Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Present" by Sonia Sanchez is a vibrant and powerful poem that delves into themes of identity, heritage, and self-affirmation. Through rich imagery and lyrical language, Sanchez explores the complexities of being a Black woman, celebrating her strength, resilience, and the deep connection to her cultural roots. The poem is both a celebration of womanhood and an exploration of the challenges faced by women of color, particularly in a world that often marginalizes them.

The poem opens with a striking image of a woman "vomiting her / hunger over the world," immediately suggesting a raw, unfiltered expression of desire and need. This imagery sets the tone for the poem, which is characterized by a powerful sense of urgency and emotion. The phrase "this melancholy woman forgotten / before memory came" introduces a sense of historical erasure, highlighting the plight of women whose stories and experiences have been overlooked or forgotten.

Sanchez describes this woman with vivid, sensory imagery: "this yellow movement bursting forth like / coltrane’s melodies all mouth / buttocks moving like palm trees." The comparison to John Coltrane's music evokes a sense of improvisation and freedom, suggesting that the woman's existence is a dynamic and expressive act. The reference to her "buttocks moving like palm trees" adds a natural, sensual quality to her presence, connecting her to the earth and the rhythms of nature.

The poem continues with the description of "this honeycoatedalabamianwoman / raining rhythm to blue/black/smiles." The compound adjective "honeycoatedalabamianwoman" merges her sweetness with her Southern heritage, emphasizing a rich cultural background. The "rhythm to blue/black/smiles" suggests a deep connection to the Black community and a joy that transcends hardship. The imagery of "pleasures without tongues" beneath her breasts conveys unspoken desires and emotions, hinting at the inner life and complexity that lies beneath her exterior.

Sanchez further elaborates on the woman's identity, describing her as "wet with wandering, / reviving the beauty of forests and winds." This imagery portrays her as a nomadic, elemental force, bringing life and beauty wherever she goes. The poem then shifts to a direct address, inviting the reader to "gather up your odors and listen / as she sings the mold from memory." This line suggests a cleansing or purification process, as the woman sings away the decay of the past, bringing forth a renewed sense of self and history.

The poem's tone becomes more introspective and critical with the lines, "there is no place / for a soft / black / woman." Sanchez poignantly acknowledges the societal pressures and limitations placed on Black women, emphasizing the lack of acceptance for their softness and vulnerability. The speaker reflects on her own history, seeing it "standing like a shy child," a metaphor for the hesitancy and insecurity that can arise from marginalization.

Sanchez uses powerful imagery to convey the speaker's journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment. The chant "hay-hay-hay-hay-ya-ya-ya" serves as a spiritual and cultural invocation, connecting the speaker to ancestral roots and traditions. The description of dancing her "creation and my grandmothers gathering / from my bones like great wooden birds" evokes a deep reverence for her heritage and the women who came before her. This imagery of generational strength and resilience is a central theme in the poem, celebrating the continuity of wisdom and power.

The poem culminates in a vivid celebration of the speaker's identity, as she "taste[s] the / seasons of my birth. mangoes. papayas." These tropical fruits symbolize a rich, vibrant heritage, and the act of "drink[ing] my woman/coconut/milks" suggests a nourishing connection to her roots. The speaker embraces her history, "stalk[ing] the ancient grandfathers" and "walk[ing] like a song round my waist," indicating a confident stride through life, carrying her cultural legacy with pride.

The poem ends on a powerful note, with the speaker "walking. womb ripe. walking. loud with mornings. walking." This repetition emphasizes her continual journey toward self-realization and empowerment. The phrase "making pilgrimage to herself" captures the essence of the poem—a journey of self-discovery, affirmation, and celebration. The final image of a "blue/black/magical/woman" walking, filled with life and purpose, encapsulates the poem's message of strength, resilience, and the beauty of Black womanhood.

"Present" is a deeply resonant poem that affirms the complexity, beauty, and power of Black women. Through its rich imagery and lyrical language, Sanchez honors the legacy of those who came before and celebrates the ongoing journey of self-discovery and empowerment. The poem is a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of Black women, asserting their rightful place in the world with pride and confidence.

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