This poem, titled “Dear Today,” by Michael Kwaku Kesse Somuah, is a heartfelt plea to the nascent day, imbued with a yearning for positivity, resilience, and shared growth. The speaker directly addresses the day as a sentient entity, capable of understanding and responding to his hopes and fears. He requests fairness, exceeding the experiences of the past, and a harmonious alignment with his aspirations, both present and future. This establishes an intimate relationship between the speaker and the unfolding day, suggesting a deep-seated desire to seize the present moment and shape it into a positive experience. The vulnerability of the speaker is evident in his request for solace and strength should the day bring hardship.
The poem progresses through a series of appeals and aspirations, each revealing different facets of the speaker’s emotional landscape. He seeks not just a passive recipient of good fortune, but an active participant in shaping the day’s narrative. The imagery of crying and jumping with smiles in the rain highlights the anticipated spectrum of emotions, from sorrow to joy, and emphasizes a desire to find happiness even amidst adversity. This dynamic interaction between the speaker and “today” transcends a mere wish for a good day; it’s a plea for partnership, a desire to co-create a positive experience despite potential challenges. The speaker acknowledges the potential for pain, symbolized by “shivers and thorns,” yet demonstrates a proactive stance by praying for endurance and promising a reward of “bread with fine wine” when the day’s struggles have passed. This not only showcases resilience but also suggests an underlying faith or optimism that difficulties will eventually yield to better times.
The poem then shifts into a more combative tone, urging “today” to join him in a warrior-like struggle against negativity. The “noises” represent the distractions and destructive forces that threaten to derail the day’s purpose, which is presumably aligned with the speaker’s own goals and aspirations. This call to arms emphasizes the speaker’s understanding that achieving a fulfilling day requires active engagement and a willingness to fight against opposing forces. It underscores the idea that positivity and well-being aren’t simply given but earned through conscious effort and resistance against negativity.
The inherent desire for positive transformation and growth is evident in the speaker’s enumeration of specific requests: life, wins, love, healing, peace, and enhanced security. These desires are fundamental human needs, underscoring the universality of the poem’s message. The speaker isn’t merely asking for fleeting moments of happiness but for a holistic improvement in his life, encompassing physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The plea for “refined security” suggests a longing for stability and safety, perhaps indicating a vulnerability or past experience that has left him yearning for protection and reassurance.
The final stanza provides a poignant glimpse into the speaker’s current state. He identifies himself as someone found on the “brewers field,” kneeling in prayer and tears. This image suggests a state of supplication and vulnerability, possibly hinting at a recent struggle or hardship that has led him to seek solace and guidance. The “brewers field” itself adds a layer of symbolism, perhaps representing a place of transformation and creation, where raw materials are processed into something new and potentially better. This setting reinforces the theme of transformation and growth, tying the speaker’s personal journey to a larger process of refinement and renewal.
Concluding with the simple yet powerful phrase “and let’s grow together,” the poem reinforces the theme of shared growth and mutual support. The speaker isn’t simply asking for a good day; he’s inviting “today” to be a partner in his journey of growth and healing. This closing sentiment emphasizes the interconnectedness of the speaker and his environment, suggesting that personal growth is intertwined with the unfolding of each new day. It leaves the reader with a sense of hope and anticipation, encouraging them to embrace each day as an opportunity for growth and transformation. The poem acts as a powerful affirmation, a reminder to actively engage with each new day and strive to shape it into a positive and fulfilling experience. It underscores the importance of resilience, hope, and the belief in the possibility of a brighter tomorrow.
