Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Claudia Rankine is a contemporary poet and playwright known for her works that explore issues of race, gender, and identity. "After David Hammons" is a poem that reflects on the work of artist David Hammons, particularly his use of found objects and materials in his sculptures.

Explanation:

The poem is structured in two parts, with the first part describing a scene of a child playing with a toy truck made from a discarded soup can, and the second part exploring the implications of this image. In the first part, the speaker observes the child "dragging a can / behind him" and notes the "grind" and "spark" of the can against the pavement. The speaker also notes the child's "smile" and "his pride" in the toy truck.

In the second part, the speaker reflects on the significance of the child's play, and connects it to the work of David Hammons. The speaker notes that "found things" can be "turned into / someone's treasure," and that Hammons "lifts the hood / on a used car" to reveal its hidden beauty. The speaker suggests that this process of transformation is a form of resistance against a world that discards and devalues certain people and things. The poem ends with the line "this is living," suggesting that this process of reclamation and transformation is a vital aspect of life.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in free verse, without a regular rhyme or meter. The poem is divided into two parts, each with its own internal structure.
• Imagery: The poem uses vivid imagery to create a sense of the scene and the objects described, such as the "grind" and "spark" of the can against the pavement, and the "smile" and "pride" of the child.
• Allusion: The poem alludes to the work of artist David Hammons, specifically his use of found objects and materials in his sculptures.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is contemplative and reflective, as the speaker considers the implications of the scene described.

Conclusion:

In "After David Hammons," Claudia Rankine uses vivid imagery and allusion to explore the process of reclaiming and transforming discarded objects and materials. The poem suggests that this process of transformation is a form of resistance against a world that devalues certain people and things, and is a vital aspect of living. The poem's contemplative tone invites the reader to consider the implications of this process in their own lives.

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