Gwendolyn Brooks’ poem “of De Witt Williams on his way to Lincoln Cemetery” takes place during a time of explicit racial discrimination; the African-American community lives in poverty and violence – whether that be a result of participation in dangerous gangs, police brutality, protests, etc. Brooks’ poem comments on the journey of a dead black boy in a casket being driven to the cemetery. As his casket passes through town, the speaker depicts the “Pool Hall” and “Dance Halls” where he enjoyed simple pleasures such as mingling with women and having a drink of “liquid joy.”
As this poem serves more as a commentary and/or an illustration, Brooks’ poem “The Boy Died in My Alley” functions as a call to action. Brooks tells the aftermath of a shooting, that takes place by her home, of a young black boy. As the police comes over to receive details of the occurrence, the audience learns of the speaker’s sense of responsibility for the boy’s death and the guilt that surrounds her. Though she did not know him personally, she knew of the many boys who end up dead in her neighborhood; she hears the constant gunfire and shouts, yet she never takes action. Brooks writes this poem to not only shed light on these events but to influence others to take responsibility.
Though both poems display Brooks’ masterful artistic skill, I prefer the poem “The Boy Died in My Alley.” Brooks provides purpose for her poem, asking her audience to step up. In addition, she opens up and expresses her own feelings on the matter; she closes the poem communicating that “The red floor of my alley/is a special speech to me.” She utilizes powerful diction that holds more weight when she discloses the boys cries for his family, as it echoes through the “wind” and “heaven.”
American Literature 