“let me soar high among the clouds / beyond the limit of the compass”,evoking dreams of freedom, greatness, and transcendence. There’s a youthful energy in these lines, full of hope and a desire to rise above limitations. But that optimism is quickly grounded by the harsh reality of time and societal decay. Lines like “before my lamp oil is buried in the mud” and “before my voice can no longer sing in tunes” reflect a quiet fear of lost potential or fading youth.
The shift in the second half is powerful. The personal dream becomes tied to a collective struggle,“the farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes,” “our farmlands open grazing is now a crime.” These lines bring a stark political and social reality into view, suggesting violence, displacement, and neglect in rural communities. The contrast between the speaker’s lofty dreams and the grounded suffering of farmers creates a strong emotional tension.
Overall, this poem moves gracefully from personal longing to social commentary, blending poetic beauty with a deep sense of urgency and injustice. It leaves the reader both inspired and unsettled,which is the mark of powerful writing.
The poem is an insightful and powerful poem. It glosses the poet’s urge to soar high away from the harsh life on earth. He wants to ” …wear the crown of the sunrise”, be at the top of his potential while being conscious of the fleeting nature of time “…before time shifts”. He is aware of his limited time as ageing is inevitable. He wants his vision come true now before his time elapse as there is time bound in everything on earth. He also uses this to portray insecurity and poverty in his environment. The poet’s reason for aiming high is is shown in line 10 where he wants to avoid the sound of the herders with gun. This high the poet refers to could metaphorically mean a position other than a farmer where he won’t collide with the herdsmen. While staying at the top could be tasking, he could withstand it to the sound of herders gun who signifies harsh realities. The language though simple carries the thought of the writer about farmer which shows decrease in the farmers cubicle. The tone shifts from compassionate to consciousness and then changes to a melancholy one. All of these elements combines to explore the following themes- fleeting nature of time, insecurity of farmers, poverty, escaping poverty and violence.
This poem is about a young person’s strong desire to rise above the troubles and dangers in their environment and reach a peaceful, beautiful place beyond pain and fear. The speaker dreams of soaring high into the clouds, wearing the “crown of the sunrise” and living among the “white fridges” (probably clouds or a peaceful space), far away from violence and suffering. They express urgency, wanting to achieve their dreams while still young—before time takes away their energy, vision, and voice. The poem also talks about serious problems in society, especially the violence faced by farmers, whose “tattoos are made of bulletholes,” and how their clothes are torn and dirty, showing poverty and neglect. Open grazing, once a way of life, is now seen as a crime, hinting at land conflicts and insecurity, possibly from armed herders. By wanting to “withstand the sounds of the rainclouds,” the speaker shows courage and a longing to escape to a safer, brighter place—one untouched by war or pain. Overall, the poem mixes hope, urgency, and sadness, and uses strong images to show a young person’s deep wish to live freely and safely before it’s too late.
This is a poem of hope and dreams. The poetic persona reflects the heart of determination and a desire to rise above circumstances and situations underneath or challenges that the persona may be going through.
In addition, the poetic persona relates his determination and intentions to work together with time. The persona have to ” Soar high” to show his intentions in action, as the persona states; ” Before time shifts from my boyish charm”. He represents his dreams to that of”my lamp oil” and his willingness to work in time before the “lamp oil” is “buried in the mud”, and “Before my vision become so dim and blue”. The poetic persona expresses the necessity to be vigilant before he loses the inspirations and determination that enables him to see beyond his current situations , also, his “voice can no longer sing in tunes”.
The poetic persona is resilient, and it shows in his intention ” to withstand the sounds of the rain clouds”, irrespective of hardship, struggles, or the insecurity he experiences which is described with the metaphor ” Where herders with guns cannot reach” , including ” where the light of day never is dim , except, of course, to make us sleep”.
There is the continuous use of the phrase “let me soar high among the clouds” which is a repetition that signifies the personas resilience. “The farmers tattoos are made of bulletholes” symbolizes the pain, loss, or suffering the persona goes through, it doesn’t matter how severe it is or how long it will last but one thing still stands and that is the desire to “Soar high among the clouds”. He further symbolizes challenges with the imagery of ” their filthy clothes torn without repairs”. The poetic persona addresses the issue of barriers that stands in the way of one’s freedom to achieve purpose and dreams in life with the metaphor ” On our farmlands, open grazing is now a crime”.
In conclusion, ” Let me soar high among the clouds ” is a poem that reflects a ray of hope and a better tomorrow, disregarding one’s current trouble and insecurities and an encouragement to continue working assiduously for ones dreams by being resilient and possessing a perspective that goes beyond human experiences in the world.
Akujobi Elizabeth Chikadibia.
Akujobi Elizabeth Chikadibia
240102045
Literature and the social media
English Arts
This poem expresses a strong desire to escape from violence, injustice and suffering, especially the kind faced by farmers and rural people.This poem is a high for peace,dignity and freedom it speaks on behalf of the oppressed rural. This point uses strong imagery (clouds, bullet holes, torn clothes) to show suffering, but also an open dream of rising above it all.Despite all the suffering,the speaker imagines a better place. The peaceful imagery shows the human longing for safety and calms,where darkness is natural not dangerous.
This poem explores the themes of escape and harsh reality. The speaker initially longs to “soar high among the clouds” and “wear the crown of the sunrise,” a clear desire to transcend limits and avoid the decay of time, as expressed with lines like “Before my lamp oil is buried in the mud.”
However, this hopeful vision is brutally interrupted by grim realities. The poem contrasts personal dreams with collective suffering, evident in the shattering image of “farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes.” The idyllic escape is replaced by a stark depiction of “Their filthy clothes torn without repairs” and the somber truth that “open grazing is now a crime.”
Through these contrasting pictures, the poem highlights how personal hopes can be overshadowed by unavoidable societal pain. It uses vivid imagery and repetition to emphasize both the yearning for freedom and the inescapable presence of real-world struggles. Ultimately, it suggests that even the grandest dreams can’t fully shield one from a difficult reality.
The tone shifts between hopeful yearning, melancholy, and defiance. The speaker is both a dreamer and a witness to a world marred by violence and decay.
Stanza 1
Now, let me soar high among the clouds
Beyond the limit of the compass.
Let me wear the crown of the sunrise,
With those white fridges I want to lodge.
Interpretation: The speaker dreams of transcending boundaries (“beyond the limit of the compass”)—possibly societal or spiritual boundaries.
“Crown of the sunrise”: Symbol of hope, renewal, or authority. The speaker longs to rise into greatness.
“White fridges”: A curious and possibly symbolic phrase—may represent modern comforts, affluence, or domestic safety.
To “lodge” with them may suggest wanting to reside in a world untouched by the decay of reality.
Stanza 2
Before time shifts from my boyish charm,
Before my lamp oil is buried in the mud,
Before my vision become so dim and blue,
Before my voice can no longer sing in tunes.
Theme: Mortality / Fleeting Youth
The repetition of “Before” stresses urgency. The speaker wants to achieve their dream before youth, light, sight, and voice fade.
“Lamp oil buried in the mud” – beautiful metaphor for extinguished purpose, lost energy, or death.
There is a poetic echo of Psalmic or Ecclesiastical wisdom here: a reflection on the decay of the body and voice.
Stanza 3
I want to withstand the sounds of the rainclouds,
Where herders with guns cannot reach,
Where the light of day never is dim,
Except, of course, to make us sleep.
“Sounds of the rainclouds” – can symbolize chaos, hardship, or turmoil, but also a natural force one must stand firm against.
The line “herders with guns” references real socio-political violence—possibly drawing from Nigerian conflicts between nomadic herders and farmers.
The speaker yearns for a place of peace, where night is not threat but rest.
There’s an almost utopian imagining of a realm untouched by corruption and bloodshed.
Stanza 4
Now, let me soar so high among the clouds,
The farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes,
Their filthy clothes torn without repairs,
On our farmlands open grazing is now a crime.
A return to the “soaring” motif—but now contrasted with grounded, brutal reality.
“Farmers’ tattoos are made of bulletholes” – a grim image. The body, marked not by art or tradition but by violence.
The “filthy clothes”, “torn without repair”, and criminalization of open grazing paint a vivid portrait of neglect, loss of dignity, and cultural suppression.
There’s a final, sharp tension: the dream to soar, and the real world weighed down by political injustice, rural violence, and poverty.
Analysis of the Poem
The poem expresses a strong desire for freedom, peace, and purpose in a world filled with violence and hardship. The speaker dreams of soaring above the clouds, symbolizing a longing to rise above life’s troubles and reach a place of hope and safety.
In the first part, the poet speaks of youthful ambition and the need to achieve something meaningful before time and age take their toll. Phrases like “Before my lamp oil is buried in the mud” and “Before my voice can no longer sing in tunes” show the urgency of acting before it’s too late.
The poem then shifts to contrast this dream with the harsh reality on the ground. The mention of “herders with guns” and farmers with “tattoos… of bulletholes” points to the violence and conflict faced in rural communities, especially related to open grazing issues in Nigeria.
Finally, the poem combines personal dreams with social commentary, using nature and imagery to express both hope and sorrow. It reflects the pain of a broken society and the desire to escape to a better place.
The poem Let me soar among the clouds is a very expressive poem. The speaker expresses a deep longing to rise above life’s limits, to soar into a peaceful, ideal space beyond the world’s chaos, full of beauty and possibility.
He wants to achieve his dreams before time robs him of youth, strength, and vision, before his energy fades and his voice is silenced by age or hardship.He yearns for a safe haven, far from violence and conflict where even storms can’t reach, and peace and safety are the norm, not the exception.
The reality he wishes to escape is grim: farmers suffer violence and neglect, symbolized by bullet wounds and poverty, while unjust policies turn victims into criminals. The speaker uses graphic imagery showing the brutal reality of violence against rural communities, shows neglect, poverty, and suffering.
The poem is a powerful reflection on the desire to escape violence, injustice, and the passage of time and a yearning for peace, dignity, and a chance to live freely before it’s too late.
This is an expressive poem, rich in imagery, tiered with themes of freedom, resistance, resilience and longing for escape. The poem demonstrates the desire to move above earthly limitations, it is an heartfelt plea for escape, freedom, and peace, in the face of growing violence and loss.
The poem shows how much the speaker yearns to rise above a troubled world, before youth fades and before dreams are forgotten. Through vivid imagery, it contrasts a dreamlike sky of hope with the harsh realities on the ground; displacement and the suffering of farmers.
Ultimately, it’s a cry for safety, prestige, and chance to live fully before it’s too late.
Does anyone else see this as a form of escapism or denial? A longing to do something unachievable? Fantasizing as therapy against the odds?
The poem serves as a reflection of violence and displacement in rural communities. The speaker expresses his frustration over the harsh realities of herders with gun terrorizing farmers, leaving them with wounds and destroying their lives. The speaker expresses the tragedy of lost safety, silenced livelihood and stolen land. The title “Let Me Soar High Among The Clouds” expresses the speaker’s dream of a live without hardship and brutal reality, a life that comes with peace of mind.
The poem “let me soar high among the clouds” is a powerful expressions of the poet’s desires and aspirations. The poet is seeking prosperity and dreams-coming true. This is evident in the lines “let me soar high among the clouds/Beyond the limit of the compass”, which showcase the poet’s aspirations and desires for something greater.
The second stanza’s first line, “Before time shifts from my boyish charm”, implies that the poet desires fame and success while still in their youth. This line highlights the poet’s awareness of the fleeting nature of youth and the importance of achieving success during this period. The poet’s determination is evident in their desire to make the most of their youth.
The line “Before my lamp oil is buried in the mud” suggests that the poet is aware of the danger of being overlooked or forgotten. The poet want to shine is extinguished. The line reinforces the poet’s desires for recognition and success, and their fear of not being able to achieve their goals.
The third stanza reveals the poet’s willingness to take bold steps to achieve success. The poet’s determination is evident in their desire to “withstand the sound of the clouds” and rise above the challenges and hardships of life. This stanza showcases the poet’s resolve to succeed, despite the obstacles and difficulties that may lie ahead.
The final stanza highlights the harsh realities of life, particularly for those who are struggling. The image of “farmers’ tattoos” and “filthy clothes” serves as a stark contrast to the poet’s aspiration for a better life. The contrast underscores the poet’s desires for a better life and their determination to succeed.
In my opinion, this poem is such a powerful piece that expresses a deep longing to escape violence and sorrow in the world. Through strong imagery like “tattoos made of bulletholes”, and symbols such as clouds and mud, Charles Akwen contrast dreams of peace with the harsh reality of suffering, especially among farmers. He uses metaphors like the “lamp of oil” to show how short and fragile life is, urging us to rise above pain before it’s too late. The poem blends sorrow with hope and serves as a protest against injustice, while calling for a better and more peaceful world.
This poem uses repetition and striking imagery to express a desire for freedom and escape from hardship. The speaker dreams of soaring above the clouds, but this aspiration is contrasted with the harsh realities of a world marked by violence and despair, as symbolized by the “farmers’ tattoos \[that] are made of bulletholes.” The poem reflects a poignant tension between hope and the often brutal conditions of life.
This poem expresses a deep desire for freedom and greatness. The speaker wants to rise above life’s limits and be free from fear and insecurity. The metaphors of flying and wearing the sunrise show strength, hope, and ambition.
This is a powerful piece that portrays the quest for freedom and also critiques the issues plaguing the society in relation to Insecurity in Nigeria. It’s rich in imagery amd symbolism. Cute poem…