“All round me are words, and words and words,”
The speaker begins by emphasizing the overwhelming presence of words in her surroundings. The repetition of “words” emphasizes their ubiquity.
“They grow on me like leaves, they never”
The comparison of words growing on the speaker “like leaves” suggests a natural and continuous process. The metaphor implies that words are an organic part of the speaker’s existence.
“Seem to stop their slow growing”
The continuous growth of words is highlighted, emphasizing their persistent nature. The use of “slow growing” adds a sense of gradual development.
“From within… But I tell my self, words”
The growth of words is described as originating from within the speaker. The poet introduces a self-awareness where the speaker tries to caution herself about the nature of words.
“Are a nuisance, beware of them, they”
The speaker acknowledges words as a potential nuisance. The caution to beware of them implies a recognition of their dual nature—both creative and potentially harmful.
“Can be so many things, a”
The versatility of words is suggested. They can take on various forms and meanings depending on the context in which they are used.
“Chasm where running feet must pause, to”
Words are metaphorically compared to a “chasm,” a deep fissure in the earth’s surface. This suggests that words can create gaps or pauses in one’s thoughts or actions.
“Look, a sea with paralyzing waves,”
Another metaphor is introduced, comparing words to a “sea” with waves that have a paralyzing effect. This may symbolize the overwhelming impact of societal expectations or norms.
“A blast of burning air or,”
Words are likened to a powerful force, a “blast of burning air.” This metaphor suggests that words can have explosive and potentially destructive consequences.
“A knife most willing to cut your best”
Words are metaphorically represented as a sharp “knife” capable of causing harm. The personification of the knife suggests intentionality in the potential harm caused by words.
“Friend’s throat… Words are a nuisance, but.”
The mention of cutting a friend’s throat further underscores the potential harm words can inflict. The speaker reiterates that, despite being a nuisance, words persist and continue to grow.
“They grow on me like leaves on a tree,”
The repetition of the idea from the beginning reinforces the organic and inevitable nature of words in the speaker’s life. The metaphor of leaves on a tree is reiterated.
“They never seem to stop their coming,”
The continuous growth and arrival of words are emphasized once again, indicating their ceaseless presence in the speaker’s thoughts and expressions.
“From a silence, somewhere deep within …”
The origin of words is described as emerging “from a silence” deep within the speaker. This suggests that words have an internal source, originating from the depths of the speaker’s consciousness.
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Theme Direct Quote from the Text What It Shows Identity & Finding Your Voice “I believe in one day and someday and this perfect moment.” Jacqueline’s sense of identity grows as she imagines who she can become. Family, Love & Belonging “My grandmother tells me that I am her child.” Family gives her grounding, love,…
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Brown Girl Dreaming is Jacqueline Woodson’s poetic memoir about growing up as an African American girl in the 1960s and 70s, a time when the United States was changing but still deeply divided. Told through short, vivid poems, the book traces her life from birth to middle school, capturing the small moments that shaped her…
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The novel takes place in 1968, during a turbulent moment in American history. Three sisters—Delphine (11), Vonetta (9), and Fern (7)—live in Brooklyn with their father, Pa, and grandmother, Big Ma. Their mother, Cecile, left when they were very young, and the girls barely know her. Pa decides it is time for the sisters to…
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The story takes place in the rural American South during the late 19th or early 20th century and follows an unnamed young Black boy, his family, and their loyal hunting dog, Sounder. The family is very poor, surviving mostly on whatever the father can hunt. Sounder is their most valuable helper—strong, loyal, and deeply connected…
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