Waiting Laughters: A Long Song in Many Voices is a collection of poems by Niyi Osundare, published in 1990 by Malthouse Press.
The poems explore themes such as hope, resistance, oppression, and laughter, set against the backdrop of postcolonial Nigeria and Africa.
[13] The poems, which range from short aphorisms to long narratives, use various poetic devices such as repetition, rhyme, rhythm, imagery, symbolism, and graphic presentation.
[12] The poems draw on oral tradition, folklore, mythology, history, and contemporary events to create a dialogue between the poet, the audience, and society.
[15] The first section introduces the theme of waiting and laughter, presented as a common symbol of hope and resilience in challenging circumstances.
[16] The poet presents visual scenes that depict the patience and endurance of his people, who are waiting for various forms of fulfilment, such as birth, justice, rain, and freedom.
[20] The poet uses binary opposites, such as truth and falsehood, life and death, hunger and abundance, to contrast the situation of the oppressed and the oppressor.
[27] The section concludes with the line "The stammerer will one day call his/ Fa-fa-father-ther's na-na-na-me", suggesting the possibility of reunion and redemption.
[28] He revisits the theme of waiting and laughter, adjusting the purpose and tone, as people anticipate the "laughing rainbow" and the "colour-ful suns".
[31] Waiting Laughters received feedback from critics and readers, who commented on the poet's language, humour, humanity, and political commitment.