Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

June Jordan’s “Poem for a Young Poet” is a heartfelt exploration of connection, identity, and the search for belonging. Through this poem, Jordan delves into the human need to find a place or a person to belong to, a need that transcends superficial categorizations of race, gender, or nationality.

The poem begins with an acknowledgment of a universal quest for belonging, a search that many people embark on throughout their lives. Jordan contrasts this common pursuit with her own approach, stating that she seeks connection through personal interactions: "I look instead / into the eyes of anyone / who talks to me." This statement sets the tone for the poem, emphasizing the importance of direct, human connection over abstract concepts of belonging.

Jordan’s search is not for a specific place or group, but for a “face to believe and belong to,” a living, breathing individual who can provide a sense of connection and reality. She describes the elements of this face—a loosening mask, a voice, ears, and a consciousness breathing through a visible nose—highlighting the tangible, physical aspects of human interaction. This focus on the physical attributes of a person underscores the poem’s theme of seeking genuine, personal connections.

As the poem progresses, Jordan elaborates on her method of connecting with the world, describing how she travels through life by noticing the unique features of the people she encounters: “noticing the colors of a cheek / the curvature of brow / and the public declarations / of two lips.” This attentiveness to detail suggests a deep appreciation for the individuality of others and a rejection of generalized or stereotypical views.

Jordan deliberately avoids specifying any particular gender, ethnicity, or nationality, reinforcing the idea that true connection transcends these superficial distinctions. Instead, she focuses on what she terms “the opposite of fear / or dread,” a genuine engagement with another person that inspires trust and openness.

The poem then shifts to a more intimate and personal tone, as Jordan describes a morning scene filled with natural beauty and the presence of a lover: “one morning / and the birdsong and the dew-struck honeysuckle blending / invitations to dislodge / my fingers tangling with my sunlit / lover’s hair.” This idyllic imagery serves as a contrast to the harsher realities of the world, suggesting that moments of beauty and connection can provide solace and meaning.

Jordan acknowledges the darker aspects of human existence, including genocide, abandonment, and the dehumanizing effects of modern technology. She describes the "narcoleptic/antiseptic / chalk streaks / in the sky" and the "cold above the valley / of the shadow of unpardonable / tiny / tiny / tiny / this breathing and that breath / and then / that and that / that death," evoking a sense of the pervasive threats to human connection and empathy. Despite these challenges, Jordan remains committed to her search for meaningful interaction.

The poem concludes with a reaffirmation of Jordan’s quest: "I search a face / for obstacles to genocide / I search beyond the dead / and driven by imperfect visions / of the living." This closing emphasizes her determination to find and foster connections that can challenge and resist the forces of dehumanization and violence.

“Poem for a Young Poet” is a poignant meditation on the importance of personal connection in a world that often feels fragmented and disconnected. Jordan’s emphasis on the physical, tangible aspects of human interaction underscores her belief in the power of individual relationships to provide a sense of belonging and to counteract the larger, impersonal forces of division and alienation. Through her vivid imagery and heartfelt expressions, Jordan offers a powerful message about the enduring human need for connection and the transformative potential of genuine engagement with others.

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