In this post I am about to handle two poems and describe how I think about it
Analyzing two poems
- Joe Rita - I lost my talk
"I Lost My Talk" is a powerful and emotional poem written by Joe Rita, a Mi'kmaq elder from Nova Scotia. The poem is a reflection on the loss of Indigenous culture and language, and the impact that has on an individual's identity and sense of self.
In the poem, the speaker describes how their ability to communicate in their traditional language was taken away from them and how that loss has affected them. The speaker says "I lost my talk the talk you took away" which convey the feeling of loss and the idea of something precious being taken away. The use of the pronoun "you" implies that the loss is the result of some external force, which could be interpreted as a reference to colonization and the forced assimilation of Indigenous people.
The poem also touches on the idea of cultural erasure, where the speaker says "I don't remember how to talk good like them" which implies that the speaker has been forced to adopt a new way of speaking, one that is not their own. This line highlights the impact of cultural erasure on an individual's sense of self and identity.
Throughout the poem, the speaker reflects on the importance of preserving one's heritage and the need for Indigenous people to reclaim their culture and language. The poem ends with the line "You can't make me be what I'm not" which serves as a powerful statement of resistance against cultural assimilation and a call to reclaim one's identity.
The poem is written in a simple, yet evocative language which makes it accessible to a wide range of readers. The imagery used in the poem is also strong and evocative, and helps to convey the emotional impact of the loss of culture and language on the speaker. Overall, "I Lost My Talk" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that highlights the importance of preserving one's heritage and the devastating effects of cultural erasure.
- Langston Hughes - I, too
"I, Too" is a powerful poem written by Langston Hughes, a prominent African-American poet of the Harlem Renaissance. The poem is a reflection on the theme of racial inequality and the struggle for equality and acceptance.
In the poem, the speaker takes the position of a marginalized individual who is excluded from the mainstream society and forced to eat in the kitchen when company comes. The speaker declares "Tomorrow, I'll be at the table / When company comes" which serves as a statement of defiance and determination to claim their rightful place in society. The use of the word "tomorrow" implies that change is coming, but it will not happen today.
The poem also touches on the idea of unity and collective action. The speaker says "I, too, sing America" which is an assertion of their American identity and their right to be considered a part of the American experience. The use of the word "too" implies that the speaker is not alone in their struggle and that there are others like them who are also fighting for equality.
Throughout the poem, the speaker reflects on the importance of hope and the belief in a better future. The poem ends with the lines "But I'll be at the table / When company comes" which serves as a powerful statement of hope and determination to claim one's rightful place in society.
The poem is written in a simple, yet evocative language which makes it accessible to a wide range of readers. The imagery used in the poem is also strong and evocative, and helps to convey the emotional impact of racial inequality on the speaker. Overall, "I, Too" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that highlights the struggle for equality and acceptance and the importance of hope in the face of adversity.
Which poem resonates with me more?
Of the two poems, "I, Too" by Langston Hughes resonates with me more than "I lost my talk" by Joe Rita. The reason for this choice is that the background of this poem has something in common with my experiences. As an immigrant, I experienced racism that I shouldn't have experienced in this country, and like the background of this poem, I resent racism and want an equal society, so this poem touched me more.
About "I, Too" by Langston Hughes
The overall meaning of "I, Too" by Langston Hughes is one of resilience and determination in the face of discrimination and oppression. The speaker in the poem asserts his humanity and dignity, despite the fact that he and his community are being excluded and marginalized. The poem expresses a message of hope and unity, with the refrain "I, too" suggesting that the speaker speaks not just for himself, but for all marginalized people who share his experience. The final image of the speaker sitting at the same table as everyone else symbolizes equality and inclusion, and the idea that despite the difficulties, the speaker and those like him will eventually be accepted and treated as equals.
In "I, Too," Langston Hughes uses a variety of literary techniques to build the poem's meaning throughout the text.
First, the title and refrain "I, too" establish a sense of unity and collective identity, as the speaker asserts that he speaks not just for himself, but for all marginalized people who share his experience. The poem also employs imagery to convey the speaker's feelings and experiences. For example, the line "Tomorrow, I'll be at the table" creates a powerful image of the speaker sitting at the same table as everyone else, symbolizing equality and inclusion. Similarly, the line "They'll see how beautiful I am" conveys the speaker's sense of pride and self-worth despite the discrimination he faces. Hughes also uses repetition and parallelism to emphasize the speaker's determination and resilience. For example, the repetition of the phrase "I, too" in the refrain, and the parallel construction "I am the darker brother...they'll see how beautiful I am" emphasizes the speaker's sense of self-worth and his determination to be seen and treated as an equal.
Finally, the use of metaphor like "I am the darker brother" highlights the discrimination that the speaker and his community face, and the idea that despite the difficulties, the speaker and those like him will eventually be accepted and treated as equals.
The poem's meaning in "I, Too" by Langston Hughes is certainly relevant, relatable, and timeless. The themes of discrimination, marginalization, and the struggle for equality and dignity are issues that have been present throughout history, and continue to be relevant today.