"Durban, South Africa - Some Notatations of Value" Research BP #37 5-13-14

     Chris Abani, the author of "Durban, South Africa - Some Notations of Value," was born on December 27, 1966 in Afikpo, Nigeria. Abani was born from a white mother and a native Igbo father. After a brief residence in England, his family moved back to Nigeria where Abani first gained an interest in writing. At the age of ten, Abani had his first piece published; a short-story called Masters of the Board. Many of Abani's writings were based around the emotions felt after suffering much abuse from his violent father. Many authors probably use harsh emotions felt from a young age as inspiration for writings;both positive and negative. After Abani's publication of his book Masters of the Board, this happened;  "Because the narrative recounts the attempt of an ex-Nazi officer to seize power in Nigeria, the country's real-life authorities accused Abani of providing the blueprint for a failed coup against the Babangida regime in late 1985 – an absurd claim devised after the purported leader of the conspiracy, General Vatsa, was found in possession of the book ('A Reading by Chris Abani'). Following these allegations, the writer was sent to prison, where he spent a total of six months ('Author's Note', Kalakuta Republic, 9)." (The Chris Abani Biography). Only a few years later, Abani was sent to prison again after writing Sirocco. Abani's fearlessness to write about real-life problems and face the consequences provided him the reputation of rebel and traitor, yet he really was trying to open the eyes of the natives. His books were burned countless times before the authorities recognized Abani's truth and lifted the ban on his literature. A few other interesting notes about Abani include; his flute and trumpet playing skills, his American collegiate degrees, and his interest with the many religious conflicts of the Igbo people.   
   The poem I chose is "Durban, South Africa - Some Notations of Value." This poem is a recollection of Abani's journey to South Africa where he noticed the old marks of past violence. He speaks about noticing the previous blood-lust of the Zumba people and how it's affects on the culture still remain. A racial divide split the city when Abani visited, separating the blacks and the whites. Abani also alludes to the sadness on each persons face, hinting that the racism and past violence make them perpetually feeling the "weight of the dead." Abani uses deep symbolism and incredible language to describe the weather, atmosphere, and landscape of his surroundings. Describing the shadows of clouds as the ghosts of whale and the rocks as metal giraffes. In conclusion,  "Durban, South Africa - Some Notations of Value," is an incredibly analytic adventure that opens the eyes of every reader to the realness of racism of South Africa's past.