Summary Of The Elemental Journey By Alicia Gaspar De Alba

"The Elemental Journey" by Alicia Gaspar de Alba was my favorite "location" poem that we read and analyzed. Alba used symbolism to show the struggle of coming out as a lesbian as well as the importance of women, especially when they are willing to listen. Throughout the poem she represents the different parts of her life compared to the Niagara River and falls. I find this compelling because the fear of rejection, especially from those you hold the closest, is a very relatable feeling. She not only acknowledges this possibility but decides to "keep on thundering" and perseveres feeling stronger and more confident. At the end of this poem she describes the power she feels through symbolically referring to orgasm, which ties back into her own acceptance of sexuality and how she can now feel one of the greatest pleasures allowed to humans. I like the confidence of this poem and the strong proclamation to be yourself no matter what others think, that is why I chose it as my favorite. …show more content…
The tone of the poem is celebratory of the fact that the family is all together and has paid their bills "and dancing in the kitchen". Clifton uses a different vernacular in order to show that she is speaking for an African American family such as "these is good times". The underlying need to stand strong in the face of adversity with help of the memories of the "good times" helps show the time and culture of this piece as well, even though this is still a relevant message for African Americans today. Not only does she talk about her nuclear family but she includes her uncle and "grandpaw" showing that the best of times were when her family was all