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Subject: ETHNIC GROUPS - UNITED STATES Matches Found: 385 UPDATE command denied to user 'poetryex_users'@'localhost' for table `poetryex_poems`.`subcnt` 14TH STREET WAS GUTTED IN 1968, by CHERYL CLARKE Poem Source Last Line: For themselves %endangered %or extinct Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; New York City; U.s. - Race Relations 6TH GRADE - OUR LADY OF POMPEII, by VITTORIA REPETTO Poem Source Last Line: Mia noma e vittoria %2 t's - no c Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations A NOTE ON MY SON'S FACE, by TOI DERRICOTTE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tonight, I look, thunderstruck / at the gold head of my grandchild Last Line: Everything you did not want to know Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Loss; Minorities - United States; Moving & Movers; Refugees; United States - Immigration & Emigtration; United States - Race Relations A POEM ABOUT INTELLIGENCE FOR MY BROTHERS & SISTERS, by JUNE JORDAN Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: A few years back and they told me black Last Line: That's genius for you Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations A STORY ABOUT CHICKEN SOUP, by LOUIS SIMPSON Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In my grandmother's house there was always chicken soup Last Line: But to live in the tragic world forever. Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945); Jews; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; World War Ii; Shoah; Judaism; Second World War AFTER THE ANTI-SEMITIC CALLS ON A LOCAL TALK STATION, by LYN DIANE LIFSHIN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I want to check Last Line: Panes of crystal %was starting %to crack Alternate Author Name(s): Lifshin, Lyn Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations AFTER THE FUUNERAL OF ASSAM HAMADY, by SAM HAMOD Poem Source First Line: Cast: %haji abbass habhab: my grandfather Last Line: As if the pain behind my eyes %could be absolution Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations AGONY. AS NOW, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am inside someone %who hates me Last Line: Inside it. And that thing %screams Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Identity; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations ALBERT JAMES, by REUBEN M. JACKSON Poem Source First Line: Albert james was black long before me Last Line: And extolled the benefits of fire. %I saw the flophouse where you %od'ed %likewise turn to ghost Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations ALL I WANT, by LUCI TAPAHONSO Poem Source First Line: All I want is the bread to turn out like hers just once Last Line: On windy, woodchopping afternoons Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations; Women ALWAYS RUNNING, by LUIS J. RODRIGUEZ Poem Source First Line: All night vigil Last Line: When all was gone, %the concrete river %was always there %and me, always running Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations AMAZONE, by MARY JO BONA Poem Source First Line: Blond-haired, green-eyed, italian girl Last Line: For the opera, singing italian arias along %the way Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations AMERICA, by ROBERT CREELEY Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: America, you ode for reality Last Line: Us, and nowhere but you to be Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations AMERICA, by ROBERT CREELEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: America, you ode for reality Last Line: Us, and nowhere but you to be Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations AMERICAN DREAM: FIRST REPORT, by JOSEPH PAPALEO Poem Source First Line: First nobody liked us; they said we smelled Last Line: (who liked to spit on the floors while he talked Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations AMERICAN SON, by MITSUYE YAMADA Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: When I was ten Last Line: What good %is a son %in america Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Japanese Americans - Internment; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations AMERICAN SONNETS FOR MY FATHER: 1, by DANIELA GIOSEFFI Poem Source First Line: You died in spring, father, and now the autumn dies Last Line: To smell the still living vapor of your sweat Variant Title(s): American Sonnets For My Fathe Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations AMERICAN SONNETS FOR MY FATHER: 2, by DANIELA GIOSEFFI Poem Source First Line: You worked too hard, an oldest child of too many Last Line: If your dreams are mine, live again, breath in me and be Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations AMERICAN SONNETS FOR MY FATHER: 3, by DANIELA GIOSEFFI Poem Source First Line: You never understood america's scheme Last Line: To carry us full grown Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations AN AGONY. AS NOW, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am inside someone / who hates me Last Line: Inside it. And that thing / screams Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Identity; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations AN ANTHEM, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Our vision is our voice Last Line: Give me courage so I can spread / it over my face and mouth Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations ANCHORAGE, by JOY HARJO Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This city is made of stone, of blood, and fish Last Line: To survive? Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Dissenters; Ethnic Groups - United States; Exiles; Marginality, Social; Minorities - United States; Native Americans; Survival; United States - Race Relations; Estrangement; Outcasts; Indians Of America; American Indians; ANTHEM, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Source Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Our vision is our voice Last Line: It over my face and mouth Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations APRIL FOOL BIRTHDAY POEM FOR GRANDPA, by DIANE DI PRIMA Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Today is your / birthday and I have tried Subject(s): Birthdays; Ethnic Groups - United States; Grandparents; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers APRIL FOOL BIRTHDAY POEM FOR GRANDPA, by DIANE DI PRIMA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Today is your %birthday and I have tried Last Line: And not be ashamed Subject(s): Birthdays; Ethnic Groups - United States; Grandparents; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations ARMITAGE STREET, by DAVID HERNANDEZ Poem Source First Line: Waiting for the elevated train Last Line: It seems just like yesterday %on armitage street Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations ARTURO, by MARIA MAZZIOTTI GILLAN Poem Source First Line: I told everyone Last Line: Do not call me marie Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Loss; Minorities - United States; Moving And Movers; Refugees; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; U.s. - Race Relations AT THE ELECTRONIC FRONTIER, by MIGUEL ALGARIN Poem Source First Line: I search the chemistry of specific emotions Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations AT THE NUCLEAR RALLY, by LAURA BOSS Poem Source First Line: Thinking of my father Last Line: Next to me tonight Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations AUTOBIOGRAPHY, by ROBERT VISCUSI Poem Source First Line: In my house we had an elephant named italy Last Line: And are always putting in another sidewalk Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations BARRIO BEATEO, by JESSE F. GARCIA Poem Source First Line: Woke up to one of those cold Last Line: Thanks murray, babe %I love you Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations BATTLE, OVER AND OVER AGAIN, by SAFIYA HENDERSON-HOLMES Poem Source First Line: My daughter came home from school one day Last Line: As if it were the last enemy's retreat Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations BECAUSE OF MY FATHER'S JOB, by JAMES MASAO MITSUI Poem Source First Line: Spring hailstones would drive us Last Line: Embarrassed the moon with his curses & songs Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations BEHAVING LIKE A JEW, by GERALD STERN Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: When I got there the dead opossum looked like Last Line: From his round belly and his curved fingers / and his black whiskers and his little dancing feet Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations BEHAVING LIKE A JEW, by GERALD STERN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I got there the dead opossum looked like Last Line: From his round belly and his curved fingers %and his black whiskers and his little dancing feet Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations BEHIND GRANDMA'S HOUSE, by GARY SOTO Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: At ten I wanted fame. I had a comb Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations BEING JEWISH IN A SMALL TOWN, by LYN DIANE LIFSHIN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Someone writes kike on Last Line: That pulls you toward %honey in the snow Alternate Author Name(s): Lifshin, Lyn Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations BIG CHILL VARIATIONS, by REUBEN M. JACKSON Poem Source First Line: He gives me a handshake Last Line: His treat - %paid with an american express card. %gold, %but with black trim Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations BIRDFOOT'S GRAMPA, by JOSEPH BRUCHAC Poem Source First Line: The old man %must have stopped our car Last Line: They have places to go to too Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations BLACK AND WHITE, by SHIRLEY GEOK-LIN LIM Poem Source First Line: Why is it in my middle-aged dream Last Line: That her caring can be cleansed Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations BLACK AND WHITE GALAXIE, by AFAA MICHAEL WEAVER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: With water warm enough to make me Last Line: A black man gotta have a private world Alternate Author Name(s): Weaver, Michael S. Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations BLACK HAIR, by GARY SOTO Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: At eight I was brilliant with my body Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Sports; United States - Race Relations BLACK HAIR, by GARY SOTO Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: At eight I was brilliant with my body Last Line: To the arms of brown people Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Sports; U.s. - Race Relations BLACK MAN'S SONATA, by AFAA MICHAEL WEAVER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Here in west philadelphia Last Line: Our deep black stripes in a fire yellow Alternate Author Name(s): Weaver, Michael S. Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations BLACKBOTTOM: 1945, by TOI DERRICOTTE Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: When relatives came from out of town Last Line: Tore us down to the human Subject(s): Detroit, Michigan; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations BLACKBOTTOM: 1945, by TOI DERRICOTTE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When relatives came from out of town Last Line: Whose very existence %tore us down to the human Subject(s): Detroit, Michigan; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations BLIND SOLO, by AFAA MICHAEL WEAVER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: A young poet comes to me Last Line: But I was beautiful, wasn't I Alternate Author Name(s): Weaver, Michael S. Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations BLONDE WHITE WOMEN, by PATRICIA M. SMITH Poem Source First Line: They choke cities like snowstorms Last Line: Demanding that I explain %my treachery Subject(s): Blondes; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations BLOOD, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A true arab knows how to catch a fly in his hands' Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations BLOOD, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A true arab knows how to catch a fly in his hands' Last Line: Where can the crying heart graze? %what does a true arab do now? Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations BRAIN ON ICE, by MICHAEL WARR Poem Source First Line: There's a seat right next to me Last Line: In which we all %are hourly enslaved Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations BRALY STREET, by GARY SOTO Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Every summer %the asphalt softens Last Line: Would equal, if alive Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations BRIDES COME TO YUBA CITY, by CHITRA BANERJEE DIVAKARUNI Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The sky is hot and yellow, filled Last Line: We cannot recognize a single face Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; India; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations BUCKET, by ROSE ROMANO Poem Source First Line: Why is it I can't sleep tonight Last Line: Something is rising in me Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations BULLY, by MARTIN ESPADA Poet's Biography First Line: In the school auditorium / the theodore roosevelt statue Subject(s): Education; Ethnic Groups - United States; Hispanic Americans; Minorities - United States; Schools; United States - Race Relations; Latinos; Students BULLY, by MARTIN ESPADA Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: In the school auditorium %the theodore roosevelt statue Last Line: Across the victorian mustache %and monocle Subject(s): Education; Ethnic Groups - United States; Hispanic Americans; Minorities - United States; Schools; U.s. - Race Relations BULOSAN LISTENS TO A RECORDING OF ROBERT JOHNSON, by ALFRED ENCARNACION Poem Source First Line: You sing a hard blues Last Line: Our names so different, %our songs the same Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations BUT MY BLOOD, by ROSE ROMANO Poem Source First Line: I'm beginning to talk to myself Last Line: American as anyone. But my blood %will not change Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations CAN'T TELL, by NELLIE WONG Poem Source First Line: When world war ii was declared Last Line: We wore black arm bands, %put up a sign %in bold letters Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations; Women CANDY LADY, by LAURA BOSS Poem Source First Line: Aunt lily stood %behind her candy counter Last Line: And he told me her stone was glass Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH: 1, by KIMBERLY M. BLAESER Poem Source First Line: Shuffling papers %rushing to find some critical Last Line: You won't imprint me again Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH: 2, by KIMBERLY M. BLAESER Poem Source First Line: Or perhaps it was your capture Last Line: Mother, american indian. %daughter, mixedblood Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations CHANGING ADDRESS BOOKS, by MICHAEL S. GLASER Poem Source First Line: This is a project as overwrought Last Line: Who were loved, who are missed Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations CINCINNATI, by MITSUYE YAMADA Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Freedom at last %in this town aimless Last Line: Everyone knew me Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Japanese Americans - Internment; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations COCA-COLA AND COCO FRIO, by MARTIN ESPADA Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: On his first visit to puerto rico Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Hispanic Americans; Minorities - United States; Popular Culture - United States; United States - Race Relations; Latinos COCA-COLA AND COCO FRIO, by MARTIN ESPADA Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: On his first visit to puerto rico Last Line: Sagged heavy with milk, swollen %and unsuckled Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Hispanic Americans; Minorities - United States; Popular Culture - United States; U.s. - Race Relations COMING OF AGE, by MICHAEL PALMA Poem Source First Line: I was sitting on the roof with my grandmother Last Line: I grunted spontaneously in time with the hand Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations CORTEZ'S HORSE, by PAT MORA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Return, sweet horse, rise Last Line: Carry me into the stars Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations CRAZY HORSE MONUMENT, by PETER BLUE CLOUD Poem Source First Line: Hailstones falling like sharp blue sky chips Subject(s): Crazy Horse (oglala Sioux Chief); Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 1, by SHERMAN ALEXIE Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I discovered the evidence Last Line: He forgave me all my sins Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Custer, George Armstrong (1839-1876) CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 1, by SHERMAN ALEXIE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I discovered the evidence Last Line: He forgave all my sins Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 2, by SHERMAN ALEXIE Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Little big horn / little big horn does not belong to me Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Custer, George Armstrong (1839-1876); Little Bighorn, Battle Of; Crazy Horse (oglala Sioux Chief) CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 2, by SHERMAN ALEXIE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Little big horn %little big horn does not belong to me Last Line: Survive - survive - survive Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 3, by SHERMAN ALEXIE Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I wear the color of my skin Last Line: In this city where everyone / is afraid of horses? Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Horses; Crazy Horse (oglala Sioux Chief) CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 3, by SHERMAN ALEXIE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I wear the color of my skin Last Line: In this city where everyone is %afraid-of-horses Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 4, by SHERMAN ALEXIE Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There are places I cannot leave Last Line: The exact skin/ never the same home Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Sitting Bull (hunkpapa Sioux Chief); Crazy Horse (oglala Sioux Chief) CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 4, by SHERMAN ALEXIE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There are places I cannot leave Last Line: Never the same house Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 5, by SHERMAN ALEXIE Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am the mirror Last Line: It is the sound / of glass shattering Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Crazy Horse (oglala Sioux Chief) CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 5, by SHERMAN ALEXIE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am the mirror Last Line: It is the sound %of glass shattering Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 6, by SHERMAN ALEXIE Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I hear the verdict Last Line: Mortal and sinless Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Crazy Horse (oglala Sioux Chief) CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 6, by SHERMAN ALEXIE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I hear the verdict Last Line: Close to their chests %mortal and sinless Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 7, by SHERMAN ALEXIE Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Whenever it all begins again Last Line: I will be waiting Subject(s): Etethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Crazy Horse (oglala Sioux Chief) CRAZY HORSE SPEAKS: 7, by SHERMAN ALEXIE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Whenever it all begins again Last Line: I will be waiting Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations CULTURES, by GLORIA EVANGELINA ANZALDUA Poem Source First Line: Go out take the pick axe Last Line: Thistle sage and nettle Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations DADDY POEM, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: My father is a handsome guy Last Line: You're good looking %for a colored man Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations DANCING, by GERALD STERN Poem Source Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In all these rotten shops, in all this broken furniture Last Line: From the other dancing - in poland and germany - %of god of mercy, oh wild god Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations DEAR JOHN WAYNE, by LOUISE ERDRICH Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: August and the drive-in picture is packed Alternate Author Name(s): Erdrich, Lise Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations DEAR JOHN WAYNE, by LOUISE ERDRICH Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: August and the drive-in picture is packed Last Line: Those cells, burning, doubling, splitting out of their skins Alternate Author Name(s): Erdrich, Lise Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations DEER CLOUD, by SUSAN CLEMENTS Poem Source First Line: The mohawk lover who told her he stripped all his clothes Last Line: On tranquilizers, and doesn't mention it Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations DEPRESSION DAYS (2), by PAT MORA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I bought the dark with my last fifteen cents Last Line: This country, of the price of eggs and skin and names. Subject(s): Depressions, Economic; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Motion Pictures; Theater & Theaters; United States - Race Relations; Recessions; Movies; Cinema; Stage Life DIGGING IN THE STREETS OF GOLD, by BARRY SEILER Poem Source First Line: My parents were fish Last Line: And went to dig in the streets of gold Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations DOREEN, by JANICE MIRIKITANI Poem Source Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Doreen had a round face Last Line: Because %no one could remember %doreen's face Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations DREAM POEM, by MARY JO BONA Poem Source First Line: I miss my grandmother Last Line: Her eyes are older than mine Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations DREAMS IN HARRISON RAILROAD PARK, by NELLIE WONG Poem Source First Line: We sit on a green bench in harrison railroad park Last Line: And I dream %of embroidering %new skin Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations DUST WORLD: 1, by LAWRENCE FERLINGHETTI Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Whirlwinds of hot autumn dust Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations DUST WORLD: 1, by LAWRENCE FERLINGHETTI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Whirlwinds of hot autumn dust Last Line: For my people dying Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations DUST WORLD: 2, by LAWRENCE FERLINGHETTI Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: With pupil-dilated putti in arms Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations DUST WORLD: 2, by LAWRENCE FERLINGHETTI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: With pupil-dilated putti in arms Last Line: This is the whiskey talking now Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations DYING WITH THE WRONG NAME, by SAM HAMOD Poem Source First Line: These men died with the wrong names Last Line: In this house, in these people, in this moment Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations ELECTION TIME, by LAMONT B. STEPTOE Poem Source First Line: Names will change Last Line: Ain't nothin' changed at all Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations ELEGY FOR CHLOE NGUYEN, by MARILYN MEI LING CHIN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Chloe's father is a professor of linguistics Last Line: Chloe, we are finally americans now. Chloe, we are here Alternate Author Name(s): Chin, Marilyn Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations ELEGY: 1. WINEMAKING, by ARTHUR L. CLEMENTS Poem Source First Line: Eyes shining like wetted sapphires Last Line: In their redman's 'freedom, friendship, charity' %salud Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations ELEGY: 2. IN THE GARDEN, by ARTHUR L. CLEMENTS Poem Source First Line: He journeyed past liberty and the island Last Line: In the garden green I followed Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations ELEGY: 3. LAMBENT SUNDAYS, by ARTHUR L. CLEMENTS Poem Source First Line: Wineglass at hand Last Line: He dealt the cards %so I won Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations ELEGY: 4. LAST DAY, by ARTHUR L. CLEMENTS Poem Source First Line: Gentle man, groaning, from the dying bed Last Line: Your shining eyes closed Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations ELEMENTS OF SAN JOAQUIN: FIELD, by GARY SOTO Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The wind sprays pale dirt into my mouth Last Line: A soil that sprouts nothing %for any of us Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Farm Life; Minorities - United States; San Joaquin Valley, California; U.s. - Race Relations ELENA, by PAT MORA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My spanish isn't enough Last Line: When my children need my help Subject(s): Chicanos; Children; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations ELENA, by PAT MORA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My spanish isn't enough Last Line: For if I stop trying, I will be deaf %when my children need my help Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations ENGLISH-SPEAKING PERSONS WILL FIND TRANSLATIONS: 1, by MICHAEL S. GLASER Poem Source First Line: The train whistles punctual as a clock Last Line: Pushing to be first, not miss a thing Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations ENGLISH-SPEAKING PERSONS WILL FIND TRANSLATIONS: 2, by MICHAEL S. GLASER Poem Source First Line: In the museum, a sign tells of the catalogue Last Line: Sympathetic looks - difficult to understand Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations ENGLISH-SPEAKING PERSONS WILL FIND TRANSLATIONS: 3, by MICHAEL S. GLASER Poem Source First Line: At the crematorium, caretakers brush Last Line: #name? Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations ENGLISH-SPEAKING PERSONS WILL FIND TRANSLATIONS: 4, by MICHAEL S. GLASER Poem Source First Line: Later, I travel backward on an air-conditioned Last Line: By the bombs on hiroshima, negasaki Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations ENGLISH-SPEAKING PERSONS WILL FIND TRANSLATIONS: 5, by MICHAEL S. GLASER Poem Source First Line: I wake to watch the sun rise silent and red Last Line: What we should do and what to declare when we land Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations ESPRESSO, by CAROL LEE SAFFIOTI Poem Source First Line: Lemon rind rubbed on the rim Last Line: Elegant in its graceful arc %burns my hand Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations FAILURE OF AN INVENTION, by SAFIYA HENDERSON-HOLMES Poem Source First Line: I am not any of the faces Last Line: I've never been able to bear Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations FATHER FROM ASIA, by SHIRLEY GEOK-LIN LIM Poem Source First Line: Father, you turn your hands toward me Last Line: And asia is dust, is dust Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations FATHER OF MY FATHER: 1, by LAWSON FUSAO INADA Poem Source First Line: The way the incense gripped Last Line: Of incense to the bowl Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations FATHER OF MY FATHER: 2, by LAWSON FUSAO INADA Poem Source First Line: Incense. Sucking the wind from him Last Line: Surrounding the pagoda of san jose Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations FATHER OF MY FATHER: 3, by LAWSON FUSAO INADA Poem Source First Line: Have you ever seen Last Line: Nothing could stop me now Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations FILIPINO BOOGIE, by JESSICA TARAHATA HAGEDORN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Under a ceiling high christmas tree Last Line: The yellow peril %bombs %pearl harbor Alternate Author Name(s): Hagedorn, Jessica Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations FIRE: 1, by LUIS J. RODRIGUEZ Poem Source First Line: It seems our days are shaped by conflagration Last Line: Forever traced in mind Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations FIRE: 2, by LUIS J. RODRIGUEZ Poem Source First Line: In chicago, latino neighborhoods Last Line: The squeeze of skin, this memory %called our history Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations FIRST, by GRACE CAVALIERI Poem Source First Line: Mrs. Conti was the first Last Line: She didn't have to fill her time on thursdays Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations FLORAL APRON, by MARILYN MEI LING CHIN Poem Source Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: The woman wore a floral apron around her neck Last Line: How to honor the village, the tribe, %that floral apron Alternate Author Name(s): Chin, Marilyn Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations FOR GRANDMA LUCIA LA ROSA, LIGHT THE ROSE, by DANIELA GIOSEFFI Poem Source First Line: On the crowded subway, %riding to the prison to teach Last Line: From giving and giving and giving %food and birth Variant Title(s): Bicentennial Anti-poem For Italian-american Wome Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations FOR MY GREAT-GRANDFATHER: A MESSAGE LONG OVERDUE, by MAXINE W. KUMIN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You with the beard as red as barbarossa's Alternate Author Name(s): Kumin, Maxine Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations FOR TALKING, by DENISE NICO LETO Poem Source First Line: In catholic school %they teach you Last Line: For talking %sometimes %takes years Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations FOR THE COLOR OF MY MOTHER, by CHERRIE MORAGA Poem Source First Line: At two %my upper lip split open Last Line: They cradle her silence %nodding to me Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations FOREIGN WAYS, by DIANA CHANG Poem Source First Line: If I were in china this minute Last Line: My lope with its prairie air Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations FRESNO, by LAWSON FUSAO INADA Poem Source First Line: Fresno, california's eighth largest city, is the financial headquarters Last Line: Watered by want, the spirit thrives Subject(s): Asian Americans - Japanese; California; Ethnic Groups - United States FRIENDLY TOWN #1, by SAFIYA HENDERSON-HOLMES Poem Source First Line: It was august, I was inner city Last Line: Their teeth chasing our bus Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations FRIENDLY TOWN #3, by SAFIYA HENDERSON-HOLMES Poem Source First Line: For thirteen days %she had threatened Last Line: New, dark, empty space %slowly Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations FROM A HEART OF RICE STRAW, by NELLIE WONG Poem Source First Line: Ma, my heart must be made of rice straw Last Line: Ma, hear me now, tell me your story %again and again Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations FROM AN ISLAND YOU CANNOT NAME, by MARTIN ESPADA Poet's Biography First Line: Thirty years ago, / your linen-gowned father stood Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Hispanic Americans; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Latinos FROM AN ISLAND YOU CANNOT NAME, by MARTIN ESPADA Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Thirty years ago, %your linen-gowned father stood Last Line: That you're other, %that you're not Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Hispanic Americans; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations FROM OKRA TO GREENS, by NTOZAKE SHANGE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I haveta turn my television down sometimes cuz Last Line: & sure can dream gd/soppin up the pot liquor / & them peppers Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, Paulette Variant Title(s): From Okra To Greens - A Different Love Poem Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations FROM OKRA TO GREENS, by NTOZAKE SHANGE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I haveta turn my television down sometimes cuz Last Line: & sure can dream gd/soppin up the pot liquor %& them peppers Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, Paulette Variant Title(s): From Okra To Greens - A Different Love Poe Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations FUNK LORE, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We are the blues Last Line: We is ouselves / the blues Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations FUNK LORE, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We are the blues Last Line: We is ourselves %the blues Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations GIFT, by LI-YOUNG LEE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: To pull the metal splinter from my palm Last Line: When he's given something to keep. %I kissed my father Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Men; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations GOING HOME, by WING TEK LUM Poem Source First Line: Ngoh m' sick song tong hwa Last Line: But chinamen aren't supposed to cry Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Language; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations GRANDFATHER AT THE INDIAN HEALTH CLINIC, by ELIZABETH COOK-LYNN Poem Source First Line: It's cold at last and cautious winds creep Last Line: To everyone who comes Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Native Americans; U.s. - Race Relations GRANDMA IN THE SHOWER, by DALE KUSHNER Poem Source First Line: Puckered breasts like leiberman's Last Line: Grandma's moustache. Grandma's teeth in the glass Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations GRANDMOTHER, by GRACE CAVALIERI Poem Source First Line: What is the purpose of visits to me twice since you've died Last Line: A bright clock shaped like a train - %simply that it moves Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations GRANDMOTHER, A CARIBBEAN INDIAN, DESCRIBED BY MY FATHER, by YVONNE SAPIA Poem Source First Line: Nearly a hundred when she died Last Line: There would be room for me Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations GROWING UP ITALIAN, by MARIA MAZZIOTTI GILLAN Poem Source First Line: When I was a little girl Last Line: Like a bright, red flag Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations HACIENDO APENAS LA RECOLECCION, by TINO VILLANUEVA Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: For weeks now Last Line: You shall not again %pick cotton Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations HALF-BREED, by CHERRIE MORAGA Poem Source First Line: The difference between you and me Last Line: My reflection has always been %once removed Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations HAMMOCK, by VICTOR HERNANDEZ CRUZ Poem Source First Line: The tainos of the antilles Last Line: You can go right down %to the bone Subject(s): Culture Conflict; Ethnic Groups - United States HANGING FIRE, by AUDRE LORDE Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am fourteen / and my skin has betrayed me Last Line: And momma's in the bedroom / with the door closed Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Teenagers; United States - Race Relations HANGING FIRE, by AUDRE LORDE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am fourteen %and my skin has betrayed me Last Line: And momma's in the bedroom %with the door closed Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Teenagers; U.s. - Race Relations HAVING THE WRONG NAME FOR MR. WRIGHT, by HELEN BAROLINI Poem Source First Line: Pietrofesso,' I repeat to mr. Wright, the science teacher in junior high Last Line: No teacher ever corrected me Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations HEAVY BLUE VEINS, by LUIS J. RODRIGUEZ Poem Source First Line: Heavy blue veins streaked across my mother's legs, some of them Last Line: Coming, never stops pouring, this memory of mama and blood and watts Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations HERITAGE, by LINDA HOGAN Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: From my mother, the antique mirror Subject(s): Antinuclear Movement; Environment; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Native Americans; United States - Race Relations; Nuclear Freeze; Environmental Protection; Ecology; Conservation; Indians Of America; American Indians; Indian HERITAGE, by LINDA HOGAN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: From my mother, the antique mirror Last Line: Of never having a home Subject(s): Antinuclear Movement; Environment; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Native Americans; U.s. - Race Relations HOPE, by LIZ ROSENBERG Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Edith b__ and her mother on a sunday afaaternoon. The Last Line: Voice, I hope I shall come to know you Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Jews; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations HORSE, by GLORIA EVANGELINA ANZALDUA Poem Source First Line: Great horse running in the fields Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations HOUSE ON MOSCOW STREET, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It's the ragged source of memory Last Line: Generations lost to be found, %to be found Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Family Life; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations HOW I CHANGED MY NAME, FELICE, by FELIX STEFANILE Poem Source First Line: In italy a man's name, here a woman's Last Line: And fanned my little neapolitan ass Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations HOW I GOT THAT NAME, by MARILYN MEI LING CHIN Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: I am marilyn mei ling chin Alternate Author Name(s): Chin, Marilyn Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations HOW I GOT THAT NAME, by MARILYN MEI LING CHIN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I am marilyn mei ling chin Last Line: Mesmerized %by all that was lavished upon her %and all that was taken away! Alternate Author Name(s): Chin, Marilyn Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations HOW I LEARNED ENGLISH, by GREGORY DJANIKIAN Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: It was in an empty lot Subject(s): Baseball; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Sports; United States - Race Relations HOW I LEARNED ENGLISH, by GREGORY DJANIKIAN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: It was in an empty lot Last Line: Hum baby' sweetly on my lips Subject(s): Baseball; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Sports; U.s. - Race Relations HULA SKIRT, 1959, by KIMIKO HAHN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Before my fourth birthday my father Last Line: That much I remember Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations I AM SINGING NOW, by LUCI TAPAHONSO Poem Source First Line: The moon is a white sliver Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations I ASK MY MOTHER TO SING, by LI-YOUNG LEE Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: She begins, and my grandmother joins her Subject(s): Ancestors & Ancestry; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Heritage; Heredity I ASK MY MOTHER TO SING, by LI-YOUNG LEE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: She begins, and my grandmother joins her Last Line: Both women have begun to cry. %but neither stops her song Subject(s): Ancestors And Ancestry; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations I DEFY YOU WALLACE STEVENS, by SHIRLEY GEOK-LIN LIM Poem Source Last Line: The hungry and dead are this 'exquisity truth,' %and you an american fiction Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations I GIVE YOU BACK, by JOY HARJO Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I release you, my beautiful and terrible Last Line: I am alive and you are so afraid of dying Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Loss; Minorities - United States; Peace; United States - Race Relations I GIVE YOU BACK, by JOY HARJO Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I release you, my beautiful and terrible Last Line: I am alive and you are so afraid of dying Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Loss; Minorities - United States; Peace; U.s. - Race Relations I HAVE NOT SIGNED A TREATY WITH THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT, by UNKNOWN+183 Poem Source First Line: Nor has my father nor his father Last Line: Take these words back with you Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations I REMEMBER HAIFA BEING LOVELY BUT, by LYN DIANE LIFSHIN Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: There were snakes in the tent Alternate Author Name(s): Lifshin, Lyn Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945); Jews; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Shoah; Judaism I REMEMBER HAIFA BEING LOVELY BUT, by LYN DIANE LIFSHIN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: There were snakes in the tent Last Line: Appeared mysteriously, %tattooed on your arm Alternate Author Name(s): Lifshin, Lyn Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945); Jews; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations I WALK IN THE HISTORY OF MY PEOPLE, by UNKNOWN+183 Poem Source First Line: There are women locked in my joints Last Line: How I am still walking Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations IMITATION OF LIFE, by AFAA MICHAEL WEAVER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: When the movies were 35 Last Line: Pulsating fires in a fragile tapestry Alternate Author Name(s): Weaver, Michael S. Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations IMMIGRANTS, by DEBRA KANG DEAN Poem Source First Line: To be always carrying Last Line: Where the grains of sand are stars Alternate Author Name(s): Dean, Debi Kang Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Immigrants; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration IMMIGRANTS, by PAT MORA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Wrap their babies in the american flag Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations IMMIGRANTS, by PAT MORA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Wrap their babies in the american flag Last Line: Our boy, our girl, our fine american %boy our fine american girl Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations IMMIGRANTS IN OUR OWN LAND, by JIMMY SANTIAGO BACA Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We are born with dreams in our hearts Last Line: So long gone from life itself, so many things have changed Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Social Problems; United States - Race Relations IMMIGRANTS IN OUR OWN LAND, by JIMMY SANTIAGO BACA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We are born with dreams in our hearts Last Line: So long gone from life itself, so many things have changed Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Social Problems; U.s. - Race Relations IMPROVISATION FOR PIANO, by AFAA MICHAEL WEAVER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Freshly lit cigarette in his mouth Last Line: I slip away hoping there are angels Alternate Author Name(s): Weaver, Michael S. Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations IN MEMORY WE ARE WALKING, by MARIA MAZZIOTTI GILLAN Poem Source Last Line: We don't want your kind here Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHOIR, by GREGORY DJANIKIAN Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: I had never seen a cornfield in my life Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Dissenters; Education; Ethnic Groups - United States; Exiles; Marginality, Social; Minorities - United States; Schools; United States - Race Relations; Estrangement; Outcasts; Students IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHOIR, by GREGORY DJANIKIAN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I had never seen a cornfield in my life Last Line: Des moines, I was saying to myself %baton rouge. Terre haute. Boise Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Dissenters; Education; Ethnic Groups - United States; Exiles; Marginality, Social; Minorities - United States; Schools; U.s. - Race Relations IN THE GOOD OLD U.S.A., by SR. JOSE ANGEL VILLALONGO Poem Source First Line: Here in the good old u.S.A. Last Line: My language %my brillo hair, %and my name Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations IN THE INNER CITY, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Like we call it %home Subject(s): Cities; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations IN THE WAY BACK, by DEBRA KANG DEAN Poem Source First Line: The friday before labor day Last Line: Our parents left us free to look in both directions, %behind us and ahead Alternate Author Name(s): Dean, Debi Kang Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations INDIAN BLOOD (2), by MARY TALLMOUNTAIN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The blackbird teacher / white claw waving Last Line: Indian blood Alternate Author Name(s): Randle, Mary Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Native Americans - Children; Schools; U.s. - Race Relations; Students INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOL: THE RUNAWAYS, by LOUISE ERDRICH Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Home's the place we head for in our sleep Alternate Author Name(s): Erdrich, Lise Subject(s): Education; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Native Americans - Education; Schools; United States - Race Relations; Students INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOL: THE RUNAWAYS, by LOUISE ERDRICH Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Home's the place we head for in our sleep Last Line: Face before it hardened, pale, remembering %delicate old injuries, the spines of names and leaves Alternate Author Name(s): Erdrich, Lise Subject(s): Education; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Native Americans - Education; Schools; U.s. - Race Relations INDIAN MOVIE, NEW JERSEY, by CHITRA BANERJEE DIVAKARUNI Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Not like the white filmstars, all rib Last Line: Sacrifice, success, love and luck, %the america that was supposed to be Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; India; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations JACKET NOTES, by ISHMAEL REED Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Being a colored poet Last Line: You're bigger than the %barrel Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations JADE, by JANICE MIRIKITANI Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I knew a young hooker Last Line: Her dead eyes, glassy %as jewels Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations JAZZ, by LAWSON FUSAO INADA Poem Source First Line: The music speaks for itself. And it certainly spoke to me. It called me Last Line: And before he knew it, he was writing poetry Subject(s): Asian Americans - Japanese; Ethnic Groups - United States; Jazz; Music And Musicians JEWISH SINGLES EVENT, by STEWART J. FLORSHEIM Poem Source First Line: Here are those who are challenged by Last Line: Their branded arms embrace us Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945); Jews; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations JUNIOR HIGH DANCE, by ALLISON JOSEPH Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: No one wanted to dance with us Last Line: Right there, no matter how funky %the beat, no matter how delicious Subject(s): Education; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Schools; U.s. - Race Relations KA 'BA, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A closed window looks down Last Line: Return, destroy, and create. What will be / the sacred words Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Negroes; American Blacks KA 'BA, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A closed window looks down Last Line: Return, destroy, and create. What will be %the sacred words Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations KATORI MARU, OCTOBER 1920, by JAMES MASAO MITSUI Poem Source First Line: Two weeks across a strange sea Last Line: On the gray sidewalks of america Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations KINGED, by SHALIN HAI-JEW Poem Source First Line: Crumpled like an embroidered pillowcase Last Line: Into her blood for it to be creeping %so slowly now. So red.Black Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations LA MIGRA, by PAT MORA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Let's play la migra Last Line: You do not understand %get ready Subject(s): Chicanos; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations LABYRINTH OF HEARING, by PABLO MEDINA Poem Source First Line: Sound, no Last Line: The labyrinth of hearing Subject(s): Cuba; Ethnic Groups - United States; Poetry And Poets; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration LAKOTA SISTER/CHEROKEE MOTHER, by VICTORIA LENA MANYARROWS Poem Source First Line: We are both from the center of the continent Last Line: That no one could understand Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations LAMENTING THE INEVITABLE, by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The world dances with hate Last Line: Of the burning world Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations LAMENTING THE INEVITABLE, by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER Poem Source Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The world dances with hate Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations LANGUAGE OF GREAT-AUNTS, by ALBERTO ALVARO RIOS Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The great-aunts have a corner, and wrinkled skin Last Line: Later we stay tight, and pull in mirrors at our strong skin Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations LAST WOLF, by MARY TALLMOUNTAIN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The last wolf hurried toward me Last Line: I know what they have done Alternate Author Name(s): Randle, Mary Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations LAST WORD, by AMINA BARAKA Poem Source First Line: I'd rather my fist be made of steel Last Line: Be at least as mighty as the sword Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations LAUGHING GAS, by RUTH WHITMAN Poem Source First Line: It was near the coliseum, rko Last Line: Laugh before breakfast, %cry before dinner Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations LEAVES, by SAM HAMOD Poem Source First Line: Tonight, sally and I are making stuffed Last Line: Though it seems so late Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations LEFT BANK JAZZ SOCIETY, by AFAA MICHAEL WEAVER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Freddie hubbard's music Last Line: Black and black -sweet Alternate Author Name(s): Weaver, Michael S. Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations LEGACIES, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Her grandmother called her from the playground Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Ethnic Groups - United States; Grandparents; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers LEGACIES, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Her grandmother called her from the playground Last Line: Said what they meant %and I guess nobody ever does Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Ethnic Groups - United States; Grandparents; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations LETTER TO A CRETAN FLUTE-MAKER, by JUSTIN VITIELLO Poem Source First Line: We have not forgotten you but here they have you pretend to work Last Line: There are no peasants here, but my son is learning how to swim and play the flute Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations LIVING ALONE WITH JESUS, by MAXINE W. KUMIN Poem Source Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Can it be %I am the only jew residing in danville, kentucky Last Line: Out of your damaged hands Alternate Author Name(s): Kumin, Maxine Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Jews; Kentucky; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations LOST NAME WOMAN, by SHIRLEY GEOK-LIN LIM Poem Source First Line: Mississippi china woman Last Line: Who will feed you when you die Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MACARONI, by ARTHUR GUITERMAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Tis made of the flour of wheat, so they say Last Line: And don't you forget the chianti! Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Food & Eating; Italian Americans; New York City; Pasta; Restaurants; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple; Spaghetti; Lasagna; Noodles; Macaroni; Cafes; Diners MAFIOSO, by SANDRA M. GILBERT Poem Source First Line: Frank costello eating spaghetti in a cell at san quentin Last Line: To grind the organs out of you Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MALCOLM IS 'BOUT MORE THAN WEARING A CAP, by MICHAEL WARR Poem Source First Line: The problem is not the letter x Last Line: Only we can malcolm the x Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MAMA, COME BACK, by NELLIE WONG Poem Source Last Line: As warmly as you hugged strangers Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MAMA: 1. RICE CHILD, by CLAIRE KAGEYAMA Poem Source First Line: She is the lady %who microwaves tea Last Line: The last child to taste her rice candy Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MAMA: 2. THE MARRIAGE, by CLAIRE KAGEYAMA Poem Source First Line: Her marriage was arranged Last Line: And demanded a new wife Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MAMA: 3. FAMILY, by CLAIRE KAGEYAMA Poem Source First Line: She and her husband moved Last Line: Dropped in letters and flags Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MAMA: 4. HER WISH, by CLAIRE KAGEYAMA Poem Source First Line: During the fifties Last Line: As she cried, 'I want to die Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MAMA: 5. HER GIFT, by CLAIRE KAGEYAMA Poem Source First Line: In september %I became a woman Last Line: She is my obaachan Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MANE STORY, by LAURA TOHE Poem Source First Line: Straight hair, black hair, brown hair, coarse hair, horse hair Last Line: Over paper is the sound of seeds tumbling inside a dry gourd Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Ethnic Identity; Native Americans - Women MARTIN AND MY FATHER, by DAVID HERNANDEZ Poem Source First Line: Martin was too peaceful for me Last Line: That martin, %he was something else Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MARY MORELLE SHOW, by DENISE NICO LETO Poem Source First Line: My aunt maria %had a show Last Line: But did anyone %really know %her Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MATINEE, by SUSAN CLEMENTS Poem Source First Line: Two o'clock on a saturday afternoon in november Last Line: And wounded bird. Pretend, pretend. You glitter as you fall Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MEN: 1, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Today I saw black men Last Line: Holding their own Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MEN: 2, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Our streets filled Last Line: Headlines ourselves Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MEN: 3, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When the world Last Line: We jab and swing Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MEN: 4, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Black men Last Line: Black hearts, black %hands Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MEN: 5, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The young men Last Line: Just big enough %for love Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MENTAL HORIZONS: 5. PROFESSOR WHITEPRIDE-RACE PREJUDICE, by WILLIAM STEWARD GORDON Poem Text First Line: Anon approaches a critical sage Last Line: "whether jap or german, swede or kurd!" Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Racism; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry MISS CLEMENT'S SECOND GRADE, by MARYFRANCES WAGNER Poem Source First Line: They sat in even rows Last Line: They didn't mind her italian name Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MNEMONIC, by LI-YOUNG LEE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I was tired. So I lay down Last Line: Once, I was cold. So my father took off his blue sweater Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MODERN SECRETS, by SHIRLEY GEOK-LIN LIM Poem Source First Line: Last night I dreamt in chinese Last Line: And hides still in the cupboard %with the china and tea-leaves Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MOVING, SELS., by SAM HAMOD Poem Source First Line: So we move now Last Line: Grandfathers -- grandmothers -- fathers Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MY FATHER AND THE FIGTREE, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: For other fruits my father was indifferent Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations MY FATHER AND THE FIGTREE, by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: For other fruits my father was indifferent Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MY FIRST RIOT: BRONX, NYC, by SAFIYA HENDERSON-HOLMES Poem Source First Line: We are ten, two %boys and a girl Last Line: Not far enough away Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MY PEOPLE ARE THE COLOR OF THE EARTH, by ALMA LUZ VILLANUEVA Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: You cannot leave / my aunt's house Last Line: Offended. Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations MY RICH UNCLE, WHOM I ONLY MET THREE TIMES, by MARGE PIERCY Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We were never invited to his house Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Jewish Families; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MY RICH UNCLE, WHOM I ONLY MET THREE TIMES, by MARGE PIERCY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We were never invited to his house Last Line: His last trick was to vanish himself forever Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Jewish Families; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations MY RINGLESS FINGERS ON THE STEERING WHEEL TELL THE STORY, by LAURA BOSS Poem Source First Line: Never before without a ring Last Line: My fingers never looked so free Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations NAAYAWVA TAAWI, by WENDY ROSE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Left in the field Last Line: See, pahana, how we nest %in your ruins Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations NAMING, by GIOVANNA (JANET) CAPONE Poem Source First Line: Meant my grandfathers dominic and donato Last Line: The more I insist %on possessing %entirely who I am Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations NANI, by ALBERTO ALVARO RIOS Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Sitting at her table, she serves Last Line: Even before I speak, she serves Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations NATIVE PRIDE, by ALICIA SWIMMER Poem Source First Line: This is something on my mind Last Line: Or experience crazy horse's wrath Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Ethnic Identity; Racism NEW APARTMENT: MINNEAPOLIS, by LINDA HOGAN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The floorboards creak Last Line: And deer walking quietly on the soft red earth Subject(s): Antinuclear Movement; Environment; Ethnic Groups - United States; Memory; Minorities - United States; Native Americans; U.s. - Race Relations NICE THING ABOUT COUNTING STARS, by DWIGHT OKITA Poem Source First Line: So my mother begins Last Line: And peg and I hugged it during stormy days Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations NIKKI-ROSA, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Childhood remembrances are always a drag / if you're black Last Line: All the while I was quite happy Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Variant Title(s): Nikki-roasa Subject(s): African Americans - Children; African Americans - Women; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Women NORMA, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As a teen-ager I was very shy. I always felt so conspicuous that it Last Line: Then I pulled myself up and turned away; never to agree again Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations NOTE ON MY SON'S FACE, by TOI DERRICOTTE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tonight, I look, thunderstruck %at the gold head of my grandchild Last Line: The worst is true. %everything you did not want to know Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Loss; Minorities - United States; Moving And Movers; Refugees; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; U.s. - Race Relations NOTES FOR A POEM ON BEING ASIAN AMERICAN, by DWIGHT OKITA Poem Source First Line: As a child, I was a fussy eater Last Line: And says, 'can you really tell the difference between a chinese and a japanese Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations OLD BUILDINGS, by PEDRO PIETRI Poem Source First Line: (1422 amsterdam avenue) %everybody knew Last Line: That were not too expensive Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations ON ALABAMA AVE., PATERSON, NJ, 1954, by RACHEL GUIDO DEVRIES Poem Source First Line: At seven I dreamed again and again Last Line: On a blue plate, where they clattered like dice Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations ON THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS, MARYLAND, by ENID DAME Poem Source Last Line: Dreamily %making a list %of new names Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations OUT OF OUR HANDS, by CATHY SONG Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Out of a hat Last Line: The poem about being chinese, %skin the glorious color of chicken fat Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations OYE MUNDO/ - SOMETIMES, by JESUS PAPOLETO MELENDEZ Poem Source First Line: Sometimes ( %when the night air feels chevere Last Line: & I forget about the junkies %on the stoop Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations PIGEONS, by DAVID HERNANDEZ Poem Source First Line: Pigeons are the spiks of birdland Last Line: I tell you, %pigeons are the spiks of birdland Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations PINON NUTS, by DIXIE SALAZAR Poem Source First Line: We begged him to teach us spanish Last Line: Like a sweet, round nut Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Prisons And Prisoners; U.s. - Race Relations; Women PITY THIS POOR ANIMAL, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: And walks on grass %and has no need for fire Subject(s): African Americans; Ethnic Groups - United States POEM ABOUT INTELLIGENCE FOR MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS, by JUNE JORDAN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A few years back and they told me black Last Line: I do guess %that's genius for you Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations POEM FOR THE YOUNG WHITE MAN WHO ASKED ME HOW I, AN INTELLIGENT ..., by LORNA DEE CERVANTES Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In my land there are no distinctions Last Line: But in this country / there is war Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations POEM FOR THE YOUNG WHITE MAN WHO ASKED ME HOW I, AN INTELLIGENT ..., by LORNA DEE CERVANTES Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In my land there are no distinctions Last Line: But in this country %there is war Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations POET: WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO LUTHER?, by HAKI R. MADHUBUTI Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He was strange weather, this luther, he read books, mainly poetry and Last Line: Do, writing books, she also said that he smiles a lot and kinda got good teeth Alternate Author Name(s): Lee, Don L. Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations PORTRAIT OF ASSIMILATION, by UNKNOWN+183 Poem Source First Line: My father sits quietly in his brown naugahyde chair watching Last Line: Gets kinda cold nowadays for me Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations POWWOW POLAROID, by SHERMAN ALEXIE Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We were fancydancing, you see Last Line: My uncle held his great belly in his hands, walked amoung the fancy dancers / forgiveness Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations POWWOW POLAROID, by SHERMAN ALEXIE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We were fancydancing, you see Last Line: The fancydancers, said this: %forgiveness Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations PRAISE THE TORTILLA, PRAISE THE MENUDO, PRAISE THE CHORIZO, by RAY GONZALEZ Poem Source First Line: I praise the tortilla in honor of el panzon Last Line: Our chins and drips away Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations PRAYER, by JOSEPH BRUCHAC Poem Source First Line: Let my words Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations PREPARATIONS FOR SEDER, by MICHAEL S. GLASER Poem Source First Line: Preparing schmaltz for matzoh balls Last Line: And eat and praise the taste of, wanting more Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations PRESENT, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This woman vomiting her Last Line: Making pilgimage to herself. Walking Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations PRESENT, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This woman vomiting her Last Line: Making pilgimage to herself. Walking Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations PUBLIC SCHOOL NO. 18, PATERSON, NEW JERSEY, by MARIA MAZZIOTTI GILLAN Poem Source First Line: Miss wilson's eyes, opaque %as blue glass, fix on me Last Line: And my rage will blow %your house down Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Loss; Minorities - United States; Moving And Movers; New Jersey; Refugees; Schools; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration; U.s. - Race Relations REAL INDIAN LEANS AGAINST, by UNKNOWN+183 Poem Source First Line: The pink neon lit window full of plaster of paris & resin Last Line: Somewhere %where nobody is sold Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations RECOGNIZED FUTURES, by LISA SUHAIR MAJAJ Poem Source First Line: Turning to you, my name Last Line: All our tongues can sing Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations RESERVATION, by SUSAN CLEMENTS Poem Source First Line: You seldom talked about the indian side Last Line: Among spring beauties and curled adder's tongue Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations RESTROOM, by CHITRA BANERJEE DIVAKARUNI Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I push out of customs, stumble, almost fall, legs numb Last Line: Turn on the faucet. Water flows and flows over my hands, %warm and full of light, like a blessing Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; India; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations RIB SANDWICH, by JR. WILLIAM J. HARRIS Poem Source First Line: I wanted a rib sandwich Last Line: And didn't even %need a passport Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations ROMAIOS, by WILLAM GAY BALLANTINE Poem Text First Line: Twas in the crowded avenue; o'erhead Last Line: To shine resplendent in thy future's crown! Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Greek Language; New York City; United States - Immigration & Emigtration; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple S & M, by ELIAS MIGUEL MUNOZ Poem Source First Line: The masochist confesses that his pain Last Line: Even if I have to be ... %what is that word they used? %even if I have to be ... A sadist.' Subject(s): Culture Conflict; Ethnic Groups - United States; Latin America - History; Protest, Social; Puerto Ricans - New York City; Tyranny And Tyrants SALT, by YUSEF KOMUNYAKAA Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Lisa, leona, loretta? %she's sipping a milkshake Last Line: In a wooden barrel Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, James Willie, Jr. Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Dissenters; Ethnic Groups - United States; Exiles; Marginality, Social; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations SAM, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If he could have kept Last Line: What did you do to my father? Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Fathers & Daughters; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations SAM, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If he could have kept Last Line: What did you do to my father Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Fathers And Daughters; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations SECOND-CLASS CITIZEN, by JENNIFER LAGIER Poem Source First Line: We laughed %calling it'latent wop syndrome' Last Line: Waiting official permission %to be let off the boat Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations SECRET LOVE, by MILTON KESSLER Poem Source First Line: My father's back %heaves toward the sea Last Line: They shook on it Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations SEDER, by ENID DAME Poem Source First Line: This is a strange seder Last Line: We keep on - we keep going on Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations SEGREGATION, by CARLOS GERMAN BELLI Poem Source First Line: My mother, my two bothers, myself Last Line: We want only to disintegrate %into small pieces Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Prejudice; Social Problems SENORA X NO MORE, by PAT MORA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Straight as a nun I sit Last Line: I carve my crooked name, and again at night %until my hand and arm are sore, %I carve my crooked nam Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations SHADES OF ORIGIN, by SEBASTIAN SALAZAR BONDY Poem Source First Line: I was born in a flimsy nest Last Line: Oppressed my childhood dreams with terror Subject(s): Childhood Memories; Ethnic Groups - United States; Peru SO I LOST MY TEMPER, by ROSE ROMANO Poem Source First Line: Another one was coming toward me Last Line: They lose their temper Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations SO MEXICANS ARE TAKING JOBS FROM AMERICANS, by JIMMY SANTIAGO BACA Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O yes? Do they come on horses Last Line: And the children too Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations SO MEXICANS ARE TAKING JOBS FROM AMERICANS, by JIMMY SANTIAGO BACA Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O yes? Do they come on horses Last Line: What they really say is, let them die, %and the children too Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations SOMETHING ABOUT BEING AN INDIAN, by ADRIAN C. LOUIS Poem Source First Line: There's something about being an indian Last Line: A place we call the fire water world Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Native Americans; San Francisco; U.s. - Race Relations SONG AT MIDNIGHT, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Brothers,/this big woman Last Line: If you do not? Subject(s): Women; Beauty; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Spiritual Life; United States - Race Relations; Women & Religion SONG NO. 3, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Cain't nobody tell me any different Last Line: Looka here, a pretty little black girl lookin' just like me Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Literary Form; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations SONG NO. 3, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Cain't nobody tell me any different Last Line: Looka here, a pretty little black girl lookin' just like me Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Literary Form; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations SONG OF THE THIRD GENERATION, by JULIA LISELLA Poem Source First Line: I learned to read in the dark Last Line: In the old way, which is any way that we can Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations SOUL MAKE A PATH THROUGH SHOUTING, by CYRUS CURTIS CASSELLS Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: Thick at the schoolgate are the ones Last Line: I'm just going to school. Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Civil Rights Movement; Dissenters; Education; Ethnic Groups - United States; Exiles; Little Rock, Arkansas; Marginality, Social; Minorities - United States; Schools; United States - Race Relations; Estrangement; Outcasts; SOUTH BRONX TESTIMONIAL: 1, by SANDRA MARIA ESTEVES Poem Source First Line: We live amidst hills of desolate Last Line: To read on and on Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations SOUTH BRONX TESTIMONIAL: 2, by SANDRA MARIA ESTEVES Poem Source First Line: The I.R.T. Is hot and humid Last Line: One of the victims too Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations SOUTH BRONX TESTIMONIAL: 3, by SANDRA MARIA ESTEVES Poem Source First Line: We were all insane,the eternal Last Line: Or molested, the list %goes on Subject(s): Bronx, New York City; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations SOUTH BRONX TESTIMONIAL: 4, by SANDRA MARIA ESTEVES Poem Source First Line: In our wagon, oysters are treasured, their Last Line: We wear them in our hair, and %in our eyes Variant Title(s): Amor Negr Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations SPAIN AND AMERICA, by RICARDO CARRASQUILLA Poem Source First Line: Her race, her language, laws and creed Last Line: In her our needs are understood Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Freedom; Spain SPEAKING THROUGH WHITE: FOR MY MOTHER: 1, by KYOKO MORI Poem Source First Line: Twenty years ago today, your death changed Last Line: The world outside your window tilted Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations SPEAKING THROUGH WHITE: FOR MY MOTHER: 2, by KYOKO MORI Poem Source First Line: After the morning of honeybell oranges Last Line: Snow like our words through silence Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations STARLIGHT HAVEN, by SHIRLEY GEOK-LIN LIM Poem Source First Line: Susie wong was at the starlight haven Last Line: In white who laugh, quack, quack Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations STILL, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: And our points %sharpening good as anybody's Subject(s): African Americans - History; Ethnic Groups - United States STORY KEEPER, by WENDY ROSE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The stories %would be braided in my hair Last Line: Like sun-dried greasy %gambling bones Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations SUCH A BOAT OF LAND, by LAMONT B. STEPTOE Poem Source First Line: Against a backdrop of pennsylvania hills Last Line: Ebbing and flowing on the beaches of time %in this american land Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations SUSANS: 1, by SUSAN CLEMENTS Poem Source First Line: First day of kingergarten I slice my four-years' thumb Last Line: When the brown-eyed deer still came five feet close Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations SUSANS: 2, by SUSAN CLEMENTS Poem Source First Line: In kindergarten class there is a second susan, a susan of blond hair Last Line: Favored the blue-eyed girl who sang in tune Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations SUSANS: 3, by SUSAN CLEMENTS Poem Source First Line: My mother explains the second susan comes from a family Last Line: After a susan in a favorite poem, a wild girl who roamed outside among rain and flowers Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations SUSANS: 4, by SUSAN CLEMENTS Poem Source First Line: A grown woman sunning in solitude on a high hill, freckling Last Line: Patients lie dying in hospital rooms white as her skin Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations SWEATERS, by LUCIA MARIA PERILLO Poem Source First Line: Used to be, fellows would ask if you were married Last Line: Have long since fallen to the moths of bitter days. & what %will I inherit to soften this hard skin, Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations TAKING IT BACK, by DIXIE SALAZAR Poem Source First Line: Hand-tinted, creamy olive skin Last Line: [what] still splits off in the wind Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Prisons And Prisoners; U.s. - Race Relations; Women TATTOO, by GREGG SHAPIRO Poem Source First Line: My father won't talk about the numbers Last Line: I would scrub the numbers from his arm, %extinguish the fire and give him back his life Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945); Jews; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations TEE, by REUBEN M. JACKSON Poem Source First Line: A bic lighter %cranked to the max Last Line: When the pusher comes Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations THAT GREAT WINGLESS BIRD, by ADRIAN C. LOUIS Poem Source First Line: I was thrashing on the couch Last Line: Yes, hoping for beauty, %that great wingless bird Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Native Americans; San Francisco; U.s. - Race Relations THE ELEMENTS OF SAN JOAQUIN: FIELD, by GARY SOTO Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: The wind sprays pale dirt into my mouth Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Farm Life; Minorities - United States; San Joaquin Valley, California; United States - Race Relations; Agriculture; Farmers THE GIFT, by LI-YOUNG LEE Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: To pull the metal splinter from my palm Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Men; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations THE HOUSE ON MOSCOW STREET, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It's the ragged source of memory Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Family Life; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Relatives THE HULA SKIRT, 1959, by KIMIKO HAHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Before my fourth birthday my father Last Line: That much I remember Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations THE LAST WOLF, by MARY TALLMOUNTAIN Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: The last wolf hurried toward me Alternate Author Name(s): Randle, Mary Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations THE MEN: 1, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Today I saw black men Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations THE MEN: 2, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Our streets filled Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations THE MEN: 3, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When the world Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations THE MEN: 4, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Black men Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations THE MEN: 5, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The young men Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations THE NEW APARTMENT: MINNEAPOLIS, by LINDA HOGAN Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: The floorboards creak Subject(s): Antinuclear Movement; Environment; Ethnic Groups - United States; Memory; Minorities - United States; Native Americans; United States - Race Relations; Nuclear Freeze; Environmental Protection; Ecology; Conservation; Indians Of America; American Indians THE TRUTH IS, by LINDA HOGAN Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: In my left pocket a chickasaw hand Subject(s): Antinuclear Movement; Environment; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Native Americans; United States - Race Relations; Women; Nuclear Freeze; Environmental Protection; Ecology; Conservation; Indians Of America; American Indians; THE WOMAN HANGING FROM THE THIRTEENTH FLOOR WINDOW, by JOY HARJO Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She is the woman hanging from the 13th floor Last Line: Climbs back up to claim herself again Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Gays & Lesbians; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Homoeroticism; Lesbians; Gay Women; Gay Men THEY DIDN'T GET ME, by ALMA LUZ VILLANUEVA Poem Source Poet's Biography Last Line: All on its own %and I'm amazed Variant Title(s): They Didn't Get M Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations THIRTY AND FIVE BOOKS, by MYUNG MI KIM Poem Source First Line: Never having been here when the sun rose Last Line: All harmonics sound Subject(s): Aliens; Ethnic Groups - United States; Korea; Labor And Laborers; Navigation; Travel; U.s. - Immigration And Emigration THREE GYPSIES, by SHALIN HAI-JEW Poem Source First Line: Blancing on oriental spike heels Last Line: He turns to watch this parade of gypsies Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations TO H. N., by DAVID MURA Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: It is always easy to sentimentalize old lovers. They are distant Last Line: You're probably indifferent. Which is just as well Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations TO HELL AND BACK, WITH CAKE, by SAFIYA HENDERSON-HOLMES Poem Source First Line: It was spring, saturday Last Line: But holding my breath Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations TO JESUS VILLANUEVA, WITH LOVE, by ALMA LUZ VILLANUEVA Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: My first vivid memory of you Last Line: Enough. Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Fathers; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations TODAY WAS A BAD DAY LIKE TB, by UNKNOWN+183 Poem Source First Line: Saw whites clap during a sacred dance Last Line: All that comes %is blood & spit Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations TODAY WE WILL NOT BE INVISIBLE NOR SILENT, by VICTORIA LENA MANYARROWS Poem Source Last Line: And in all the earth and rivers of the americas Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations TRANSLATED FROM THE AMERICAN, by SHERMAN ALEXIE Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: After all the drive-in theaters have closed Last Line: I'll give them exa t directions Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations TRANSLATED FROM THE AMERICAN, by SHERMAN ALEXIE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: After all the drive-in theaters have closed Last Line: I'll give them exact directions Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations TRAVELS IN THE SOUTH: 1. EAST TEXAS, by SIMON J. ORTIZ Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I left the alabama-coushatta people Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations TRAVELS IN THE SOUTH: 1. EAST TEXAS, by SIMON J. ORTIZ Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I left the alabama-coushatta people Last Line: It would be the morning, the sun Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations TRAVELS IN THE SOUTH: 2. THE CREEK NATION EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI, by SIMON J. ORTIZ Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Once, in a story, I wrote that indians are everywhere Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations TRAVELS IN THE SOUTH: 2. THE CREEK NATION EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI, by SIMON J. ORTIZ Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Once, in a story, I wrote that indians are everywhere Last Line: No stopping except in case of emergency %and hugged a tree Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations TRAVELS IN THE SOUTH: 3. CROSSING THE GEORGIA BORDER INTO FLORIDA, by SIMON J. ORTIZ Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I worried about my hair, kept my car locked Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations TRAVELS IN THE SOUTH: 3. CROSSING THE GEORGIA BORDER INTO FLORIDA, by SIMON J. ORTIZ Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I worried about my hair, kept my car locked Last Line: And I didn't blame them Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations TRUTH IS, by LINDA HOGAN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: In my left pocket a chickasaw hand Last Line: The left shoe %and the right one with its white foot Subject(s): Antinuclear Movement; Environment; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Native Americans; U.s. - Race Relations; Women TWO GRANDMAS, by STANLEY H. BARKAN Poem Source First Line: One grandma %I knew Last Line: Cooking, singing: %'alein, alein - %alles far miene kinder Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations TYRONE (4), by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We made it through the swamps Last Line: Tyrone %is Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; U.s. - Race Relations UNDRESSING AUNT FRIEDA, by RICHARD MICHELSON Poem Source First Line: Undressing aunt frieda, I think of how Last Line: I lift her gently, hoping she'll sleep %the hour drive home Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945); Jews; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations UNTITLED BLUES, by YUSEF KOMUNYAKAA Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: I catch myself trying Last Line: Where your skin %is your passport Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, James Willie, Jr. Subject(s): African Americans; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations UPKEEP, by MIRIAM GOODMAN Poem Source First Line: My father died of a heart attack Last Line: Same as the day before Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations UPSIDE DOWN BASKET, by ALAN CHONG LAU Poem Source First Line: My grandmother %rakes up chicken shit Last Line: We drink gallons %of lemonade Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations VISION (2), by SHERMAN ALEXIE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: No money for lunch so I rode an elevator to the top of the onb Last Line: Voice or his song. %extras, we're all extras Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations WALKING BY THE CLIFFSIDE DYEWORKS, by ROBERT CARNEVALE Poem Source First Line: Even the dark end of belmont avenue Last Line: To tell them it's ten after two Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations WE ARE AMERICANS NOW, WE LIVE IN THE TUNDRA, by MARILYN MEI LING CHIN Poet's Biography First Line: Today in hazy san francisco, I face seaward Alternate Author Name(s): Chin, Marilyn Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Dissenters; Ethnic Groups - United States; Exiles; Marginality, Social; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Estrangement; Outcasts WE ARE AMERICANS NOW, WE LIVE IN THE TUNDRA, by MARILYN MEI LING CHIN Poem Source Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Today in hazy san francisco, I face seaward Last Line: Hide your daughters, lock your doors Alternate Author Name(s): Chin, Marilyn Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Dissenters; Ethnic Groups - United States; Exiles; Marginality, Social; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations WE EXIST, by HELEN BAROLINI Poem Source First Line: Indians must be the loneliest people on earth Last Line: Which say we exist Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations WE NEVER STOPPED CROSSING BORDERS, by LUIS J. RODRIGUEZ Poem Source First Line: We never stopped crossing borders. The rio grande (or rio Last Line: The refrain 'this is not your country' echoed for a lifetime Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations WELCOME, by DAVID HERNANDEZ Poem Source First Line: When I was little and brown Last Line: Chicago wind %slapped my face Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE A BLACK GIRL, by PATRICIA M. SMITH Poem Source First Line: First of all, it's being nine years old and Last Line: Were teaching me what it meant to be a black girl Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations WHAT THE GYPSY SAID TO HER CHILDREN, by JUDITH ORTIZ COFER Poem Source First Line: We are like the dead, %invisible to those Last Line: Out of the granite of their hatred, %with our own brown hands Variant Title(s): The Birthplace: What The Gypsy Said To Her Childre Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations WHAT WERE YOU PATCHING?, by RUTH LISA SCHECHTER Poem Source First Line: Needling %threading nighttime sewing machine Last Line: Ma/ma what were you patching Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations WHAT WOULD I DO WHITE?, by JUNE JORDAN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: I would do nothing. %that would be enough Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations WHEN I FIRST SAW SNOW, by GREGORY DJANIKIAN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Bing crosby was singing 'white christmas' Last Line: I was falling deeply into america Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations WHEN I WAS GROWING UP, by NELLIE WONG Poem Source First Line: I know now that once I longed to be white Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations WHEN MY GRANDMOTHER SAID 'PUSSY', by CAROLE BERNSTEIN Poem Source First Line: It was when we were living Last Line: Against all that was trying, and would try, %to claim my attention and consume me Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations WHERE IS MY COUNTRY?, by NELLIE WONG Poem Source Last Line: Where is my country? %where does it lie Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations WHY I DON'T SPEAK ITALIAN, by ARTHUR L. CLEMENTS Poem Source First Line: God knows, teaching the renaissance I could use it Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations WINGFOOT LAKE, by RITA DOVE Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: On her 36th birthday, thomas had shown her Last Line: Under the company symbol, a white foot / sprouting two small wings Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Swimming & Swimmers; United States - Race Relations WINGFOOT LAKE, by RITA DOVE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: On her 36th birthday, thomas had shown her Last Line: Under the company symbol, a white foot %sprouting two small wings Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Swimming; U.s. - Race Relations WINNINGS, by GARRETT KAORU HONGO Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: It's gardena, late saturday afternoon Last Line: In a brief symphony of candied light Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations WIRED IN, by LAMONT B. STEPTOE Poem Source First Line: My entire life %has been spent Last Line: The nature of %captivity %or madness Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations WOMAN HANGING FROM THE THIRTEENTH FLOOR WINDOW, by JOY HARJO Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She is the woman hanging from the 13th floor Last Line: Window on the east side of chicago, or as she %climbs back up to claim herself again Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Homosexuality; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations WOMEN, by CYRUS CURTIS CASSELLS Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: My cotton shirts float on the line Last Line: A childhood of breezes by the yard Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations WOOLWORTHS, by LAURA TOHE Poem Source First Line: Went to woolworths Last Line: We ducked out of there %and fled on the first bus back to the indian school Subject(s): Culture Conflict; Ethnic Groups - United States; Native Americans - Children; Racism YAHRTZEIT LIGHT, by LYN DIANE LIFSHIN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Dusty, with some skeletons of Last Line: Mother's cheeks are caverns %no light fills Alternate Author Name(s): Lifshin, Lyn Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations YOUTH, by SAMUEL DUFF MCCOY Poem Text First Line: You say new york is lovelier than ever? Last Line: But, oh, how gay it was! What prophecies! Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Food & Eating; New York City; Restaurants; Youth; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple; Cafes; Diners YUBA CITY SCHOOL, by CHITRA BANERJEE DIVAKARUNI Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: From the black trunk I shake out Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Ethnic Groups - United States; Exiles; India; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Estrangement; Outcasts YUBA CITY SCHOOL, by CHITRA BANERJEE DIVAKARUNI Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: From the black trunk I shake out Last Line: From me, nail shut my lips. My son %will keep sitting in the last row %among the red words that drin Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Ethnic Groups - United States; Exiles; India; Minorities - United States; U.s. - Race Relations |
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