Into Death Bravely by Jimmy Santiago Baca

 

The poet Jimmy Santiago shares with his audience, an amazing description of the winter season through his poem Into Death Bravely. His use of Imagery and Personification enables the reader to get a clear and vivid illustration of the winter and its effects. In this poem the winter can be pictured as a warrior or soldier conquering in battle over its adversaries. This idea is substantiated in the lines: "winter throws his great white shield/on the ground, /breaking thin arms of twisting branches" (1-4). The great white shield is metaphorical description of the snow. This quotation also shows that the poet isn't only applying human traits and characteristics to the winter but also to the branches as well: “breaking thin arms of twisting branches." The word twisting also implies like the branches are in pain. The narrator then goes on to say that the winter "howls" a deep throaty laugh (5-6). In this line, the poet may be describing how the wind sounds during the winter, when it’s cold with snow everywhere.  Santiago then highlights the negative outcomes of the wind. He mentions that because of the wind, the cattle had to be sold maybe because there is basically nothing for the cows to eat as he says, the cattle would rake the snow for stubble. In other words, the animals suffered likewise because of the scarcity of food as a result of the winter.

Santiago then describes how the winter ends. He states: “Having lived his whole life/in a few weeks, /slow and pensive he walks away.” This line suggests that the winter seem like a man that leaves only after he is contented with the damage that he is done. However he leaves slow, taking his time, like he is brooding or strolling while deep in thought. The winter is definitely in no a rush to leave. While the winter is leaving, his elements such as the snow are slowly fading but still present: “dragging his silver-stream shield/down branches /and over the ground.” The poet then goes on to describe the winter as a man going bravely into his death. When he says: “he keeps walking slowly away/into death /bravely,” he is portraying winter‘s end like a man dying a slow and courageous death. This poem generally describes the winter and how strong its effect can be. It is like a warrior. Throughout the poem the elements of nature is also explored in a very insightful way.

There It Is by Jayne Cortez

According to research the poet Jayne Cortez was a founder of the Black Arts Movement, wherein she constantly wrote about oppression of black people; people of third world countries who are exploited in aspects of labor or of their property and also women who are raped or undergoing abuse. The poem There it is by Jayne Cortez is a perfect example of Cortez’s beliefs towards the lives of her subjects. In this poem she mainly gives predictions about the outcomes of the oppressed if the injustices they face are not changed. She begins the poem by saying, “if we don’t fight/ if we don’t resist” which seem to be a call for a revolt against the powers of the superior, that control and oppress those viewed to be inferior. Cortez is basically saying that if no one takes action against the society then there are certain circumstances that will follow. It is important to see that she also mentioned being organized and unified which shows that her beliefs are not only for a call of upheaval but her words suggests that in other to be successful those individuals should be united; having the same mindset towards achieving their freedom from oppression. Cortez believes that those individuals should have the right and the power to control their own lives (4).  She then goes on to describe what will happen if the oppressed refuse to stand up or resist. For example she says, “Then we will wear/the exaggerated look of captivity/ the stylized look of submission/the bizarre look of suicide/the dehumanized look of fear/and the decomposed look of repression (1-6).” Her use of these words such as exaggerated, stylized, bizarre and dehumanized is to prove that this condition of oppression will be prolonged until those people submit and succumb to the oppression; to the point where their attitudes towards it will become ridiculously passive hence the reason why she said, “ Forever and ever and ever.”

The use of the word “wear” implies that Cortez is comparing these oppressions to clothes. However this may mean that change is possible just like changing clothes is. However Cortez may believe that individuals will be forced to “wear” those expressions or more so find themselves in those situations if they do not do anything about it. The last line “And there it is” is ambiguous because it can definitely be interpreted in various ways. She may be saying that this may be the end to the rights of oppressed people if they’re not serious towards achieving change. It can also mean that this has already happened; as in people are continuously oppressed because they refuse to stand up for their rights. Overall the theme of change and unity is highlighted throughout Cortez’s poem.

You and your whole race by Langston Hughes

  The poem, “You and your whole race” by Langston Hughes is an insightful poem, written about the subjects slavery, race and poverty. Through the poem, Langston expresses the injustices of the lives of the Black people in the time of their enslavement. And as he says in the lines, “Look down upon the town in which you live/and be ashamed,” it was indeed a shame for black people at the time because of their condition and impoverish lifestyle. Hughes expresses the opinion that at that time black people should be ashamed of their poverty; of the white people and also the town in which lived in. I believe he meant that black people should be conscious of their situation and aware of the factors contributing to it.
Slavery weren’t only the oppression of one race by another but an element that created ignorance among both the black and the white race. While one race believed they were superior the other saw themselves as inferior and this ideology was passed down to children being born and raised in those atrocious circumstances. According to Hughes some black people seemed to settle with the idea that they are inferior all because of ignorance that made them believe they should be treated unequally. At that time Black people were indeed incapable of fighting for their freedom. However according to Langston Hughes, when they are able to realize and fight for their right, they can claim their freedom without any doubt.

More Than Enough by Marge Piercy

 

 

The poem, “More than Enough” by Marge Piercy highlights the season of spring and the restoration of nature. Piercy begins her poem by personifying a flower. She states in the poem: “The first lily of June opens its red mouth.”  She describes the blossoming of the flower as a mouth opening up. This image can be viewed as someone, yawning; stretching and getting out of bed after a long rest. This is definitely how it seems for the flowers after a wintry season. The color red also symbolizes life and love which definitely creates a positive environment to share with loved ones and family. This idea is supported in the second line which says, “All over the sand road where we walk.” What is most important in this paragraph is the idea that the poet says, “We” to show that this moment and experience is being shared with someone. Throughout the poem, the beauty and fragrance of flowers are described. Words such as “simple, intense” show how nature seem so simple yet priceless. Its beauty is naturally created.

 

The author speaks about the bees will enjoy the season since the flowers are blossoming to provide them with nectar. The season of spring is very beneficial to all. At the end of the poem the poet says, “Rich fresh wine /of June, we stagger into you smeared /with pollen, overcome as the turtle /laying her eggs in roadside sand.” It can be said that Piercy compares the effects of the season to the effects of someone who is drunk. She uses the word stagger which is normally used to describe the way a drunken man walk. Therefore I believe that she is saying that we are positively overwhelmed by the beauty of the season and its relaxing environment where everything seems to be so amazing and natural. Spring is a sight to behold and the poet believes that we should be grateful for it as the title says, “More Than Enough.” This simply means the season of spring-- when flowers bloom and nature is alive; it’s all that what we can ask for.

Constantly Risking Absurdity #15 by Lawrence Ferlinghetti

The poem Constantly Risking Absurdity, by Lawrence Ferlinghetti is an insightful description of a poet’s performance before his/her audience. He describes the poet’s performance as an acrobat doing extreme dramatization. In reality an acrobat puts up an amazing performance; doing various unbelievable movements in the air. However Ferlinghetti may be comparing the way in which the poet delivers his written word to that of an acrobat’s performance. The poet’s effect on his audience’s thoughts towards his presentation may seem to be more than just what it seems. In the poem, Ferlinghetti says: “Constantly risking//absurdity //and death //whenever he performs //above the heads //of his audience // the poet like an acrobat //climbs on rime //to a high wire of his own making.”  To Ferlinghetti the poet is actually taking a risk when he is performing. As a performer, the crowd expects an outstanding delivery. Making a lasting impression really matters and so, this poem explores the possibilities of doing so or not. Like an acrobat, a poet is taking a chance. When an acrobat leaps into the air, there are only two expectations; being able to find support by latching on to another rope or taking a dangerous-- maybe near-fatal, fall. A poet’s performance can be viewed through this lens as well. His message will either bring him praise and adoration or lots of criticism from his audience. Like Ferlinghetti mentions in the poem, “And he //a little charley Chaplin man //who may or may not catch //her fair eternal form//spread-eagled in the empty air //of existence.”  It’s definitely like a fight or flight moment when one is placed in a tense position.  As weird as it may sound, our survival instincts kicks in whenever we’re performing to an audience. In this poet’s case, it may definitely be the same.

 

"My Sad Self" by Allen Ginsberg

The poem “My Sad Self” by Allen Ginsberg is in dedication to the writer, Frank O’Hara. Throughout the poem a sense of nostalgia is identified. The main themes celebrated in this poem are sadness, longing and memories. Ginsberg begins the poem by relating his custom of overlooking the city of Manhattan by going to the top of a building. There, he reminisces about all his achievements and life experiences that he obtained in his youth. He may have also been relating that his friend O’Hara experienced those moments as well. Throughout the entire poem Ginsberg speaks about his experiences, not only in Manhattan but also in Brooklyn, the Bronx and very well-known places in New York City. He mentions the sunrises and also how it shines on all that he owns. This is symbolizing that his past was filled with happy and unique memories.

It is key to recognize that throughout the poem the narrator changes his location from the top of the building; to the elevator; and finally on the street. This may also symbolize his life, how it evolved or decreased as he grew older. Through his transitions, the narrator realized that the city he loved so much was changing rapidly. At the end of the poem he remarks, “on deathbed or mountain// once seen //never regained or desired //in the mind to come //where all Manhattan that I've seen must disappear.”  This comprehension was like a wide awakening as he mourned the loss of the city’s previous identity. The one he’d loved so much—the one he’d help create. 

To Live In the Mercy Of God by Denise Levertov

        The poem “To Live in the Mercy of God” by Denise Levertov demonstrates the poet’s worthy praise and gratitude of nature; God’s creation. She shows her appreciation and awe through the descriptions of her surroundings such as the trees and how they are created as shelter; “To lie back under the tallest//oldest trees. How far the stems//Rise, rise//before ribs of shelter//open!” The poet is truly admiring the wonderful trees which serve as a source that helps keep us alive. Levertov then expresses how blessed human beings are to live in such splendor. She explores the theme of blessings and nature by intertwining the grandeur and beauty of the forests and also how fortunate we are to have such. This can be highlighted in the lines; “To hear the multiple silence//of trees, the rainy//forest depths of their listening.” I believe the poet is viewing our surroundings as surreal. It is also necessary to note that she continuously mentions God’s mercy. I believe she may be thinking that we are probably undeserving of what we have or that God really loves us, hence the reason why we are provided with nature and its beauty and convenience.

       However the poet is definitely comparing God’s mercy and love towards human beings to how unbelievable nature; trees, rocks, waterfalls, etc. is. In the lines, “To feel vibrate the enraptured//waterfall flinging itself//unabating down and down//to clenched fists of rock.//Swiftness of plunge, //hour after year after century,” The poet is comparing how long-lasting God’s mercy is. Just as the water plunges down from the waterfall to the rock below, for centuries, Levertov believes that God’s mercy and love is so strong it goes on and on without end. This message is obvious in the last lines, “Thus, not mild, not temperate//God’s love for the world. Vast//flood of mercy//flung on resistance.” This basically means that God is extremely merciful, he is able to continuously love man and the world, no matter what. Throughout the poem Levertov’s powerful description of how nature is so strong and is able to replenish itself is also her way of symbolizing how affectionate and compassionate God is towards mankind.