Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Sterling Allen Brown was an African American poet and literary critic who lived from 1901 to 1989. "Old Lem" was published in 1932, during a time when racial segregation and discrimination were pervasive in the American South. The poem reflects on the legacy of slavery and the ongoing struggle for racial equality.

Content: 

"Old Lem" is a haunting and evocative poem that reflects on the legacy of slavery in America. scheme. The poem begins with the speaker describing the titular character, Old Lem, as an elderly former slave who is now living in poverty. The speaker then reflects on the legacy of slavery, describing the brutal conditions and dehumanizing treatment that enslaved people were subjected to. The final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as the speaker suggests that the legacy of slavery still haunts America, and that the struggle for racial equality continues.

Form: The poem is structured in five stanzas, each with six lines, and uses a consistent ABCCBA rhyme. The poem's form is characterized by its consistent rhyme scheme and six-line stanzas, which create a sense of structure and order in the poem. The use of imagery, such as the description of Old Lem's "ragged coat" and "battered hat", helps to create a sense of atmosphere and mood.

Poetic Elements:

 The poem employs several poetic devices, including metaphor, imagery, and allusion. The comparison of Old Lem's life to a "patch of weeds" creates a sense of hopelessness and despair, while the reference to the "drumming of guns" alludes to the violence and bloodshed that characterized the struggle for racial equality.

Summary: 

"Old Lem" is a powerful and poignant reflection on the legacy of slavery in America and the ongoing struggle for racial equality. The poem's use of vivid imagery and metaphor helps to convey the dehumanizing conditions of slavery, while also exposing the ongoing impact of racism and discrimination in American society. The final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the legacy of slavery is still felt today, and that the struggle for racial equality is ongoing. Overall, the poem is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality.

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