Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"To Anita" is a poem by Sonia Sanchez, an American poet, playwright, and activist. The poem is a tribute to Anita Scott Coleman, a visual artist and friend of Sanchez who passed away in 1985. It  was first published in 1982 in a chapbook titled "To Anita, with Love." It was later included in her collection of poems titled "Homegirls and Handgrenades," which was published in 1984.

Explanation:

The poem is a heartfelt and intimate reflection on the life and legacy of Anita Scott Coleman, and the impact that she had on those around her. Sanchez uses a range of poetic elements, including imagery, metaphor, and repetition, to convey her feelings of loss and admiration for Coleman.

The poem begins with an image of "little black girls" who "walked through [Coleman's] paintings," suggesting the power and beauty of her artwork, and the impact that it had on the people who saw it. Sanchez goes on to describe Coleman as a "woman of valor" who had a profound impact on her community, and who was deeply committed to social justice and equality.

Throughout the poem, Sanchez emphasizes the importance of remembering and honoring the contributions of those who have come before us, and the responsibility that we have to continue their work and legacy.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in free verse, without a specific rhyme scheme or meter. This allows Sanchez to experiment with the structure of the poem and to convey a sense of intimacy and personal reflection.
• Imagery: Sanchez uses vivid and evocative imagery throughout the poem, drawing on the visual language of Coleman's artwork to suggest the power and beauty of her legacy.
• Metaphor: Sanchez employs metaphorical language to explore deeper themes of loss, remembrance, and social justice, comparing Coleman to a "tree" whose branches reach out to future generations.
• Repetition: Sanchez uses repetition throughout the poem, particularly in the phrase "little black girls," to emphasize the importance of Coleman's impact on her community and on future generations.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is intimate and reflective, with a sense of sadness and loss, but also a strong sense of admiration and respect for Coleman and her legacy.

Summary:

"To Anita" is a powerful and deeply personal tribute to the life and legacy of Anita Scott Coleman. Through her use of poetic elements such as imagery, metaphor, and repetition, Sonia Sanchez conveys a sense of admiration and respect for Coleman's contributions to her community and to the struggle for social justice and equality. The poem is a reminder of the importance of honoring the contributions of those who have come before us, and of the responsibility that we have to continue their work and legacy.

Poem Snippet:

"little black girls

walked through your paintings

and learned

to fly beyond their wings"

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Anita Scott Coleman was an African-American visual artist and educator who was born in Philadelphia in 1936 and died in 1985. She was known for her abstract paintings, which often featured vibrant colors and organic shapes. Coleman was also an important community activist and advocate for social justice, particularly in the areas of education and the arts. She was a friend and collaborator of Sonia Sanchez, and the two artists shared a deep commitment to social justice and equality