The poem “When Two Elephants Fight—Sudan, 2023” by Paul A. Freeman offers a poignant reflection on the devastating impact of the Sudanese conflict on civilians. Freeman utilizes the proverb, “When two elephants fight, it’s the grass that suffers,” as a framework to explore the human cost of the power struggle between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This analysis delves into the poem’s imagery, themes, and emotional resonance, highlighting its powerful message of suffering and displacement.
The poem opens with a stark contrast: a king’s coronation, filled with “pageantry and pomp,” juxtaposed against the brutal reality of war unfolding in Khartoum. This juxtaposition immediately establishes the poem’s central theme: the indifference of power to human suffering. While the elite celebrate, ordinary Sudanese citizens are caught in the crossfire, their lives disrupted and endangered by the “romp for power.”
Freeman personalizes the conflict by sharing the experiences of his family members. His mother-in-law, brother, and sister are forced to flee north after thirteen harrowing days. Their journey is marked by hardship: they are “half-starved and thirsty,” and the cost of escape is exorbitant, “ten times the bus fare.” This detail underscores the economic exploitation that often accompanies conflict and displacement. The phrase “refuge loomed at last” suggests a precarious safety, tinged with uncertainty about the future.
The poem expands its scope to encompass the broader suffering of the Sudanese people. Freeman mentions his extended family and friends “trapped beyond the border to the south,” forced to flee to a “no-man’s-land” where basic necessities like food and water are scarce. This image of desperate displacement evokes a sense of helplessness and highlights the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
The final lines of the poem are particularly impactful. Freeman describes Sudan, once the “Heart of Africa,” as a “hellish hole,” its soul lost amidst the violence and chaos. This powerful imagery conveys the profound devastation wrought by the conflict, not only on the physical landscape but also on the spirit of the nation. The poem concludes with a sense of lament, mourning the loss of innocence and stability in a land torn apart by internal strife.
Through vivid imagery and personal narrative, “When Two Elephants Fight—Sudan, 2023” offers a compelling glimpse into the human cost of conflict. The poem’s emotional resonance lies in its ability to connect the reader with the individual stories of suffering and displacement, reminding us that behind the headlines and political rhetoric, there are real people whose lives are irrevocably altered by the struggle for power. Freeman’s poem serves as a powerful indictment of war and a plea for peace and humanity in a region desperately in need of both.
In conclusion, Freeman’s poem poignantly captures the devastation and human cost of the Sudanese conflict. Through vivid imagery and personal anecdotes, he highlights the plight of civilians caught in the crossfire. The poem serves as a stark reminder of the tragic consequences of political power struggles and the enduring suffering they inflict on innocent lives. The “grass” suffering beneath the warring “elephants” becomes a symbol of the vulnerable population caught in the conflict’s wake, emphasizing the need for peace and stability in the region.