At first glance, Harlem Wine by Countee Cullen feels like a poem about moving forward while pushing through your fears. But I believe it means more than just that. When I read this poem I feel like it’s a wake-up call, something to inspire people not just to push through the fear of what can happen in their day-to-day life just for the color of their skin. But the fear of not embracing who they are and where they come from, like their music and dancing. At the very least not forget where they came from, “so it has ways to flow upon”. This message provokes an urge to preserve and share, not just with the people from your culture but with the world. Sharing the beautiful things of your culture’s past and present.
Page 660, By Countee Cullen, Harlem, Mecca of The New Negro 1925
The Black Finger, it’s probably not the middle one if Angelina Grimke is saying “a most beautiful thing”. I don’t believe there is a hidden message in this poem, it’s just beautiful. looking forward to what lies ahead for everyone, I don’t think she’s only talking to a black finger as she asks “are you black?”. maybe she was alluding to a future where the color of skin didn’t matter all that mattered is to keep looking forward. The imagery used in the poem is so vague yet direct, that it could be talking to anyone. All the writer wants to know “Why are you pointing upwards?”, Color of the skin isn’t very relevant just a part of the bigger picture.
Page 661, By Angelina Grimke, Harlem, Mecca of The New Negro 1925
Both of these poems have a similar message, phrased in different ways and with different audiences. “Harlem Wine” by Countee Cullen seems to be aimed at the African American audience who are becoming more independent and integrated into society, by telling them that it’s ok to move away from your roots as long as you honor and remember them and don’t abandon your past for your present. Angelina Grimke’s “The Black Finger” was a more general message to any that could read it, we look forward to the future for better days, and a stronger society. Both of these poems feel like they were perfect for then and now, a lot of things continue to change and stay the same but everyone can take something away from both of these wonderful pieces of art.
It’s important to hear a poem read aloud not only in your own voice but in someone else’s, it could reveal a hidden emotion you didn’t pick up on your read through it. or how it was meant to be read, pacing, pronunciation, and emphasis, I lack a high level of skill in poem reading when it comes to picking up the emotion the writer is trying to evoke so hearing someone can help a lot with the dissecting of the poem. Sometimes just getting a slightly different perspective can help inspire and promote great ideas from out of thin air.