Suite101

A Sunset of the City


© Nichel Anderson

Jan 8, 2002



"A Poet Is Born"
Gwendolyn Brooks
Jun. 17, 1917 - Dec. 10, 2000


Born in Topeka, Kansas, Gwendolyn Brooks, a distinguished modern poet became a legend in her own wright. Gwendolyn was raised in Chicago, IL and having the wonderful advantages of being among the rising poetic individuals during her time. Gwendolyn's writings expoused the love for her heritage as well as being a woman of color.

She had her first book of poetry published in 1945 and gain high praised and notable recognition when she was awarded the Guggenheim Fellowships, in 1947. Gwendolyn Brooks was also the first African-American to be awarded a Pulitzer Prize for her phenomenal book of poetry titled Annie Allen. One in particular of her many exceptional books of poetry was "The Bean Eaters" which became influential to current and future generation of poetry lovers when it was published in 1960.

A reader can savor her selection of words on the page and the imagery that she creates is breathtaking to absorbed. I can hear Gwendolyn's mentor; Langston Hughes tone, voice, and style when reading her passages. Langston Hughes was the one that encouraged Gwendolyn to continue to pursue her love for poetry allowing future generations to treasure the legacy she left behind.

My review from the book of poetry The Bean Eaters which has 21 poems and short stories is the A Sunset of the City which is a short poetic story where Gwendolyn expouses a woman's self-love and finding her true identity. The imagery of Gwendoyln words of this woman allows your inner self to probe inward, in order to find out who you really are and how you truly connect to your surroundings.

For instance in the verse:

It is a real chill out,The genuine thing.
I am not decieved, I do not think it is still summer
Because sun stays and birds continue to sing

I envision an awareness of not only of the surroundings that I live in but of self. This is what I love and seek in poetry...I have to feel the words as well as read them.

Again, Gwendolyn shows her unique talent in catching you off guard but hugging you just the same in the following verse:

I am cold in this cold house this house
Whose washed echoes are tremulous down lost halls.
I am a woman, and dusty, standing among new affairs.
I am a woman who hurries through her prayers.

Here Gwendoyln provides me depth of self, spiritual feelings, and a sense of knowing the creaves that are constantly around...but still I am holding onto my dignity, courage, and of self.

Go To Page: 1 2


Post this Article to facebook Add this Article to del.icio.us! Digg this Article furl this Article Add this Article to Reddit Add this Article to Technorati Add this Article to Newsvine Add this Article to Windows Live Add this Article to Yahoo Add this Article to StumbleUpon Add this Article to BlinkLists Add this Article to Spurl Add this Article to Google Add this Article to Ask Add this Article to Squidoo

Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: View all related messages
8.   Feb 8, 2002 3:09 PM
In response to message posted by ladybaa:

Hi LadyBaa,

Thank you for reading up on one of Ms. Brooks outstanding poem. I l ...

-- posted by Nichel
7.   Jan 26, 2002 2:37 PM
Hi Nichel,

I really love Ms. Brooks' work. She had a way with words that brought out the very best in yourself. Great job on this review.

Ladybaa
A.K.A. Sweetness ...

-- posted by ladybaa
6.   Jan 13, 2002 8:52 AM
In response to message posted by Renie_Burghardt:

Hi Renie!

I am so happy that you enjoyed Gwendolyn Brooks inspiring poe ...

-- posted by Nichel
5.   Jan 13, 2002 6:01 AM
Hi Nichel, I have been a fan of Gwendolyn Brooks for years, and am so glad you chose to review her poetry. She has left behind a wonderful legacy, indeed. Thank you for the great review. Hope you a ...

-- posted by Renie_Burghardt
4.   Jan 8, 2002 4:11 PM
In response to message posted by Sunbear:

Hi Tom!

I love this poem as well. She has such talent and it is very evident th ...

-- posted by Nichel



Join the latest discussions

For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Nichel Anderson's Writing from Harlem topic, please visit the Discussions page.