Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"A Poem for Sterling Brown" by Sonia Sanchez is a tribute to the influential African American poet and folklorist Sterling A. Brown, known for his works that highlight the experiences and voices of African Americans. Sanchez's poem reflects on Brown's powerful use of language and his role as a cultural figure who has shaped and preserved the African American experience through his words.

The poem begins with a profound question: "what song shall i sing you amid epidemic prophecies where holy men bleed like water over the bones of black children?" This opening line sets a somber and reflective tone, addressing the ongoing struggles and suffering within the African American community. The imagery of "epidemic prophecies" and "holy men bleed like water" evokes a sense of widespread despair and the spiritual or moral decay affecting society. The reference to "the bones of black children" poignantly highlights the tragic loss and historical trauma experienced by the community.

Sanchez then asks, "how shall i call your name sitting priest/like on mountains raining incense scented dancer of the sun?" This metaphor positions Sterling Brown as a spiritual and cultural figure, akin to a priest or a sage, who sits atop metaphorical mountains. The "raining incense" suggests a ritualistic or reverent atmosphere, while "dancer of the sun" invokes an image of joy, celebration, and life-affirming energy. The phrase acknowledges Brown's role in bringing light and clarity through his art.

The poem further delves into the power of Brown's work, questioning, "where shall memory begin you overturning cradles rocking cemented eyes closed flowers opening like eastern deities under your hand?" Here, Sanchez illustrates the transformative nature of Brown's words and presence. The "overturning cradles" could symbolize a disruption of innocence or the awakening of consciousness. The "cemented eyes closed flowers" opening under Brown's influence metaphorically depicts the enlightening effect of his work, likening it to a spiritual awakening or the blossoming of understanding.

Sanchez describes Brown's words as "tall as palm/trees black with spit soothing the lacerated mind." The imagery of words being as tall as palm trees suggests a stature and resilience, while "black with spit" evokes the raw, unfiltered truth in Brown's language. These words have a healing quality, "soothing the lacerated mind," indicating their power to provide comfort and restoration to those who are mentally and emotionally wounded.

The poem concludes with a powerful depiction of Brown's linguistic artistry: "and your words. scratching the earth / carving dialect men into pyramids / where no minstrel songs / run from their thighs." This metaphor highlights Brown's role in elevating and dignifying the African American vernacular and experience. The act of "scratching the earth" suggests a deep, foundational work, while "carving dialect men into pyramids" indicates the creation of enduring, monumental structures out of the everyday language and stories of African Americans. The line "where no minstrel songs / run from their thighs" rejects the demeaning stereotypes often associated with African American culture, emphasizing the authenticity and dignity of Brown's work.

"A Poem for Sterling Brown" is a deeply respectful and evocative homage to a literary and cultural icon. Sonia Sanchez's poem celebrates Brown's contributions to African American literature and culture, acknowledging the healing, transformative power of his words. Through rich imagery and metaphor, the poem underscores the importance of preserving and honoring the authentic voices and experiences within the African American community, as exemplified by Sterling Brown's enduring legacy.

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