Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Elegy (For 'MOVE' and Philadelphia)" by Sonia Sanchez is a poignant and powerful reflection on the tragic events surrounding the MOVE bombing in Philadelphia in 1985. The poem captures the complex interplay of historical, social, and racial dynamics that characterized the incident, using evocative imagery and a haunting tone to convey a deep sense of loss and injustice.

The poem begins with a description of Philadelphia, characterizing it as "a disguised southern city squatting in the eastern pass of colleges cathedrals and cowboys." This depiction suggests a city with a dual identity, caught between its progressive façade and underlying conservative or oppressive tendencies. The reference to "colleges cathedrals and cowboys" juxtaposes institutions of learning and spirituality with a rugged, frontier-like mentality, hinting at a city steeped in contradictions. Philadelphia is further described as "a phalanx of parsons and auctioneers," which evokes an image of moral and commercial authority figures. The phrase "modern gladiators / erasing the delirium of death from their shields" suggests a community engaged in a struggle, attempting to sanitize or forget the violence and death that has occurred.

In the second section, the poem shifts to a more direct and visceral account of the tragedy: "c'mon girl hurry on down to osage st / they're roasting in the fire smell the dreadlocks and blk/skins roasting in the." The urgent and fragmented language mirrors the chaos and horror of the event, where members of the MOVE organization, a Black liberation group, were killed in a police operation that resulted in a devastating fire. The repetition of "c'mon" emphasizes a call to witness the atrocity, while "newsmen and tmen" alludes to the media and authorities descending upon the scene. The use of "roasting" starkly conveys the brutal reality of the fire that engulfed the MOVE members, with "dreadlocks and blk/skins" specifically highlighting the racial dimension of the violence. The phrase "chloroformed the city" suggests an attempt to numb or suppress the collective consciousness of the city, while "stitched up your words" implies efforts to control the narrative or minimize the tragedy. The line "the blood is not yet dry" underscores the fresh and unresolved nature of the violence, leaving an indelible stain on the city's conscience.

The poem concludes with a powerful and enigmatic question: "how does one scream in thunder?" This final line captures the overwhelming sense of helplessness and rage that accompanies such a catastrophic event. The metaphor of "thunder" suggests a force of nature, something powerful and uncontrollable, while the act of "screaming" implies a desperate attempt to be heard amidst the noise and chaos. The question conveys the difficulty of expressing grief and outrage in the face of such a profound and destructive incident, where the magnitude of the violence seems to dwarf any possible response.

"Elegy (For 'MOVE' and Philadelphia)" is a deeply moving and critical reflection on a specific historical event, highlighting broader themes of racial injustice, state violence, and the struggle for truth and recognition. Sanchez's use of vivid imagery and evocative language powerfully conveys the emotional and moral complexities of the situation, making the poem not only a lament for the victims but also a call to remember and confront the uncomfortable truths about systemic oppression and violence.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...