Equality
Attributed to Maya Angelou
You declare you see me dimly
through a glass that will not shine,
though I stand before you boldly,
trim in rank and marking time.
You do not hear me faintly
as a whisper out of range,
while my drums beat out the message
and the rhythms never change.
Equality, and I will be free.
Equality, and I will be free.
You announce my ways are wanton,
that I fly from man to man,
but if I’m just a shadow to you,
could you ever understand?
We have lived a painful history,
we know the shameful past,
but I keep on marching forward,
and you keep coming last.
Equality, and I will be free.
Equality, and I will be free.
Take the blinders from your vision,
take the padding from your ears,
and confess you’ve heard me crying,
and admit you’ve seen my tears.
Hear the tempo so compelling,
hear the blood throb in my veins.
Yes, my drums beat nightly,
and the rhythms never change.
Equality, and I will be free.
Equality, and I will be free.
Understanding the Core of “Equality”
Maya Angelou’s “Equality” is a powerful and resonant poem that speaks directly to the struggle for recognition and liberation. The poem centers on the experience of being marginalized, unheard, and unseen, and boldly asserts that true freedom is inextricably linked to the attainment of equality. It is a statement not just about societal injustice, but about the individual’s inherent desire to be acknowledged and respected. The repeated refrain, “Equality, and I will be free,” isn’t simply a wish; it’s a declaration, a demand, and a promise.
A Deeper Look: Analyzing the Poem
The Structure and Flow
The poem is beautifully structured with eight stanzas, each comprising four lines. This consistent form contributes to the poem’s rhythmic quality, almost like a song. The consistent return of the refrain after each stanza acts as a powerful chorus, reinforcing the central message and creating a sense of mounting urgency. The stanzas typically follow a pattern of describing the experience of being unheard or misunderstood, followed by a challenge to the listener, and then the declarative refrain.
Literary Devices at Work
- Repetition (Refrain): The most prominent device is undoubtedly the repetition of “Equality, and I will be free.” This isn’t mere redundancy; it functions as a drumbeat, imbuing the poem with a musicality that echoes the ‘drums’ mentioned within the verses. It’s a hypnotic and insistent call to action.
- Imagery: Angelou expertly utilizes imagery to evoke a strong emotional response. Lines like “through a glass that will not shine” and “Take the blinders from your vision” create vivid pictures in the reader’s mind, representing the barriers to understanding and acknowledgement. These aren’t just visual images; they represent emotional and societal obstructions.
- Metaphor: The poem is rich with metaphors. The speaker compares herself to a drum, suggesting a persistent and unwavering rhythm of hope and resilience. The comparison isn’t literal; it symbolizes an enduring spirit that refuses to be silenced. The line “I fly from man to man” while potentially misconstrued, is not necessarily about romantic relationships, but about a search for acknowledgement.
- Allusion: Phrases like “painful history” and “shameful past” are allusions to the historical injustices faced by marginalized groups, specifically African Americans. Angelou doesn’t need to explicitly state these events; the weight of history is implied, allowing the poem to resonate with a broader audience facing various forms of oppression.
- Rhetorical Question: The poignant question, “could you ever understand?” directly challenges the reader to consider their own perspective and level of empathy. It isn’t seeking an answer; it’s prompting self-reflection and accountability.
Sound and Rhythm: The Musicality of Protest
Beyond the repetition of the refrain, Angelou employs several techniques to create a musical flow. Internal rhyme, such as in “glass which will not shine,” and consonance—the repetition of consonant sounds, like the ‘s’ sound in “shameful” and “silence”—enhance the poem’s auditory appeal. This musicality isn’t accidental; it transforms the poem from a statement of grievance into a powerful anthem of resistance.
Unpacking the Central Message
At its heart, “Equality” is a passionate plea for recognition and respect. It’s a rejection of invisibility and a demand for the dismantling of barriers that prevent individuals from realizing their full potential. The poem doesn’t simply ask for equality; it declares that freedom is impossible without it. Each stanza builds upon this idea, moving from the experience of being unseen to a challenge to the listener and finally to the hopeful assertion that equality will unlock liberation.
Why This Poem Continues to Matter
“Equality” remains powerfully relevant because the struggles it addresses are far from resolved. It serves as a potent reminder that equality is not a passive wish but an active pursuit. Its rhythmic structure and vivid imagery encourage participation, and its message resonates with anyone who has ever felt marginalized or unheard. The refrain, echoing in the reader’s mind, reminds us that every voice matters and that true freedom depends on fairness for all.
Equality, and I will be free.
Equality, and I will be free.