Justice

Justice

By Rita Joe

Justice seems to have many faces,
It does not want to play if my skin is not the right hue,
or correct the wrong we long for,
Action hanging off-balance

Justice is like an open field
We observe, but are afraid to approach
We have been burned before
Hence the broken stride
And the lingering doubt
We often hide

Justice may want to play
if we have an open smile
And offer the hand of communication
To make it worthwhile

Justice has to make me see
Hear, feel.
Then I will know the truth is like a toy
To be enjoyed or broken.

Summary of Justice

• Understanding “Justice”: Rita Joe’s “Justice” is a powerful and thought‑provoking poem that examines the often elusive and conditional nature of fairness. It is not a straightforward celebration of justice, but rather a critical exploration of how it is perceived and experienced, especially by those who have faced discrimination.
• The Poem’s Core Message: The poem suggests that justice isn’t an inherent quality but something that shifts and changes based on who is seeking it. The speaker points out the hypocrisy of a system that seems to favor some while neglecting others, highlighting the idea that justice is often tied to superficial qualities like appearance. The poem further delves into the fear and hesitation people experience when seeking redress, stemming from past hurts and a lack of trust in the system.
• Key Themes: Central to “Justice” are themes of inequality, discrimination, and the fragility of trust. The poem speaks to the feeling of being marginalized and the struggle to find fairness in a world where power dynamics often prevail. It also explores the idea that genuine connection and open communication are essential for building a more just society.

In-Depth Analysis of “Justice”

Exploring the Initial Stanza

The poem immediately establishes a sense of unease and ambiguity with the line “Justice seems to have many faces.” This suggests that justice is not a fixed concept but is subjective and can be interpreted differently depending on the perspective. The subsequent lines, “It does not want to play if my skin is not the right hue,” introduce the theme of racial discrimination, implying that justice is often denied based on superficial characteristics. The phrase “correct the wrong we long for” emphasizes the speaker’s desire for fairness, while the image of “action hanging off‑balance” conveys a sense of instability and injustice. This initial stanza sets the tone for the poem, highlighting the conditional and often unequal application of justice.

The Metaphor of the Open Field

The second stanza introduces a powerful metaphor with the line “Justice is like an open field.” This image suggests that justice is accessible in theory, but in practice it can be daunting and dangerous to approach. The lines “We observe, but are afraid to approach” convey a sense of fear and hesitation, stemming from past experiences of harm. The subsequent lines, “We have been burned before / Hence the broken stride / And the lingering doubt / We often hide,” reveal the deep‑seated trauma that prevents people from seeking justice. The image of a “broken stride” suggests that the pursuit of justice can be physically and emotionally debilitating.

A Cynical Plea for Acceptance

The third stanza presents a cynical view of how justice might be achieved. The lines “Justice may want to play / if we have an open smile / And offer the hand of communication” suggest that conformity and appeasement are necessary to gain favor with the system. This implies that true justice isn’t based on merit or fairness but on appearances and social maneuvering. The phrase “to make it worthwhile” adds a layer of pragmatism, suggesting that people are willing to compromise their principles to achieve a desired outcome.

Truth as a Fragile Toy

The final stanza presents a disturbing analogy with the lines “Justice has to make me see / Hear, feel. / Then I will know the truth is like a toy / To be enjoyed or broken.” This suggests that truth is fragile and can be easily manipulated or destroyed. The comparison to a toy implies that justice is not a sacred principle but a mere plaything that can be used for entertainment or discarded at will. This final image leaves the reader with a sense of disillusionment and despair.

Literary and Poetic Devices at Play

Analyzing Literary Devices

• Imagery: Rita Joe skillfully uses imagery throughout the poem to evoke strong emotions and create vivid mental pictures. For example, the image of the “open field” conveys a sense of vastness and vulnerability, while the image of the “broken stride” suggests physical and emotional injury.
• Metaphor: The central metaphor of justice as an “open field” is particularly effective in conveying the poem’s themes. It suggests that justice is accessible in theory but dangerous and daunting in practice.
• Symbolism: The “toy” in the final stanza symbolizes the fragility of truth and the ease with which it can be manipulated or destroyed.
• Irony: The poem is infused with irony, as the speaker suggests that conformity and appeasement are necessary to achieve justice. This implies that the system is inherently flawed and rewards those who play by its rules regardless of their principles.

Examining Poetic Devices

• Free Verse: The poem is written in free verse, meaning that it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or meter. This allows for a more natural and conversational tone and lets the poet emphasize certain words and phrases for dramatic effect.
• Enjambment: Rita Joe frequently uses enjambment, which is the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next. This creates a sense of momentum and urgency, and allows the poet to build suspense. For example, consider the lines “Justice has to make me see / Hear, feel.” The thought continues across the lines, drawing the reader forward.
• Repetition: While not overtly present, the recurring focus on perception – “see, hear, feel” – subtly emphasizes the importance of subjective experience in understanding justice.

Notable Quotes for Reflection

Justice has to make me see
Hear, feel.
Then I will know the truth is like a toy
To be enjoyed or broken.

This quote encapsulates the poem’s central message: that truth is fragile and can be easily manipulated, and that justice is often conditional and unreliable. It is a powerful reminder that we must be vigilant in our pursuit of fairness and that we must be willing to challenge systems that perpetuate inequality.