If I can’t do
what I want to do
then my job is to not
do what I don’t want
to do.If I can’t have
what I want… then my job is to want
what I’ve got
and be satisfied
that at least there
is something more to want.Since I can’t go
where I need
to go… then I must… go
where the signs point
though always understanding
parallel movement isn’t lateral.When I can’t express
what I really feel
I practice feeling
what I can express
and none of it is equal
I know
but that’s why mankind
alone among the animals
learns to cry.
Navigating Life’s Crossroads: An Exploration of Nikki Giovanni’s “Choices”
Life often presents us with paths we did not choose and circumstances beyond our control. How do we respond when our desires clash with reality? Nikki Giovanni’s profound poem, “Choices,” offers a timeless and deeply human answer. This remarkable piece of literature, deceptively simple in its language, delves into the very essence of human agency and resilience. It is a powerful meditation on finding freedom and contentment even when faced with limitations, making it a truly inspiring and shareable work.
Understanding “Choices”: A Core Summary
Nikki Giovanni’s “Choices” is a poignant exploration of how individuals navigate the gap between their aspirations and the realities of life. The poem suggests that even when direct paths to our desires are blocked, we retain a profound power: the power to choose our response and redefine our understanding of satisfaction. It is not a poem of resignation, but rather one of pragmatic adaptation and inner liberation.
The central idea of “Choices” revolves around the concept that true agency lies not just in pursuing what we want, but in intelligently responding to what we cannot have or do. Giovanni articulates a philosophy of finding contentment within existing circumstances, transforming limitations into opportunities for a different kind of fulfillment. This noteworthy perspective highlights the human capacity for emotional and psychological flexibility, a defining trait that allows us to adapt and thrive amidst life’s inevitable challenges.
Unpacking the Meaning: A Deeper “Choices” Analysis
Giovanni’s “Choices” resonates deeply because it addresses a universal human experience. The poem’s strength lies in its directness and its insightful exploration of how we can reclaim power in situations where we feel powerless. Let us delve into the layers of meaning and the masterful use of literary and poetic devices that make this poem so impactful.
The Philosophy of Adaptation and Agency
At its heart, “Choices” is a guide to navigating life’s constraints with grace and strength. The poem opens by establishing a clear framework for action when faced with an inability to achieve a desired outcome:
If I can’t do
what I want to do
then my job is to not
do what I don’t want
to do.
This initial stanza immediately sets a tone of proactive control. It suggests that even if one cannot pursue a positive action, one can still exert agency by refusing to engage in negative or undesirable actions. This is not passive acceptance, but an active redirection of will.
The theme continues with the idea of redefining desire itself:
If I can’t have
what I want… then my job is to want
what I’ve got
and be satisfied
that at least there
is something more to want.
Here, Giovanni introduces the profound concept of finding satisfaction in present possessions rather than lamenting absent ones. The phrase “something more to want” is particularly insightful, implying that even in contentment, the human spirit retains its capacity for aspiration, preventing stagnation and fostering a dynamic sense of peace.
The Power of Language: Diction and Tone
Giovanni’s diction in “Choices” is remarkably simple and direct. The language is conversational, almost like a personal reflection shared with a trusted friend. This accessibility ensures that the poem’s profound message is easily understood by a wide audience. There are no obscure words or complex sentence structures, allowing the reader to focus entirely on the ideas being presented.
The tone of the poem is one of pragmatic acceptance and quiet resilience. It is neither despairing nor overly optimistic, but rather grounded in a realistic understanding of human limitations. There is a sense of empowerment in the speaker’s voice, a calm determination to find a way forward regardless of obstacles. This tone is crucial in conveying the poem’s message of strength through adaptation.
Crafting the Message: Poetic and Literary Devices in “Choices”
Giovanni masterfully employs several poetic and literary devices to enhance the poem’s impact and reinforce its central themes. These techniques contribute to the poem’s memorable quality and its enduring relevance.
Repetition and Parallel Structure
The poem’s structure is built upon the powerful use of repetition and parallel structure. The recurring phrase “If I can’t…” establishes a clear pattern of acknowledging limitations, which is then consistently followed by a chosen alternative. Observe the opening lines of the first two stanzas:
If I can’t do
what I want to do
…
If I can’t have
what I want…
This consistent structure emphasizes the speaker’s active process of making choices in the face of constraint. It highlights the agency that remains even when initial desires are thwarted, reinforcing the central idea that our response is always within our control.
Enjambment
Enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause, is a key feature of “Choices.” This device creates a fluid, conversational rhythm that mirrors the continuous flow of thought and the ongoing process of adaptation. Consider these lines:
then my job is to not
do what I don’t want
to do.
The lines flow seamlessly, pulling the reader forward, much like life itself continues to move even when one path is blocked. This unbroken movement reflects the speaker’s determination to keep moving and adapting, finding new directions when old ones are closed.
Sound Devices: Assonance and Consonance
Giovanni subtly uses assonance (repetition of vowel sounds) and consonance (repetition of consonant sounds) to add a musical quality to the poem without relying on a strict rhyme scheme. For instance, in “what I want to do,” the repeated ‘o’ vowel sound creates a gentle, flowing rhythm. Similarly, in “and be satisfied,” the repetition of the ‘d’ and ‘t’ consonant sounds adds a subtle emphasis to the idea of contentment. These sound devices contribute to the poem’s overall harmony and make it more pleasant to read aloud, enhancing its memorability.
Imagery and Metaphor
While “Choices” does not rely on elaborate visual imagery, it employs powerful conceptual metaphors that guide the reader’s understanding of adaptation. The lines:
Since I can’t go
where I need
to go… then I must… go
where the signs point
though always understanding
parallel movement isn’t lateral.
Here, “going where the signs point” serves as a metaphor for accepting alternative paths or opportunities that arise, even if they were not the original destination. The phrase “parallel movement isn’t lateral” is particularly profound. It suggests that while one might be moving alongside a desired path, it is not the same as moving sideways or backward. It implies progress, albeit on a different trajectory, emphasizing that adaptation is still a form of advancement.
Another powerful metaphorical idea is found in the final stanza:
When I can’t express
what I really feel
I practice feeling
what I can express
This is a metaphor for emotional intelligence and self-regulation. It suggests that when direct emotional expression is impossible or inappropriate, one can still engage with and understand one’s feelings by focusing on what *can* be articulated. It is a practice of emotional honesty within boundaries.
Symbolism: The Human Cry
The concluding lines of the poem offer a deeply moving piece of symbolism:
and none of it is equal
I know
but that’s why mankind
alone among the animals
learns to cry.
Tears here symbolize not merely sorrow or frustration, but the uniquely human capacity for complex emotional expression and processing. Giovanni suggests that while adapting and compromising may not always lead to an “equal” outcome to one’s original desire, the ability to feel and express these nuances, even through tears, is a testament to our humanity. It is a powerful affirmation of our emotional depth and our ability to cope with the imperfections of life.
Free Verse and Structure
“Choices” is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. This choice allows Giovanni to maintain a natural, conversational flow, mirroring the organic process of thought and decision-making. The poem’s structure, divided into four distinct stanzas, each addressing a different aspect of limitation and response, provides a clear progression of ideas. The varying line lengths and stanza breaks contribute to a dynamic reading experience, preventing monotony and keeping the reader engaged with each new facet of the poem’s central theme.
Embracing the Power of “Choices”
Nikki Giovanni’s “Choices” stands as a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit. Through its accessible language, thoughtful structure, and insightful use of literary devices, the poem offers a profound message about agency, acceptance, and adaptation. It reminds us that even when external circumstances limit our options, the power to choose our internal response and redefine our path remains a fundamental aspect of our humanity. This timeless poem continues to inspire readers to find contentment and resilience in the face of life’s inevitable challenges, making it a truly essential piece of literature for anyone seeking wisdom and perspective.