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Imagery is dominant in this poem, especially after Maya questions her oppressors. Most of the imagery is conveyed through similes and metaphors, and gives the readers a clear view on what Maya is trying to get across. The use of figurative language gives the readers a clear picture of what Maya means and usually conveys a strong emotion. When Maya says “Shoulders falling down like teardrops” we can get an image of drooping shoulders (like the shape of a tear) and the tear itself is associated with sadness. I found one particular stanza quite amusing; Maya asks questions that are aimed at the ‘white’ people. ‘Does my sassiness upset you?’, ‘Why are you beset with your gloom?’ Maya is being somewhat playful in asking the questions, because she knows she has succeeded after living a horrible past. She knows she is now a wealthy black American woman and by asking these questions she is targeting the people who do not appreciate her and who are surprised of the success she has reached. This poem is more than any ordinary poem as Maya interacts with her audience; she describes the highs and lows of her life and history. I enjoyed reading this poem as it brought about a sense of justice and it has opened my mind to what other countries can truly be
