I'm trying to understand the meaning of Tom Dent's poem "secret messages" (for Danny Barker). What is he trying to say? I'm thinking in the first stanza, the rain is washing away the past and "bad" history of blk mammies chained to praline shops, but past that, I'm just not getting it. Any help would be appreciated. thanks
I've never read this work, but I found this via Google:
"The late civil rights leader and poet Tom Dent associated water with images of evil, such as "riversnake," and bad history such as "...stuffed black mammies chained to Royal St. praline shops..." in his poem "Secret Messages," a blues ballad to jazz immortal Danny Barker."
http://www.worldcat.org/wcpa/servlet/DCARead?standardNo=0743293126&standardNoType=1&excerpt=true
To understand the meaning of a poem, it is important to analyze various elements and interpret them in the context of the poet's background and style. Although I don't have access to the specific poem "secret messages" (for Danny Barker) by Tom Dent, I can provide you with some general tips on how to understand and interpret a poem:
1. Read the poem multiple times: Poetry often carries multiple layers of meaning, and reading it repeatedly can help you uncover hidden messages or symbolism.
2. Consider the title: The title of a poem can offer valuable insights into its overall theme or subject matter. Sometimes, it may contain clues to unravel the poet's intended message.
3. Examine the structure: Pay attention to the poem's structure, such as its number of stanzas, rhyme scheme, or patterns. These elements may hold significance and can contribute to understanding the poem's intended message.
4. Analyze the imagery and language: Poets often use vivid and symbolic imagery, as well as figurative language like metaphor and simile, to convey their ideas. Look for recurring images or metaphors that might suggest deeper meanings.
5. Consider the historical or cultural context: Understanding the historical or cultural background in which a poem was written can provide valuable context for interpretation. Explore the poet's life, influences, and the time period during which the poem was written.
6. Research the poet's background and style: Learning about the poet's background, their other works, and their individual style can help you discern recurring themes or motifs that may be present in the poem you are analyzing.
By following these steps and applying them to the specific poem "secret messages" (for Danny Barker) by Tom Dent, you can develop a deeper understanding of the poem and potentially uncover the poet's intended message.