1253: On the Death of a Young Lady Five Years of Age, a reinscription by Aracelis Girmay
Dec 4, 2024
Today’s discussion revolves around the legacy of Phyllis Wheatley Peters, the first published Black female poet, highlighting her profound impact on American literature. A poignant poem reflects on loss and childhood, weaving together themes of grief and the beauty of existence. Vivid imagery invites listeners to meditate on nature's delicate ties to life. The celebration of contemporary Black female poets showcases the enduring power of poetry to inspire and provoke thought. It's a heartfelt exploration of both history and the human experience.
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Phillis Wheatley Peters' Legacy
Phillis Wheatley Peters, brought from Africa as a child, received an exceptional education from the Wheatley family.
Her book of poems, published in 1773, was the first by an African descent writer in English.
insights INSIGHT
Wheatley at 250
Black female poets were commissioned to write in Wheatley's style or reimagine her themes for an anthology.
This anthology, "Wheatley at 250," celebrates Wheatley's impact on literature and the power of language.
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Phillis Wheatley's "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral" stands as a landmark achievement in American literature. Published in 1773, it was the first book of poetry published in English by an African-American writer. Wheatley's work showcases her remarkable intellect and mastery of language, addressing themes of faith, freedom, and the human condition. Her poems often employed classical allusions and sophisticated poetic techniques, defying the expectations of her time. The collection's significance extends beyond its literary merit; it served as a powerful testament to the intellectual capabilities of Black individuals and challenged prevailing racist ideologies. It remains a cornerstone of African-American literary history and a testament to the enduring power of poetry.
Today’s poem is On the Death of a Young Lady Five Years of Age, a reinscription by Aracelis Girmay. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual.
In this episode, Major writes… “Last year, a group of poets celebrated the 250th anniversary book publication of Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral (1773) by Phillis Wheatley Peters. In honor of this important milestone editors Danielle Legros Georges and Artress Bethany White solicited Black female poets to write in the manner of Phillis Wheatley, or creatively reinscribe what is found in the text as some of her abiding images and important themes. The anthology, Wheatley at 250, from which today’s poem is taken, honors and celebrates the immense legacy of Phillis Wheatley Peters, whose work matters to all of us who cherish the possibilities of poems and poets to represent the highest ideals of literacy, and the miracle of language to free us.”
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