CHRIST

CHURCH FOUNDATION SCHOOL

SIXTH FORM CAPE POETRY



Lorna Goodison’s Selected Poems (1955)

Poem Summaries created by Cherese Harewood. (2019)

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SIXTH FORM CAPE POETRY


Summaries:

“Sister Mary and the Devil”
• Context of the title – relationship with the Bible?
• “And is only me and God alone going down the road” – religious connections?
emotional turmoil? What is she depending on God for?
• Idea of the “Promise Land”?
• To keep her on the right path/ protection
• Element of death?
• “down the road…” – metaphorical = the journey of life
• 4th stanza = intimidation of this character – “tall man in full black” to the
point where it is affecting her physically// starts the description of this male
character – very ghastly – representative of the devil reincarnate?
• Being physical – “Then him take Brother Williams wreath from me…” – full
terrorizing/ harassment (sexual) does she complain?
• “and I shame and hide mi face…” not consensual/ sense of trauma,
defenseless
• “and it was there Sister Mary died” – switch to 3rd person; technique shift
from Goodison?
• Ending – literal/ metaphorical death? By him being around her, does his
narcissistic qualities affect her? She is consumed by his presence/ she is a
prisoner to him in life and even in “death”
• Goodison establishes an open ended situation
• The female persona is not in charge; she obviously succumbed to him
• Male character is portrayed as the devil purposely, why? What are the
possible characteristics he may possess? – temptation, despair, ultimate
control

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“The Road of the Dread”
• Road – symbolic to the journey of life
• A metaphor of endless walking // a mental voyage to “Heartease”?
• Persona is questioning the validity of life
• “it have no definite colour…” – uncertainty of life, questioning the plausibility
of everything
• Trying to differentiate what tribulations will occur in one’s life – will this be a
part of growth (personal?)
• Finding someone on the same path as the persona? Journey to finding one’s
self. (Last stanza – supplementing one another to promote spiritual growth)
• Rhetorical question – “Den why I tread it brother?” – Why do you still
persist? – to attain goals, to answer questions, to experience life lessons


“Judges” – draws influence from a courtroom setting/ idea of justice?
• Quotations at the beginning of the poem – meaning?
• “Daughters of the revolution” – sense of change, women’s rights. An on-going
fight for equal rights – against oppression, slavery, poverty
• Symbols – “poodlewig and Johncrow” shows the stronghold of white
supremacy and colonialism, why is this still a part of society? Why is
Goodison addressing this? Question of who is “they?”
• “They” can represent the oppressed women/ black slaves of the past that
were utilized like property for the benefit of the white supremacists, both
sexes. E.g “They are working in your kitchen, cooking compliments for your
slow-witted wife.”
• “They are used to biting their lips under the violation of your sons” –
Goodison is highlighting the perversion of the white male and the insolence
of it all. “They” are under the vices of the suppressors and are subject to

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remain silent and protest against ill treatment. “They” must not exhibit pain
or find annoyance in their inflicted tribulations
• “for whose first experience you chose a young clean maid” – predator vs.
prey element – sexual gratification – preying on young innocent (black) girls
– shows their dominance over the latter. They have the power to force
themselves on the innocent.
• Obvious perversion/ a reflection of slavery – the (black) woman is the
property of the (white) male
• Does she have a say? The poem questions/ reflects on the possibility of this
and urges the theme of “women’s liberation” – an obvious look at the past
(ridicule) in order to be hopeful for the future
• “You do not recognize Imogene and Joyce and Irma?” – stereotypical (black/
“mammy” names) these are obviously symbols of the nameless women
(black) of the past? A rhetorical question that the persona is aware, will
never be answered
• The persona continues to illustrate the lives of these women, portraying
them with “larger than life” characteristics – even stronger than their
oppressors – “Some have surpassed the strength of men.” What is the
relevance of this? It shows that throughout slavery, post-emancipation
(black) women have been at the forefront in being defiant against
misogynistic treatment and cannot/ will not be silenced, despite their
oppositions
• Goodison uses “Judges” to steadily highlight and dismiss (harmoniously) the
stereotypes of the (black) women being weak and defenseless
• Would you say that she is successful? What techniques are used?
(Symbolism, flashbacks/ reminiscing etc)
• “And do you not recognize women’s liberation?” – the persona’s tone
obviously reflects a tinge of sarcasm and frustration because she feels as
though these defiant women are purposely ignored and pushed from

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history’s page. They are not to be acknowledged, in fear of them critiquing
the ills of the dense patriarchal system in which is still present. And even
though there is a movement in order to harm its existence – the persona
stresses that it is not publicized enough, but at the same time, it has been and
will always be exercised by the female
• Last stanza: Persona is passive aggressive, she feels as though her words are
falling on deaf ears (purposely so;) she continues anyhow. Why must she feel
as though she has to show/ present her validation – “And nobody told you I
was a poet?” Why is it so important to be recognized/ felt or heard? She is the
voice of the forgotten/ the marginalized. “I am lining up these words holding
them behind the barrier of my teeth biding my time as only a woman can.” –
She can only achieve so much – ends on a solemn note. She has the words to
say, but yet still she seems reluctant, why is this? Probably thinks it may be a
lost cause/ she is waiting on the right or specific time/ she feels she is ahead
of her time/ will she be taken seriously?
• “I have a poem for you, judge man” – preludes to the fact that she is not
giving up. Her voice will eventually be heard. She will have her day and it will
be predominantly heard by the male figure


“Caravanserai” – Google definition of the word
• * It can be regarded as a Ballad due to the narrative nature of the poem as
Goodison narrates the encounter between a travelling caravan and an
Egyptian woman performing her rituals. However, due to the fact that the
poem is in adoration and observation of this woman by the traveller, it may
also be considered an Ode.
• An obvious religious attempt, a rendition to spirituality (African?)

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• “Elliptical moon rims the yellow brown woman dream seller” – we have seen
this persona before = *See “I am Becoming My Mother” – what is the
significance of having her here?
• An ancestral link/ homage to Goodison’s own ancestry?
• Understanding of term “dream seller” – a gypsy? an astrologist? an obeah
woman?
• “Brass basins of blood basins of wine a pebbled hourglass to texture time.” –
Is this her spiritual apparatus used to conduct her callings of the divinity?
This persona obviously has strength in her actions; she is almost god like?
• “She dyes her palms and divines on sand.” – The whole of this stanza suggests
the ritualistic behaviour of the persona
• She is engaging in her religious ceremony, with mentioning of the
environment around her, the repetition of the moon – “the moon bellied
out…”
• These mysterious circumstances are obviously a result of her hands. Again,
Goodison uses the female as a symbol of strength and has acquired such
through her actions
• The intro of the other character/ persona – “…except the face ebony/ indigo
of the young camel driver dream buyer?” – implies that he is of African
descent, presumably from Egypt? According to his travels – “He spoke to her
of nights by the Nile…” – He is trying to serenade/ impress her? He is
prompting her that she too should be travelling with him?
• Last stanza – By the end of the poem, the woman continues her rituals and
gives clues to her geographical space – “Euphrates river” which is in Syria
(Asia)

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“I Am Becoming My Mother” – obvious title – what comes to mind when it is read?
– even before reading the poem? Does it seem positive or a hint of disappointment?
• “Yellow/ brown woman” reoccurring persona/ character, relevance of her? Is
it a reflection of Goodison herself? Obvious rendition of the face of the
Caribbean individual due to slavery – of mixed race
• Symbolic of longing to belong to a place? Or a race? The question of
belonging/ finding one’s identity is an important theme in Caribbean
Literature. Is it truly achievable?
• “fingers always smelling of onions” – gives the impression that she is a
homemaker/ housewife; where the woman is “supposed” to be – in the
kitchen
• “The ideal woman” – seen but not heard and taking care of the household, the
children, making sure everything is taken care of
• The description, a link to Goodison’s mixed heritage
• 2nd stanza – the persona is establishing the morphing between herself and
her mother, they are becoming “one,” so to speak. A continual link between
the mother and daughter dynamic; also acknowledging the women in their
family
• “My mother raises rare blooms and waters them with tea” – She sounds quite
distinguished in herself, very lady-like, she expresses a sense of etiquette.
Does the daughter wish to mirror this image as well? Or is she chastising her?
“The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.” The mother is a source of care
and affection to her children especially her daughter, she is there to nurture
• An obvious symbiosis between mother and daughter they rely on each other
in order to exist or to become whole
• The poem pays homage to the persona’s mother and acknowledges the
plights and struggles she endured and the effervescence she was able to
exhibit through it all

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• The repetition of the lines, “I am becoming my mother// brown/ yellow
woman// fingers smelling always of onions” illustrates the inevitability of
the persona actually morphing into her mother, is it genetics or customary?
Does the persona willingly accept this? The continuity of motherhood?
• “to pull shame out of her eye” – making sure that she is capable of raising her
children to the best of her capabilities, despite their own short comings, she
is their to protect and to provide, despite any evidence of vulnerability


“Nanny” – Historical reference

Al Creighton (2011): https://www.stabroeknews.com/2011/sunday/arts-on-
sunday/12/04/goddisons-poems-of-heritage-and-history-2/

Spiritual powers is also a main subject in the poem about Nanny Queen of the
Maroons (1686-1733) who led the Jamaican maroons in battle against the British in
the Maroon Wars which actually won the rebels some amount of
independence. Nanny Town in Portland became almost sovereign Maroon territory
and the rebel queen has been made a Jamaican National Hero. Both historical
records and oral history laud her as an obeah woman who used her powers in the
battles to monitor enemy movement, protect her troops and heal wounds. These
powers are referred to in the poem.

More than that, the poem is a declaration by Nanny of what is almost a pact she
entered into since her powers came with some degree of personal sacrifice. It
reflects the ‘conflict’ or the tension that exists between the warrior and the woman,
who, much like Lady Macbeth, had to be “unsexed” to gain strength to be a
combatant. Nanny gave up the ability to conceive in order to gain the spiritual
asceticism for her obeah powers. Instead she became the symbolic mother of all
members of her community. Folklore has it that she could catch bullets and deflect
them back at the enemy soldiers. The poem plays on her spiritualism and her
oneness with the forest.

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“Some of My Worst Wounds” – Similar justification of “I am a poet” seen in
“Judges”
• Symbolism of wounds – oppression (race, class, gender)
• An open representation of possibly how the persona (or even Goodison) gets
their muse in order to write poetry
• Within the short 12 lines, there’s the impression that the trials and
tribulations of life helped to produce these wounds and thus influencing the
poetry
• The opening line (and title) is upfront and straight forward in this reality, it is
being comforted and justified all at once
• This can be seen as a medium for exemplifying healing for her people and
extending to her readership as well. Poetry then can be seen as an outlet for
therapy, to be read or even written, to expose the ills that can be experienced
in life – but not to give up, to see them for what they are and combat the
difficulties and turn them around to one’s advantage. By unearthing the
turmoil – one can begin the process of healing and full transformation in
their shortcomings (a remedy/ an outlet)
• The poem has been brought to life as a credible means of expulsion towards
the aches and pains that can be suffered – “A few well place stabs in the back
have released a singing trapped between my shoulders” – representing
healing and fluency
• *See “Judges”


“Heartease I” & “Heartease II” – metaphorical place/ a utopia
• What kind of persons would want to go to Heartease? – Black people/ the
oppressed/ ostracized/ marginalized

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• Why would they want to go? – being able to express one’s self as freely as
possible / to experience a utopic environment/ to gain a sense of spiritual
freedom/ belonging
• Why does Goodison use this approach? – Is “Heartease” Goodison’s
“Wakanda?”
• If Goodison had used an “outside persona,” would it have the same effect on
the reader? – She strategically uses personas that are relatable to the conflict
that is at hand
• This is her writing technique/ style. With this, there is hope that the reader
could find a piece(s) of their own personal experiences
• “An empathetic vein runs throughout all of Goodison's poems. When she
writes of women, she writes with an understanding of their situation,
whatever that situation might be. She notes the struggles of the poor
Jamaican in a world that has many luxuries. Goodison praises such people as
Winnie Mandela and Rosa Parks not just for being strong, but for overcoming
hardship in the face of almost insurmountable odds. Her verse captures the
daily battle for dignity of the downtrodden in society.” -
https://www.enotes.com/topics/lorna-goodison/critical-essays

“O Love You So Fear The Dark” – soliloquy? A sense of cleansing of an on-going
purge of speech, a block dialogue
• A rendition to the character “love”
• The persona is expressing the character’s mannerisms and the truth of their
being – “O love, you so fear the dark”// unconventional structure of
presenting love. NOT romantic
• It appears to be a struggle in becoming steadfast in themselves, a struggle to
overcome opposition, so much so, that they must “fight” their way to get
there – “…you are so accustomed to fighting.”

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• But there is some hope in the near future, a reminder to keep fighting on. Life
may be drenched in desperation, referring to it as, “It only seems like the
night” – darkness/ hopelessness BUT, “it’s veiled overture to light” – this can
be broken/ended
• From the line, “It is transitory love, it is passing…” onwards, shows that the
pestilence that was plaguing before - has been tried and examined and
“brought to its knees” so to speak, that all can be saved and rectified
• The poem has begun to sound like instructive dialogue in order to combat
everything – “There is nothing to fear…”
• The persona reassures that one is stronger than this and winning is the only
option – there is no turning back at this point
• “There is nothing to fear it is dark only as your eyes or my hair…” stating
upfront that this melancholy disposition is more “mind over matter” than a
definite retardation of effort
• Overall, the message is clear: LOVE. This is the only way forward. It is to be
used as an antidote to the “dark,” the light and the answer is to be used in the
medium of love// One can overcome any obstacle once they put their mind
to freedom and advancement. A clear identification of hope and prosperity.
Goodison is able to display the shortcomings of a person, whilst combatting
this with positivity through strength
• Whilst armed with love, one can achieve everything they were lacking:
freedom, compassion, strength, wisdom, resilience, without the incessant
presence of fear – “… and it is kind love, it leads to light if you but knew it
only unarmed will you go through it.”
• Here, Love is used as an active symbol or a reminder that Love can be
achieved, despite past negative experiences and redeeming one’s self and to
become accepting of love that is present

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“Mother the Great Stones Got To Move” – theme of motherhood in a different
sense
• The persona refers to a silent character “Mother”
• Symbolism and Imagery are both intertwined in order to provide a deeper
representation of the problems at hand – slavery, injustices found in History
(His story – which representation is it provided by? And why?)
• The persona is beckoning for the uncovering of the truth – but this view must
come from the marginalized and the persecuted. Colonialism?
• There is a longing to be seen and heard with the possibility of repatriation?
*Clearly seen in the 1st stanza – a voice for the voiceless/ powerless
• Who is this “Mother” and is she listening? Reference to Mother Earth/ nature
or Mother Africa?
• The atrocities experienced because of the whelm of slavery, has left the
persona in a sense of trying to recover – journey back to the before – to find
true belonging, to upheave the ills of the white man infringed on the black
populace
• Why “Mother?” – “It is the half that has never been told, some of us must tell
it.”
• The metaphorical representation of this store, is a symbolic structure used to
embody the struggle, pain, fear, reluctance, betrayal, inhumane trauma that
was/ is absorbed into the black (wo)man’s DNA// domestic issues, these
issues are externalized as “stones”
• These “stones” are hindrances to black progression, questioning the
possibility for liberation
• The persona is a definite vocalization of the past – still at the same time,
being a hope for the future. It is there to influence and inspire others to
uncover their true potential(s) in moving these “great stones” from their
destiny

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• She feels that a stone is “…wedged across the hole of our history…” This hole
has in it the other side of history – the side of injustice and truth – her side of
history needs to be told and she must be the one to tell it, but the “stone” is
covering it. The “stone” (symbolic of prejudice and bitterness) must move in
order for there to be spiritual healing and then the nightmares can ease
away. In order for the children to have a future, these “stones,” which are
suffocating them and blocking their spiritual renewal, must be removed.
When the world was created, there was plenty of food for all, but then
another kind of poison – “powdered white” arrived (drugs).

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Short-Answer Questions: 10 marks each. Minimum of two (2) poems to be used as
references in each question.

1. “Religion is seen as a traditional issue, bound up with all its stereotypes,

expectations and patterns of behaviour…” Examine how the theme of religion

is integrated in Goodison’s work.

2. Explain your understanding of the metaphorical, euphoric place of

“Heartease.” Does Goodison create the ideal replica of a true paradise for the

misplaced black people?

3. “The use of symbolism is an integral part of Goodison’s quest to answering

the conundrum of living and finding one’s true purpose.” Explain how these

symbols/ figures are used in trying to tackle the question of “true living.”

4. “The wanting to talk about things for people marks one important area of

Goodison's development.” Can the reader see his/her own experiences and

feelings reflected in those of the poet?

5. Explain the theme of “finding one’s self” in three (3) of Lorna Goodison’s

poems.

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Themes and Poem Suggestions:

1. Religion: Spirituality
“Sister Mary and the Devil”
“Caravanserai”
“Garden of the Women Once Fallen”

2. Geographic: “Heartease”
“Heartease 1”
“Heartease 2”
“The Road of the Dread”
“Caravanserai”

3. Symbolism: “Is it an integral part or not?”
“Sister Mary and the Devil”
“The Road of the Dread”
“For Don Drummond”
“I Am Becoming My Mother”
“For Rosa Parks”
“Nanny” – Historical figure
“For My Mother (May I Inherit Half Her Strength)”
“Heartease 1”
“Heartease 2”
“Mother the Great Stones Got To Move”
“Judges”

4.Experiences of the People: “Discussion on aspects people tend to not want to talk
about.”
“Sister Mary and the Devil”
“Judges”
“Garden of the Women Once Fallen”
“I Am Becoming My Mother”
“For Rosa Parks”
“Nanny” – Infertility as A Woman/Slave?
“For My Mother” – Emotional/ Mental Abuse
“Some of My Worst Wounds”
“O Love You So Fear the Dark”
“Mother The Great Stones Got to Move”