Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"On the Turning Up of Unidentified Black Female Corpses" by Toi Derricotte is a haunting and powerful poem that confronts the disturbing reality of violence against black women in America. Through vivid imagery and a narrative that oscillates between personal and collective experiences, Derricotte brings to light the systemic neglect and devaluation of black women's lives. The poem not only mourns the loss of these women but also critiques a society that allows such atrocities to continue with impunity.

The poem opens with a chilling scene: a man, while mowing his fields, discovers the body of a black woman, initially mistaking it for a mannequin. This mistake underscores the dehumanization of the victim, a theme that permeates the poem. The medics’ use of pitchforks to handle her body further illustrates the lack of dignity afforded to her in death, an indignity that extends to the investigation and media coverage of such crimes.

Derricotte draws attention to the anonymity and invisibility of the victims, whose deaths are often unremarked and unmourned by the wider society. The repeated imagery of black women's bodies being found "in weedy fields, off highways, pushed out in plastic bags" serves as a grim reminder of the frequency and brutality of these killings. The poet asks, "How many black women have been turned up to stare at us blankly," emphasizing the collective disregard for these women's lives and deaths.

The reference to a "gruesome face" on TV and the lack of public recognition or outcry highlights the societal desensitization to the violence faced by black women. Derricotte points to the racial disparity in the attention and resources allocated to solving crimes, especially when the victims are women of color. The rhetorical question about the response if the victims were white women underscores the racial injustice inherent in the system.

Derricotte's personal reflection on her vulnerability as a black woman adds a layer of intimacy and urgency to the poem. The realization that "there is a question being asked about my life" brings the issue closer to the reader, making it not just a news item but a palpable threat to the poet's own existence. Her acknowledgment of the fear and the measures she takes to protect herself highlight the constant state of vigilance required to navigate a world that seems indifferent to her safety.

The poem concludes with a powerful contrast between the desire to disappear, to be swallowed by the earth, and the resolve to speak out, to "turn my sad black face to the light." This act of writing, of bearing witness through poetry, is presented as a form of resistance and survival. By giving voice to the voiceless and shining a light on the overlooked atrocities committed against black women, Derricotte asserts her presence and affirms the value of black women's lives.

"On the Turning Up of Unidentified Black Female Corpses" is a poignant and incisive commentary on race, gender, and violence. Through its stark imagery and emotional depth, the poem demands recognition and justice for the victims and calls on society to confront and address the systemic issues that perpetuate such violence.

POEM TEXT: https://persimmontree.org/fall-2007/eleven-poems/

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