1. Repetition: Ntiru begins the poem with the repeated phrase "I am a pauper," immediately establishing his subject matter and emphasizing the impoverished condition of the speaker. This repetition continues throughout the poem, providing a rhythmic structure that reinforces the speaker's sense of desperation.
2. Similes: Ntiru employs similes to draw comparisons between the speaker's poverty-stricken existence and various objects or scenarios. For example, the lines "I am as thin as a rake / And as dry as a bone" effectively convey the speaker's physical decline, while the comparison to "an empty sack" highlights his profound sense of emptiness.
3. Metaphors: The poem contains rich and evocative metaphors that extend the comparison beyond a mere surface level. For instance, Ntiru refers to the speaker as "a shadow of a man" and "a ghost of myself," suggesting that poverty has stripped him of his identity and humanity.
4. Personification: Ntiru personifies abstractions like "poverty" and "hunger," giving them a sense of agency. This technique enhances the oppressive force that poverty exerts on the speaker and underscores its dehumanizing effects.
5. Imagery: The poem is filled with vivid imagery that evokes powerful sensory experiences. For instance, the speaker's description of "swollen feet" and "aching joints" creates a visceral sense of his physical pain. Similarly, the contrast between "cold, empty rooms" and "lavish feasts" vividly illustrates the stark inequality he faces.
6. Antithesis: Ntiru juxtaposes contrasting images and ideas, highlighting the disparities and injustices prevalent in society. For example, he contrasts the speaker's plight with the extravagance of the wealthy, creating a sense of indignation and moral outrage.
7. Hyperbole: The speaker uses hyperbole to emphasize the intensity and extent of his suffering. Lines such as "I have lived a thousand years / In this dark abyss" and "my stomach growls like a wild beast" convey the overwhelming nature of his experiences and the relentless grip of poverty.
By employing these literary devices, Richard Ntiru crafts a poignant and thought-provoking poem that gives a voice to the impoverished and marginalized, shedding light on the urgent need for social change.