Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

June Jordan's "Something Like a Sonnet for Phillis Miracle Wheatley" is a poignant and richly layered tribute to Phillis Wheatley, the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry. The poem captures the complexity of Wheatley's life and achievements, reflecting on her journey from enslavement to literary fame.

The opening lines, "Girl from the realm of birds florid and fleet / flying full feather in far or near weather," set a tone of admiration and grace. Jordan envisions Wheatley as a bird, a symbol of freedom and beauty, capable of traversing different realms with ease. This imagery contrasts sharply with Wheatley's reality, as the next lines reveal her harsh transition: "Who fell to a dollar lust coffled like meat / Captured by avarice and hate spit together." Here, Jordan underscores the brutality of Wheatley's enslavement, emphasizing the dehumanizing forces of greed and racism that sought to reduce her to mere property.

The poem continues to highlight the isolation and vulnerability Wheatley experienced: "Trembling asthmatic alone on the slave block / built by a savagery travelling by carriage / viewed like a species of flaw in the livestock." These lines evoke the terror and dehumanization of the slave auction, where Wheatley was treated as a commodity. The mention of her asthma adds a personal and painful detail, emphasizing her fragility and humanity in the face of such cruelty.

Despite these overwhelming challenges, Wheatley was "Chosen by whimsy but born to surprise." This line speaks to the arbitrary nature of her situation—chosen by her enslavers on a whim, yet possessing a surprising and extraordinary talent. The poem acknowledges the education she received: "They taught you to read but you learned how to write / Begging the universe into your eyes." While Wheatley's literacy was initially a tool for her enslavers' purposes, she transcended their intentions by using her skills to create poetry that implored for justice and understanding.

Jordan's admiration for Wheatley's intellectual and creative resilience is clear in the line, "They dressed you in light but you dreamed with the night." Wheatley was outwardly adorned and presented in a certain way by her owners, yet she harbored her own deep, personal dreams and insights, often expressed in her writing.

The poem concludes with a recognition of Wheatley's lasting impact: "From Africa singing of justice and grace, / Your early verse sweetens the fame of our Race." Jordan honors Wheatley's African heritage and her contributions to the fight for justice and equality. Wheatley's poetry, borne out of her unique and painful experiences, enriches the cultural and historical narrative of African Americans.

In "Something Like a Sonnet for Phillis Miracle Wheatley," June Jordan masterfully captures the dualities of Wheatley's life—the freedom of her spirit against the constraints of her enslavement, her extraordinary achievements against the backdrop of her exploitation. Jordan's tribute is both a celebration of Wheatley's enduring legacy and a somber reminder of the injustices she endured. Through evocative imagery and lyrical language, Jordan ensures that Wheatley's voice continues to resonate, sweetening the fame of her race with her profound and timeless verse.

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