What does "your passages have been paid" from On the Pulse of Morning poem mean?
"Here, root yourselves beside me. I am that Tree planted by the River,
Which will not be moved
I, the Rock, I the River, I the Tree I am yours, your passages have been paid."
Those who came before us have made our life more rewarding.
In the poem "On the Pulse of Morning" by Maya Angelou, the line "I am yours, your passages have been paid" is a metaphorical statement that carries a deeper meaning.
To understand the meaning of this line, we must first look at the preceding verses: "Here, root yourselves beside me. I am that Tree planted by the River, Which will not be moved. I, the Rock, I the River, I the Tree..."
In these lines, the speaker describes themselves as a solid, unchanging presence - a tree planted firmly by the river. This imagery represents stability, strength, and permanence.
When the speaker says, "I am yours, your passages have been paid," they are extending an invitation for others to join them, to find a sense of belonging and stability. The phrase "your passages" refers to the journeys or experiences of the listeners, symbolic of the paths they have or will go through in life.
By saying "your passages have been paid," the speaker implies that the listeners' journey to find strength, stability, and a sense of belonging has already been taken care of. It suggests that they do not need to go through these struggles alone because the speaker, as the symbol of strength and stability, is offering their support and resources to help them navigate their way.
Overall, the line embodies a message of inclusivity, support, and unity. It encourages individuals to seek solace and strength in the speaker, who represents a steadfast foundation amidst life's challenges.