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"my dreams my works must wait till after hell"-poem, emotive poem, Gwendolyn Brooks, poem on hopes and dreams, poems, poet, poetry, symbolism in poetry
The works of Pulitzer Prize winning poet,
Gwendolyn Brooks
are rich in symbolic language-
which she employs with vigorous bounce.
Her poems provoke the reader to reconsider meanings
of pieces previously perused.
Thus is the power of her talent.
…
Her writings are of life’s circumstances:
expectations, disappointments, longings,
decisions made- some good, some not so.
Written in a real voice, of a steady hand-
her poems are thoughtful, heartfelt, believable, courageous.
…
I have “befriended” works by Gwendolyn Brooks,
which I periodically revisit.
I have made some new acquaintances,
from which is received either
a measure of insight, joy, contemplation or solace.
…
F. L., thank you for “introducing” me to Gwendolyn Brooks,
all those many years ago.
…
my dreams, my works, must wait till after hell
I hold my honey and I store my bread
In little jars and cabinets of my will.
I label clearly, and each latch and lid
I bid, Be firm till I return from hell.
I am very hungry. I am incomplete.
And none can tell when I may dine again.
No man can give me any word but Wait,
The puny light. I keep eyes pointed in;
Hoping that, when the devil days of my hurt
Drag out to their last dregs and I resume
On such legs as are left me, in such heart
As I can manage, remember to go home,
My taste will not have turned insensitive
To honey and bread old purity could love.
…
(image from lubbockonline.com):
Gwendolyn Brooks
(1917 – 2000)
Poet. Teacher. Mentor.
Pulitzer Prize Recipient for Poetry, 1950
(Ms. Brooks was the first Black American to receive this honour)
Poet Laureate of Illinois, 1968
Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress, 1985
…
