Poem Analysis - Mayor Harold Washington

A Eulogy in Verse

Gwendolyn Brooks's poem, "Mayor Harold Washington," is a concise but powerful tribute to the late Chicago mayor. It is a celebration of his legacy and a hopeful vision for the future he inspired. The poem's tone is initially reverent and celebratory, shifting slightly to a sense of possibility and forward momentum. There is no lament, but rather a focus on Washington's lasting impact and the positive changes he set in motion.

Historical Context: A Barrier Broken

Gwendolyn Brooks, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and a significant voice in African American literature, wrote this poem likely in the wake of Harold Washington's death in 1987. Washington was Chicago's first African American mayor, and his election was a landmark moment in the city's history, marked by both jubilation and racial division. The poem should be understood against the backdrop of this historical significance, where Washington's leadership symbolized hope, progress, and the dismantling of racial barriers. This historical context significantly enhances the poem's resonance.

Themes of Legacy, Progress, and Community

One of the central themes is Washington's enduring legacy. The opening lines, "Mayor. Worldman. Historyman," immediately establish his importance and reach. The line "your steps are echo-makers" vividly portrays his impact as something that continues to reverberate through time, long after his physical presence is gone. A second theme is progress and forward movement. The lines, "We begin our health. / We enter the Age of Alliance," suggest that Washington's leadership has ushered in a new era of well-being and cooperation. The poem presents an optimistic vision of the future he helped create. The final dominant theme is Community. It is reflected in the use of "We" and "Our" which speaks of the Mayor's impact not on an individual but on the community as a whole.

Echoes and New Beginnings: Symbolic Imagery

The poem utilizes potent symbolic imagery. The "echo-makers" metaphor is particularly strong, suggesting that Washington's actions and ideals will continue to inspire future generations. It's a powerful image of lasting influence. "Health" and "Age of Alliance" are less concrete but no less significant, symbolizing a time of societal healing and unity. The phrase "senior adventure" is more ambiguous, suggesting perhaps a mature and thoughtful approach to progress or the beginning of something significant later in life. It also could refer to the aging population who are taking charge to continue the fight that the Mayor started. Is the "adventure" a difficult journey to continue or a new opportunity for good?

A Testament to Enduring Influence

In conclusion, "Mayor Harold Washington" is a brief but deeply felt tribute that focuses on the late mayor's lasting impact. Brooks uses powerful imagery and carefully chosen words to convey a sense of hope, progress, and the enduring power of leadership. The poem emphasizes Washington's role as a catalyst for positive change and celebrates his legacy as one that will continue to shape the future. It's not just a poem about a man; it's a poem about a movement, a vision, and the potential for a better world.