Poem Analysis - I Almost Remember

A Nostalgic Glimpse Through Pain: Introduction

Maya Angelou's "I Almost Remember" is a poignant reflection on the struggle to hold onto joy in the face of overwhelming suffering. The poem navigates between fleeting memories of laughter and smiles and the stark reality of global poverty and injustice. Its tone is initially wistful, marked by a sense of longing, but it quickly shifts to one of grief and disillusionment as the speaker confronts the harshness of the present. The poem ultimately returns to a tentative hope, suggesting that even amidst despair, the memory of happiness can offer solace.

Echoes of Joy Versus a World in Pain: A Central Conflict

The poem's central theme revolves around the conflict between personal joy and global suffering. The initial stanzas are filled with the "almost" remembered feelings of laughter and smiles. This creates a sense of nostalgia, of something precious that is fading. However, this personal joy is immediately juxtaposed with the image of children suffering from hunger, seen on "channels of hunger / written on children's faces." This stark contrast highlights the difficulty of experiencing personal happiness when confronted with widespread pain. The "bursting bellies balloon / in the air of my day room" is a particularly jarring image, bringing the suffering of the world into the speaker's intimate space.

The Slippery Slope of Despair: A Descent into Bleakness

A major theme explored in the poem is the theme of despair stemming from global issues and injustice. The imagery of "black / brown hands and / white thin yellowed fingers" slipping from the "ledge of life" is powerfully evocative. It suggests a world where people are systematically failing, seemingly because of factors related to identity or origin. The fact that these individuals are "forgotten by / all but hatred. / Ignored / by all but disdain" underscores the depth of societal indifference and the profound sense of abandonment experienced by those struggling on the margins. This section of the poem lacks the early nostalgia. The word choices are harsher, with no soft recollections.

Symbols of Light and Darkness: Imagery and Meaning

Several key symbols contribute to the poem's overall meaning. The smile, initially a symbol of pure joy, is later described as being "jelled in / a never yester glow," suggesting that it is becoming distant and unreal. The image of the laugh that "tickled the tits of / heaven" is striking, implying a connection between laughter and the divine. However, this connection is threatened by the suffering depicted in the poem. The "night news-eyed" gaze symbolizes the speaker's awareness of global issues. Is this phrase meant to suggest that the news is what helps the speaker remember, or is it a hinderance? Could it mean that the news being broadcast today is what helps the speaker remember to be concerned and feel empathetic? It is not clear.

Finding Solace in Memory: Conclusion

"I Almost Remember" is a powerful exploration of the human capacity to hold onto hope and joy in the face of overwhelming suffering. While the poem acknowledges the pain and injustice of the world, it also suggests that the memory of happiness can offer solace and resilience. The final image of "Smiling" in the quiet of the garden offers a glimmer of hope, implying that even amidst despair, the human spirit can find moments of peace and joy in the remembering. This poem showcases the importance of remembering happy times, even if one is feeling a great deal of grief due to issues plaguing the world around them.