Legacies
her grandmother called her from the playground
“yes, ma’am”
“i want chu to learn how to make rolls” said the old
woman proudly
but the little girl didn’t want
to learn how because she knew
even if she couldn’t say it that
that would mean when the old one died she would be less
dependent on her spirit so
she said
“i don’t want to know how to make no rolls”
with her lips poked out
and the old woman wiped her hands on
her apron saying “lord
these children”
and neither of them ever
said what they meant
and i guess nobody ever does
Summary of Legacies
- The Essence of “Legacies”: Nikki Giovanni’s “Legacies” is a poignant poem that captures a fleeting moment in which a grandmother attempts to pass on a traditional skill—making rolls—to her granddaughter. The granddaughter’s refusal is not mere stubbornness; it reflects a deeper, unspoken desire for independence and self-reliance, even in the face of loss.
- A Generational Divide: The poem centers on a brief exchange that highlights the evolving relationship between the old and the young. The grandmother, representing tradition and a desire to nurture, offers a piece of her heritage. The granddaughter, embodying a modern sensibility, resists, subtly asserting her need to forge her own path. This resistance is implied rather than explicitly stated, adding depth to the narrative.
- Core Themes in “Legacies”: Several interwoven themes emerge. The transfer of knowledge and cultural heritage is central, yet it is complicated by the granddaughter’s desire for autonomy. The poem also explores unspoken emotions, the complexities of familial relationships, and the quiet shifts in generational values. It suggests that what remains unsaid can carry as much weight as what is explicitly communicated.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in Legacies
Nikki Giovanni masterfully employs various literary devices in “Legacies” to imbue this simple scene with depth and resonance. These devices aren’t merely decorative; they actively shape the poem’s meaning and emotional impact.
- Repetition and Rhythm: The poem uses repetition of short vowel sounds, lending a musical quality that echoes the cadence of everyday speech.
- Metaphor: The “rolls” themselves function as a metaphor for tradition, cultural heritage, and the skills passed down through generations. The granddaughter’s refusal reflects a broader hesitation to accept that legacy.
- Imagery: Giovanni creates vivid images—the playground, the grandmother’s apron, the act of wiping hands—that ground the poem in a specific setting and evoke sensory experience.
- Enjambment: The poem often carries sentences across line breaks, creating a conversational rhythm that mirrors spontaneous dialogue.
- Irony: The title “Legacies” contrasts with the small, everyday moment depicted, highlighting the subtlety of familial influence.
- Symbolism: The entire scene symbolizes the changing dynamics between generations, the desire for independence, and the challenges of communication.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in Legacies
While literary devices encompass a broad range of techniques, poetic devices are specifically employed within the framework of poetry to enhance its aesthetic and emotional impact. In “Legacies,” Giovanni skillfully utilizes these devices to create a resonant and evocative poem.
- Diction: Giovanni’s choice of words is deliberate and precise. The language is simple and colloquial, mirroring the natural speech patterns of everyday conversation. This adds authenticity and accessibility.
- Free Verse: “Legacies” is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. This allows the poem to flow naturally and create a conversational rhythm, mirroring the spontaneous nature of the exchange between the grandmother and granddaughter.
- Stanza: The poem consists of a single block of text, without traditional stanza breaks. This contributes to the poem’s sense of fluidity and emphasizes the continuous flow of thought and emotion.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines resonate powerfully and can be used to discuss themes of intergenerational communication and the unspoken complexities of family relationships.
“lord
these children”
and neither of them ever
said what they meant
and i guess nobody ever does.
These lines capture the frustration and resignation of the grandmother, as well as the broader tendency for individuals to leave important emotions unexpressed. They serve as a poignant reminder that sometimes, the most significant moments are defined not by what is said, but by what remains unsaid.