Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

June Jordan's "Poem for South African Women" commemorates the bravery and resilience of the 40,000 women and children who protested against the "dompass" in apartheid South Africa on August 9, 1956. This powerful piece, presented at the United Nations in 1978, is a tribute to their courage and a call to collective action and solidarity.

The poem opens with a vivid image of the sheer magnitude of the protest: "Our own shadows disappear as the feet of thousands / by the tens of thousands pound the fallow land / into new dust." This imagery underscores the unity and strength of the women as they march, their collective presence so powerful it transforms the landscape into a fertile ground for change. The "marvelous pollen" symbolizes the potential for growth and renewal born from their struggle, echoing the life-giving force of the first woman who "made / for righteous fruit" through her "deliberate defense of life."

Jordan deftly intertwines the personal and the universal, drawing a connection between the whispers of these women and the "innermost ear of every spirit." These whispers, intimate yet powerful, "carousing in ferocious affirmation / of all peaceable and loving amplitude," signify a shared sense of purpose and determination that transcends individual experiences. The imagery of "a baptismal smoke where yes / there will be fire" evokes a sense of purification and transformation, suggesting that their struggle, though arduous, will ultimately lead to a righteous and profound change.

The poem shifts focus to the maternal figures within the protest: "And the babies cease alarm as mothers / raising arms / and heart high as the stars so far unseen." This portrayal of mothers elevates them to celestial beings, their love and determination as bright and guiding as the stars. The act of hurling "into the universe / a moving force / irreversible as light years" underscores the far-reaching and enduring impact of their actions, suggesting that their bravery will resonate through time and space, inspiring future generations.

In the final stanza, Jordan calls for solidarity and collective action: "And who will join this standing up / and the ones who stood without sweet company / will sing and sing." The repetition of "sing and sing" emphasizes the resilience and enduring spirit of those who continue to fight for justice, even in the face of isolation and hardship. The imagery of singing "back into the mountains and / if necessary / even under the sea" suggests that their song, a metaphor for their struggle, will persist and echo in every corner of the earth, defying all obstacles.

The concluding line, "we are the ones we have been waiting for," is a powerful affirmation of self-reliance and empowerment. It serves as a reminder that change comes from within and that the collective strength and determination of the women will lead to the justice and freedom they seek. This line encapsulates the essence of the poem, highlighting the importance of unity, courage, and self-belief in the fight against oppression.

"Poem for South African Women" is a profound tribute to the women who bravely stood against apartheid, capturing the essence of their struggle and the far-reaching impact of their actions. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, June Jordan honors their legacy and inspires continued resistance and solidarity in the face of injustice.

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