Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

June Jordan's "Poem About Police Violence" is an unflinching critique of systemic racism and police brutality in America. Through stark imagery and pointed questions, Jordan challenges the reader to confront the cyclical nature of violence and the asymmetry of power between law enforcement and Black communities. Her poem is not just an expression of anger but a call to reevaluate the status quo and imagine the consequences of true resistance.

The poem begins with a provocative question: "Tell me something / what you think would happen if / everytime they kill a black boy / then we kill a cop." This stark hypothetical forces the reader to consider the imbalance of violence and the unequal value placed on Black lives versus those of law enforcement. By posing this question, Jordan exposes the underlying societal acceptance of police violence against Black individuals and suggests that reciprocal violence might force a reevaluation of this norm.

Jordan's use of personal and cosmic imagery creates a jarring contrast to the brutality described. Phrases like "the way your ear ensnares the tip / of my tongue" and "thinking about the 12th House of the Cosmos" juxtapose intimate, tender moments with the harsh reality of police violence. This contrast underscores the dissonance between the potential for beauty and connection in human experience and the pervasive, ugly violence that disrupts these possibilities.

The poem recounts the specific incident of Arthur Miller's death, highlighting the absurdity and euphemistic language used to sanitize police brutality. Jordan writes, "18 cops in order to subdue one man / 18 strangled him to death in the ensuing scuffle." The words "subdue" and "scuffle" are dissected to reveal their inadequacy and deceptiveness, as they mask the reality of a brutal killing. Jordan's use of "justifiable accident" further emphasizes the systemic failure to hold law enforcement accountable, a recurring theme in discussions of police violence.

Jordan's reference to "accidents" happening "all over the globe" connects local incidents of police brutality to a broader, global pattern of state-sanctioned violence. This universality suggests that the issue is not confined to one place or time but is a pervasive problem that requires a fundamental shift in how societies value and protect human life.

The repetition of the initial question at the poem's conclusion reinforces its central theme and leaves the reader contemplating the implications of reciprocal violence: "you think the accident rate would lower subsequently." This repetition serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing cycle of violence and the potential consequences of radical resistance.

Jordan's poem is a call to action, urging readers to move beyond passive acceptance of systemic violence and consider the implications of true justice and accountability. Her powerful use of language, imagery, and rhetorical questions forces a confrontation with uncomfortable truths and challenges the reader to envision a world where Black lives are valued and protected.

"Poem About Police Violence" is a poignant and powerful piece that highlights the urgent need for systemic change. Jordan's incisive critique and evocative language make it an enduring work that continues to resonate in the context of ongoing struggles for racial justice and police reform. Through her unyielding voice, Jordan compels us to face the realities of police violence and the imperative of meaningful resistance.

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