Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"South African Tanka" is a poem by Sonia Sanchez, an American poet, playwright, and activist. The poem is a tribute to the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, and a call to action for those who stand in solidarity with the oppressed. The poem was first published in her 1978 collection of poems titled "A Blues Book for Blue Black Magical Women."

Explanation:

The poem is written in the form of a tanka, a traditional Japanese poetic form that consists of five lines. Sanchez uses this form to convey a sense of urgency and immediacy, and to emphasize the importance of standing up against injustice and oppression.

The poem begins with an image of "children's bodies" that are "broken on the streets," suggesting the violence and brutality of apartheid and the impact that it had on the most vulnerable members of society. Sanchez goes on to describe the struggle against apartheid as a "battlefield" that requires courage and commitment from all those who stand in solidarity with the oppressed.

Throughout the poem, Sanchez emphasizes the importance of unity and solidarity in the struggle for justice and equality, and the need for a collective effort to overcome oppression and violence.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in the form of a tanka, a traditional Japanese poetic form that consists of five lines. This allows Sanchez to convey a sense of urgency and immediacy, and to emphasize the importance of standing up against injustice and oppression.
• Imagery: Sanchez uses vivid and evocative imagery throughout the poem, drawing on powerful and emotive images such as "children's bodies" and "broken dreams" to convey the violence and brutality of apartheid.
• Metaphor: Sanchez employs metaphorical language to explore deeper themes of struggle and resistance, comparing the fight against apartheid to a "battlefield" that requires courage and commitment.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is urgent and passionate, with a sense of determination and purpose in the face of injustice and oppression.

Summary:

"South African Tanka" is a powerful and moving tribute to the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. Through her use of poetic elements such as form, imagery, and metaphor, Sonia Sanchez conveys a sense of urgency and passion, and emphasizes the importance of standing up against oppression and violence. The poem is a call to action for all those who stand in solidarity with the oppressed, and a reminder of the importance of unity and collective action in the struggle for justice and equality.

Poem Snippet:

"children's bodies

broken on the streets-

south african

women cry out for justice

in broken dreams"

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