The Mesh
By Kwesi Brew aka Osborne Henry
We have come to the crossroads
And I must either leave or come with you.
I lingered over the choice
But in the darkness of my doubtsYou lifted the lamp of love
And I saw in your face
The road that I should take.
Understanding “The Mesh”
Kwesi Brew’s “The Mesh” is a concise and powerfully evocative poem exploring the themes of love, decision-making, and the clarity that love can bring to a moment of uncertainty. First appearing in his 1968 collection, The Shadows of Laughter, the poem has resonated with readers due to its relatable imagery and ambiguous yet universal message. “The Mesh” speaks to that pivotal moment in a relationship or in life generally, where a choice must be made, and the path forward isn’t immediately clear.
What is “The Mesh” About?
The poem presents a speaker at a crossroads, both literally and figuratively. They are faced with a decision: to separate from a beloved or to continue on a shared path. The speaker initially hesitates, shrouded in “darkness of my doubts.” However, the appearance of a “lamp of love” held by the other person illuminates the way, revealing the course the speaker should take. The beauty of the poem lies in its ambiguity. We don’t know who the “you” is, or what the crossroads represents, allowing readers to project their own experiences and interpretations onto the verse.
Central Idea and Noteworthy Aspects
At its heart, “The Mesh” is about the power of love to guide us through uncertainty. The “lamp of love” isn’t simply a source of light; it’s a symbol of understanding, acceptance, and the emotional clarity that genuine connection can provide. The poem subtly suggests that true love doesn’t necessarily remove doubt, but it does offer a perspective that makes the right choice visible. The poem’s brevity and its reliance on symbolic imagery contribute to its enduring appeal, encouraging multiple readings and interpretations.
In-Depth Analysis of Poetic Devices
Brew masterfully employs a range of poetic and literary devices to create a rich and meaningful reading experience. Understanding these devices enhances our appreciation of the poem’s artistry and depth.
Sound Devices: Creating Musicality and Emphasis
- Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds within words adds a musical quality to the poem. For example, the repeated short “e” sound in “We have come to the crossroads” creates a subtle rhythmic effect.
- Consonance: The repetition of consonant sounds, like the “c” sound in “come with you” or the “d” sound in “darkness of my doubts,” reinforces certain ideas and draws attention to key phrases.
Imagery and Symbolism: Painting Pictures and Conveying Meaning
- Imagery: Brew uses evocative imagery to create a vivid mental picture for the reader. Phrases like “crossroads,” “darkness of my doubts,” and “lamp of love” all appeal to our senses and create a strong emotional response. Consider the line “I lingered over the choice.” The verb “lingered” suggests a prolonged, hesitant moment, effectively conveying the speaker’s internal struggle.
- Metaphor: The poem is rich in metaphorical language. The “lamp of love” is a central metaphor representing guidance, clarity, and the illuminating power of affection. This isn’t a literal lamp; it’s a symbolic representation of the emotional support offered by the beloved.
- Symbolism: The crossroads itself is a powerful symbol of decision‑making and the different paths life presents us. The road the speaker chooses, illuminated by the “lamp of love,” symbolizes the path toward fulfillment and connection.
Structural Elements: Shaping the Poem’s Meaning
- Enjambment: Brew skillfully uses enjambment—the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause—to create a sense of flow and momentum. For example, the lines “You lifted the lamp of love
And I saw in your face” demonstrate enjambment, drawing us forward and emphasizing the connection between the act of lifting the lamp and the resulting clarity. - Free Verse: The poem’s lack of a regular rhyme scheme or meter classifies it as free verse. This allows Brew to focus on the natural rhythm of language and create a conversational tone. The freedom in form reflects the emotional honesty of the speaker.
- Stanza Structure: The two‑stanza structure subtly reinforces the poem’s thematic development. The first stanza establishes the conflict and uncertainty, while the second stanza presents the resolution and clarity brought about by love.
Quotes for Reflection
The following lines encapsulate the poem’s central message and are particularly resonant when discussing love and guidance:
You lifted the lamp of love
And I saw in your face
The road that I should take.
This excerpt beautifully illustrates how love can provide clarity and direction, illuminating the path forward even in moments of doubt and uncertainty. The image of seeing the road “in your face” suggests a deep and intimate connection, where understanding and guidance are found within the beloved.
“The Mesh” is a testament to the power of concise poetry. Its simplicity and ambiguity invite personal interpretation while its masterful use of poetic devices creates a lasting emotional impact. It’s a poem that speaks to the universal experience of making difficult choices and the comfort of finding guidance in love and connection.