Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Poem #10" by Sonia Sanchez is an introspective and tender exploration of love, presence, and the journey toward self-awareness. The poem speaks to the persistence of a love that has been a constant companion through the speaker's life, even when unnoticed or unrecognized. Through rich imagery and repetition, Sanchez conveys the complexity of relationships and the hope for continued companionship.

The poem opens with the line "you keep saying you were always there," immediately establishing a dialogue between the speaker and an unseen interlocutor, presumably a lover or a significant other. This repeated assertion of presence suggests a reassurance or a reminder, indicating that the speaker may have been unaware or forgetful of this love's constancy.

The imagery of "the wings of a pale green butterfly" evokes a sense of delicacy and transformation, as butterflies are often symbols of change and growth. The idea of riding "across san francisco’s hills" while touching the speaker's hair adds a magical, ethereal quality to the memory. The setting in San Francisco, known for its picturesque landscapes and steep hills, enhances the sense of journey and exploration. The phrase "as i caressed / a child called militancy" introduces a complex juxtaposition. The "child called militancy" could symbolize a period of the speaker's life characterized by activism, struggle, or a strong-willed nature. The delicate touch of the butterfly contrasts with the concept of militancy, suggesting a softening influence or a nurturing presence in the midst of intensity.

The repetition of "you keep saying you were always there" serves as a refrain, reinforcing the theme of enduring presence. The poem continues with the imagery of holding "my small hand / as I walked / unbending Indiana streets i could not see around." This metaphor of navigating life’s uncertain paths with a guiding hand suggests support and guidance. The "unbending Indiana streets" imply rigidity or challenges that the speaker faced, with the inability to "see around" them indicating a lack of foresight or clarity.

The poem then describes the beloved growing "a black mountain / of curves," which the speaker turns towards and becomes "soft again." The metaphor of a "black mountain of curves" is rich with meaning, potentially symbolizing the physical and emotional allure of the beloved, as well as the nurturing and grounding qualities they possess. The speaker's transformation into softness upon turning to this mountain suggests a surrender to vulnerability and tenderness, a contrast to the earlier depiction of militancy.

As the poem progresses, Sanchez employs the motif of music and dreams, with the line "repeating my name softly / as i slept in / slow Pittsburgh blues." The "slow Pittsburgh blues" evoke a melancholic, reflective mood, with the repetition of the speaker's name suggesting a soothing, intimate connection. The imagery of "sweat nite dreams that danced / and danced until morning" conveys a sense of restlessness and passion, with dreams taking on a vivid, almost tangible quality. The "morning / rained yo/red delirium" paints a picture of intense emotions spilling over into the waking hours, with "yo/red" perhaps merging "your" with "red," symbolizing a shared, intense experience.

The poem's concluding lines, "you keep saying you were always there / you keep saying you were always there / will you stay love / now that I am here????" encapsulate the speaker's realization and acceptance of the beloved's constant presence. The repetition emphasizes the affirmation of love's endurance, while the final question reveals vulnerability and a desire for assurance. The speaker, having arrived at a place of awareness and recognition, seeks confirmation that this love will continue now that they are fully present and receptive.

"Poem #10" by Sonia Sanchez is a meditation on love's persistence and the journey toward recognizing and appreciating it. The poem's lyrical quality and vivid imagery capture the complexities of emotion, the interplay of strength and softness, and the longing for enduring companionship. Through its tender and reflective tone, the poem resonates with the universal experience of seeking and finding love that transcends time and circumstance.

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