Ol’ Higue
By Mark McWatt
You think I like all this stupidness
gallivanting all night without skin
burning myself out like cane fire
To frighten the foolish?
And for what? A few drops of baby blood?
You think I wouldn’t rather
take my blood seasoned in fat
black pudding, like everyone else?
And don’t even talk ’bout the pain of salt
And having to bend these old bones down
To count a thousand grains of rice!If only babies didn’t smell so nice!
And if I could only stop
Hearing the soft, soft call
Of that pure blood running in new veins,
Singing the sweet song of life
Tempting an old, dry-up woman who been
Holding her final note for years,
Afraid of the dying hum…Then again, if I didn’t fly and come
to that fresh pulse in the middle of the night,
how would you, mother,
name your ancient dread,
And who to blame
for the murder inside your head…?
Believe me –
As long as there are women giving birth
A poor Ol’ Higue like me can never die.
Summary of Ol’ Higue
Mark McWatt’s “Ol’ Higue” is a powerful poem rooted in Caribbean folklore. The poem presents a unique perspective on the soucouyant, or Ol’ Higue, a shape‑shifting creature that traditionally preys on humans. McWatt’s Ol’ Higue is not merely a terrifying monster. She is a complex figure who voices her weariness and her reluctant need to sustain herself by consuming blood. The poem explores the cyclical nature of fear, blame, and the enduring need for a scapegoat within a community. It invites the reader to see the monster not as a purely evil entity, but as a consequence of deeper societal anxieties and a necessary figure in a world grappling with mortality.
The central idea of the poem revolves around the justification of a monstrous existence. Ol’ Higue does not revel in her actions; instead she presents them as an unavoidable part of her being, intertwined with the continuation of human life itself. She asks, “how would you…name your ancient dread, / And who to blame / for the murder inside your head…?” This suggests she serves as a vessel for communal fears, taking on the blame for unexplained tragedies and anxieties.
It is important to note that the Ol’ Higue is a prominent figure in Caribbean folklore, representing a fear of the night, the other, and the unknown. This poem isn’t a simple retelling of a scary story, but a nuanced exploration of the role of folklore in shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in Ol’ Higue
Assonance and Consonance: The Music of Language
McWatt skillfully employs assonance and consonance to create a musicality that enhances the poem’s emotional impact. Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, is evident in lines such as “Hearing the soft, soft call,” producing a gentle, almost hypnotic effect. Consonance, the repetition of consonant sounds, reinforces certain ideas and textures. For example, the line “gallivanting all night without skin” uses repeated “g” and “n” sounds, adding a sense of restless energy and the harshness of the creature’s existence. These sonic devices are not merely decorative; they contribute to the poem’s overall atmosphere and underscore the emotional weight of Ol’ Higue’s words.
Imagery: Painting a Picture of Fear and Weariness
The poem is rich with striking imagery that appeals to multiple senses. The description “burning myself out like cane fire” evokes a vivid picture of exhaustion and self‑destruction. The image of “pure blood running in new veins, / Singing the sweet song of life” is both alluring and unsettling, highlighting the temptation that drives Ol’ Higue’s actions. The sensory detail allows the reader to experience the poem from Ol’ Higue’s perspective, understanding both her revulsion and her need.
Rhetorical Questions: A Direct Appeal to the Reader
McWatt uses rhetorical questions throughout the poem to engage the reader directly and challenge their assumptions. Lines such as “To frighten the foolish?” and “You think I wouldn’t rather / take my blood seasoned in fat” do not seek answers but force us to consider Ol’ Higue’s perspective. This technique bypasses traditional storytelling and creates a more intimate, thought‑provoking experience. The questions make the reader complicit in the narrative, prompting them to examine their own roles in perpetuating fear and blame.
Enjambment: The Flow of Consciousness
Enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause, is prevalent in the poem. For example:
Believe me –
As long as there are women giving birth
A poor Ol’ Higue like me can never die.
This technique creates a sense of fluidity and mimics the natural flow of thought. It also emphasizes certain words and ideas by isolating them at the beginning of a new line. The lack of punctuation encourages the reader to move seamlessly through the poem, immersing them in Ol’ Higue’s voice.
Symbolism: Unpacking Deeper Meanings
Several elements in the poem carry symbolic weight. Blood, naturally, represents life, but also death, sacrifice, and primal instincts. Night symbolizes fear, the unknown, and the supernatural realm. The image of bending “these old bones down / To count a thousand grains of rice!” represents the tediousness of existence and the weariness of carrying the burden of being a scapegoat. By using these symbols, McWatt adds layers of meaning to the poem, inviting readers to interpret it on multiple levels.
Analyzing the Poem’s Form and Style
Free Verse and Voice
“Ol’ Higue” is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. This allows McWatt to prioritize the natural rhythm of speech and create a voice that is authentic and compelling. The poem’s conversational tone makes it feel like a direct address from Ol’ Higue herself. The lack of formal constraints lets the author focus on conveying the character’s emotions and thoughts with greater freedom and immediacy.
Stanza Structure and Pace
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each contributing to the overall narrative arc. The first stanza introduces Ol’ Higue’s weariness and resentment. The second stanza delves into her internal struggle with temptation and her connection to life. The final stanza reveals her role as a necessary figure in the community, a scapegoat who absorbs their fears. The varying lengths of the stanzas create a dynamic pace, mirroring the ebb and flow of Ol’ Higue’s thoughts.
Quotes for Reflection
The following lines from “Ol’ Higue” offer profound insights into the poem’s themes:
And don’t even talk ’bout the pain of salt
And having to bend these old bones down
To count a thousand grains of rice!
This quote powerfully conveys Ol’ Higue’s exhaustion and the burden of her existence. It reminds us that even monsters experience pain and weariness.
By analyzing the poem’s language, structure, and themes, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between fear, blame, and the enduring power of folklore.