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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
June Jordan's "Poem to Take Back the Night" is a stirring call to reclaim the freedom and safety that the night should provide. Through the repetition of the question, "What about moonlight," Jordan underscores the contrast between the ideal of a serene, moonlit night and the harsh, terrifying reality faced by many. The poem begins with a nostalgic and almost idyllic image of the moonlight. It evokes a sense of calm and beauty, inviting the reader to imagine standing still, listening to crickets, and watching the moon rise above the trees. This serene imagery is abruptly juxtaposed with the chaotic and violent sounds of the urban night—screams, gunshots, screeching tires, and the invasive beat of a boom box. This contrast serves to highlight the dissonance between the idealized peace of the night and the fear and danger that many experience. As the poem progresses, the repetition of "What about moonlight" becomes a lament for lost innocence and safety. The imagery shifts from watching the moon through windows to being confined behind locked doors and bolted bedrooms, illustrating the pervasive fear and violation of personal space. The poem paints a harrowing picture of the various threats that lurk in the night, from strangers to familiar figures such as coaches, priests, doctors, family, lovers, and friends. Each "surprise" attack lacerates the victim's sense of safety and trust, leaving them constricted and voiceless. Jordan's use of repetition and varied line lengths mimics the relentless, overwhelming nature of these threats. The repetition of "when the surprise" builds a crescendo of fear and violation, culminating in the image of a throat constricted into "no more sound." This powerful imagery captures the silencing effect of trauma and the desperate plea for freedom and safety. The poem ends with a plea for liberation, for the ability to perform simple, everyday actions like brushing teeth, combing hair, and running outside without fear. The final repetition of "What about the moonlight" transforms from a nostalgic question into a rallying cry for reclaiming the night. The speaker dreams of a time when they can run into the night, curious and excited, free from the terror that has tainted their experience of the dark. Jordan's poem is a poignant reminder of the pervasive fear and violence that can strip away the innocence and safety of the night. It calls for a collective effort to "take back the night," to restore the moonlight as a symbol of peace and freedom for all. Through her evocative language and powerful imagery, Jordan captures the urgency and necessity of this reclamation, making "Poem to Take Back the Night" a timeless anthem for those seeking safety and justice in the darkness.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE NIGHTWATCHMAN by JOSEPHINE JACOBSEN THE BREATH OF NIGHT by RANDALL JARRELL HOODED NIGHT by ROBINSON JEFFERS NIGHT WITHOUT SLEEP by ROBINSON JEFFERS WORKING OUTSIDE AT NIGHT by DENIS JOHNSON COOL DARK ODE by DONALD JUSTICE POEM TO BE READ AT 3 A.M by DONALD JUSTICE ROUND ABOUT MIDNIGHT by BOB KAUFMAN |
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