Poetry as Sound and Object

What does
    poetry
          hold within its grasp?
                     that makes it
                     magical,
                             transcendental,
                              inspirational,
                                 sensational,
                                              celebrational?  (by Ethelwolda L Paat)

Introduction

What were the unique 'sounds and images' of the Harlem Renaissance expressed through the poetry and art of the time?

Poetry, an unparalleled art form, transcends time with its profound vision. It can perceive beyond the boundless expanse of the universe, capturing every sound and heartbeat with its attentive ear. It carries the touch of life, creation, and unwavering dedication. With the magic of imagination, it savors the taste of anything in existence and breathes in basso¹ (deep), adagio² (slow), allegro³ (fast), and sostenuto⁴ (steady) rhythms. This transformative power of poetry inspires and uplifts, making it a beacon of hope in the darkest times.

This innate ability of poetry to move human emotion in mysterious ways is synonymous with the view of Northrop Frye, a Canadian literary critic and theorist. He viewed poetry as more than irregular lines in a book. He believed that poetry embodies a physical movement resembling dance and song, with rhythms that enable us to traverse the streets, synchronizing with its cadence. This engagement with verse rhythms resonates with our bodily rhythms, establishing a sense of connection and engagement. The immersive and rhythmic nature of poetic language further enhances this connection, making us not just observers but active participants in artistic expression, deeply involved and connected.⁵

Frye's concept of poetry as a physical movement, like dance and song, can be tied to the mass migration of African Americans during the Great Migration, which led many to settle in Harlem, New York. Harlem became the focal point of the Harlem Renaissance, a vibrant period of artistic and cultural exchange within the African American community from the late 1910s to the 1930s. This was a time that not only celebrated Black identity but also asserted it, a period of artistic and cultural renaissance that filled the air with the sounds of jazz and the rhythm of the blues. The essential movements of the Harlem Renaissance were an assertion of innovation in form and structure, expressed through poetic works inspired by the blues and jazz music of the time, along with art that conveyed an awareness of Black life in America and an independent African American identity.⁶ This connection between poetry and the Harlem Renaissance is not just historical. It also brings a sense of pride and appreciation, inviting us to look deeper into the artistic expressions of the time and celebrate the rich tapestry of African American culture.⁷

The benefits and usefulness of poetry cannot be overstated. It provides a medium to explore personal and group experiences, offering a “thinking space”⁸ for reflection and self-understanding. Poetry engages all five senses, creating a “zone of imagination” that connects to cognitive and affective responses. It enhances diverse ways to engage and think critically.⁹ As Leroi Jones suggests, imagination transcends the perception of self as a physical being. It encompasses all possibilities, as any idea can originate from an initial rhythm or image, signifying the beginning of its impact on the world.¹⁰ It is the potential to ignite imagination that propels it forward.

Langston Hughes writes in his poem “Harlem,”

What happens to a dream deferred?
            Does it dry up
                        like a raisin in the sun?11

Langston Hughes's “Harlem” reflects the bold and innovative spirit of the Harlem Renaissance. It symbolizes a sense of aspiration and the importance of pursuing and realizing one’s dreams. On the other hand, a metaphorical statement by an admirer of Countee Cullen captures the daring and transformative nature of the artistic movement during that time: “Speaking of aiming for the stars, you have virtually disarranged the entire solar system.”¹² Putting these thoughts into perspective, poetry should not be intimidating or inhibiting. Instead, it should be a free form of expression, a freestyle of visualization, and a dream that should be pursued.

Furthermore, writers and artists utilize aesthetics, contemplating beauty and art. It can be compared to the “quality of light” that illuminates one’s existence,¹³ as described in Audre Lorde’s "Sister Outsider." Their poetry is an artistic expression and a proud representation of a rich cultural heritage. Another characteristic is improvisation, a key element in poetry and jazz music. Improvisation in poetry and jazz music involves creating written or spoken words or musical notes spontaneously and in real-time, often in response to a particular situation or emotion.¹⁴ Like poetry and jazz music, improvisation offers numerous ways to convey thoughts and feelings and usually sparks discussions about its content, generating enthusiasm and a sense of connection.¹⁵

In conclusion, “Poetry as Sound and Object” is an excellent instrument for discovering and exploring innovative ideas and techniques for utilizing historical objects and art in teaching reading, writing, social studies, and other subjects. It provides a first-hand experience and a visual understanding of how “an experience of sound” and “seeing poems as objects” can help visualize the meaning of words and the strong connection of social and historical links to cultures and backgrounds.

The playbook of poetry is about unleashing the power of words and absorbing the energy of emotions. Poetry is like opening the gateways of the heavens and connecting every primal zone of the five senses. As Langston Hughes says, “There are words like freedom, sweet and wonderful to say. On my heartstrings, freedom sings, all day, every day.”¹⁶  This makes the “sounds and image” of the Harlem Renaissance beautiful, distinguished, unique, powerful, resonant, and inspirational.