Coup De Grace
By Noel Moratilla
When you bother to come
to our slums,
remember to carry
the hardest & heaviest rifles
to jog our memory.
Bring some gasoline to singe
our unwashed
conscience.
Sear our flesh
misshapen by
bullet holes
with eyes that never shut.When we welcome you
with hands
reeking of slime or grease,
you’ll find us
disgusting
so have us handcuffed
for such impropriety
& whisked
to the nearest prison
or graveyard.Show no mercy if
we forget
to stoop when
asking for charity.
Cut off our fists if
we clench & raise them
in protest.
Demolish our houses empty
as our stomachs,
with cardboard-thin
walls
standing in the muck.Gorge our parched throats
with your dirt
& show more pleasure
when we grovel
at your feet.
Should you hear
our famished tableau
babies cry,
bury a dagger deep
into each one’s neck.
When they die,
we’ll put them in
paper coffins
brittle as our sanity.The next time we meet
& you find us restless
speak to us
of your visions.
Regale us with
More promises,
contrived
images, false
hopes
when in truth you’re
thinking
how to butcher us
even more.
Summary of Coup De Grace
- Popularity of “Coup De Grace”: “Coup De Grace” is a powerfully direct free‑verse poem by Filipino academic and poet Noel Moratilla. First appearing in 2013, it quickly gained recognition for its unflinching portrayal of oppression and its rejection of poetic embellishment. Its raw honesty and political resonance have cemented its place as a contemporary classic.
- “Coup De Grace” as a Representation of Dictatorship and Poetic Truth: The poem acts as a brutal indictment of authoritarian rule. The speaker, representing the marginalized and impoverished, anticipates a visit from a dictator and sarcastically invites them to fully embrace their oppressive power. The speaker does not plead for mercy; instead, they challenge the dictator to commit the ultimate acts of violence and control, exposing the hollowness of any promised benevolence. It’s a poem built on defiance, not desperation.
- Major Themes in “Coup De Grace”: Central to the poem are the themes of dictatorship, government oppression, and the futility of empty promises. Moratilla highlights the stark contrast between the rhetoric of power and the reality of suffering. The poem demonstrates how those in power often maintain control through violence, intimidation, and the dehumanization of the governed, offering only superficial gestures of aid while perpetuating systemic injustice.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in Coup De Grace
Understanding the literary and poetic devices Moratilla employs is crucial to appreciating the poem’s impact. These devices are not merely decorative; they actively contribute to the poem’s meaning and emotional force.
- Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds creates a subtle musicality and emphasizes certain words. For example, the short e sound in “reeking of slime or grease” draws attention to the unpleasantness and degradation.
- Alliteration: The repetition of initial consonant sounds adds emphasis and rhythmic quality. Notice the repetition of the w sound in “we welcome,” subtly echoing the forced hospitality extended to the oppressor.
- Consonance: The repetition of consonant sounds within words adds texture and depth. Consider “bring some gasoline to singe,” where the s and g sounds create a harsh, almost visceral sensation, mirroring the violence being described.
- Enjambment: The continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next creates a sense of momentum and urgency. For example:
so have us handcuffed
for such impropriety
& whisked
to the nearest prison
or graveyard.The enjambment here accelerates the image of swift, brutal punishment.
- Imagery: The poem is rich with vivid, often disturbing imagery. “Sear our flesh,” “so have us handcuffed,” and “paper coffins brittle as our sanity” create a powerful visual and emotional impact, forcing the reader to confront the stark reality of oppression.
- Juxtaposition: The placing of contrasting ideas side‑by‑side creates tension and highlights the hypocrisy of the oppressor. The line “The next time we meet & you find us restless” presents a stark contrast between the expected greeting and the underlying simmering discontent.
- Metaphor: Moratilla uses metaphors to convey complex ideas in a concise and impactful way. The rifles, houses, and hopes become symbols of power, vulnerability, and illusion, respectively.
- Symbolism: Certain objects and images carry symbolic weight. Rifles represent oppressive force, daggers symbolize violence and betrayal, and bullets signify systemic injustice.
Analysis of Poetic Form and Technique
Beyond individual devices, the poem’s form and overall technique contribute significantly to its meaning.
- Diction: Moratilla employs direct, often blunt, language. The absence of flowery or ornate language underscores the poem’s harsh realism and the speaker’s unwavering defiance.
- Free Verse: The poem’s lack of a regular rhyme scheme or meter gives it a conversational, almost raw, quality. This stylistic choice allows Moratilla to prioritize directness and emotional impact over traditional poetic conventions.
- Stanza Structure: The five stanzas each serve a distinct purpose. They build in intensity, culminating in the final, cynical invitation for the oppressor to commit further atrocities. The varying lengths of the stanzas create a dynamic rhythm that reflects the fluctuating emotions of the speaker.
- Tone: The poem’s tone is one of cynical defiance, weary resignation, and barely concealed rage. It is far from pleading or begging; the speaker is challenging the oppressor to be honest about their intentions.
Quotes for Reflection
These lines from “Coup De Grace” are particularly resonant and can be used to spark conversation about power, justice, and the human cost of oppression:
The next time we meet
& you find us restless
speak to us
of your visions.
This final stanza is particularly powerful because it exposes the hollowness of rhetoric and the cynicism that often underlies political promises.
“Coup De Grace” is a challenging but ultimately rewarding poem. By carefully analyzing its language, form, and themes, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of oppression and the enduring power of the human spirit.