Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Nikki-Rosa" is a poem by Yolande Cornelia Giovanni, originally published in 1971.

Explanation:

The poem is a reflection on the poet's childhood memories of growing up in the 1940s and 1950s as an African American in Cincinnati, Ohio. The speaker describes her family and community, highlighting their resilience and strength despite the challenges of discrimination and poverty. The poem also touches on the theme of the importance of family bonds and love in overcoming adversity.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: Free verse
• Theme: Memories, family, community, resilience, love, discrimination
• Imagery: Descriptions of family members and community, including their physical appearances and activities
• Tone: Reflective, nostalgic, appreciative
• Sound: Repetition of "we" and "our" creates a sense of community and shared experience
• Language: Use of vernacular and colloquial language adds to the authenticity and intimacy of the poem
• Figurative language: Metaphor of "blackness" as a source of strength and pride
• Structure: Divided into four stanzas of varying lengths, with a consistent use of the first-person point of view
• Symbolism: The repetition of the phrase "my whole / complete / nothing" suggests the paradoxical nature of the speaker's experiences and identity
• Emotion: The poem evokes a sense of appreciation and love for the speaker's family and community, as well as a recognition of the struggles they faced and overcame.

Closing statement:

"Nikki-Rosa" is a powerful poem that celebrates the resilience and strength of the African American community in the face of discrimination and poverty. Through vivid imagery and a nostalgic tone, Giovanni honors her family and community while highlighting the importance of love and family bonds in overcoming adversity.

Poem Snippet:

"We were poor

but we were honest

Thievin was frowned on

in Nikki-Rosa's kitchen"

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