Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Audre Lorde's "Now" is a dynamic and evocative poem that captures the urgency and interconnectedness of different forms of power and activism. Written in 1973, during an era when the Civil Rights Movement, Women's Liberation, and various other social justice movements were in full swing, the poem encapsulates the zeitgeist of its time while still resonating today. Through its stark simplicity and repetitive cadence, Lorde's poem explores the manifold dimensions of power in society: woman power, Black power, and human power.

The poem begins by laying out a kind of equation: "Woman power / is / Black power / is / human power." This suggests a holistic view of liberation struggles, arguing that the fight for women's rights is intrinsically linked to the fight for racial justice, which in turn is part of a broader fight for human rights. By making these linkages, Lorde bridges the gaps that often exist between different social movements, advocating for intersectional activism long before the term was coined. The use of the word "is" in between these forms of power serves not only as an equal sign but also as a form of insistence, emphasizing that these powers are not just similar but fundamentally connected.

What follows is an emotive, intimate passage that emphasizes the sensory experiences of life: "always feeling / my heart beats / as my eyes open / as my hands move / as my mouth speaks." Through this focus on bodily experiences-heartbeat, eyes opening, hands moving, mouth speaking-Lorde draws attention to the personal and intimate aspects of activism. It implies that power is not only political or communal but is also deeply personal, rooted in our very bodily existence. Each physical action and sensory experience becomes a form of power, of activism, and of life itself.

The poem culminates in a challenge, a call to action: "I am / are you / Ready?" The lines serve as an invitation to the reader, urging them to recognize their own potential for power and to prepare for action. The question "Ready?" leaves the poem open-ended, allowing for multiple interpretations. It may be read as a challenge, a threat, or an invitation to join in collective action. The use of the first person in "I am" also implicates Lorde herself in this network of power, suggesting that she is already engaged in this struggle and questioning whether the reader is prepared to join her.

Despite its brevity, "Now" covers a broad swath of social and political terrain. It's a poem that embodies the ethos of its era while also speaking to future generations. It insists that the personal is political, that all forms of oppression are interconnected, and that every individual has a role to play in the struggle for justice. It encapsulates Lorde's broader activism and philosophy, emphasizing the need for solidarity across different social and political movements. Ultimately, the poem serves as both a rallying cry and a meditative reflection, capturing the essence of what it means to be alive and empowered in a world rife with challenges and opportunities for change.

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