Poem Analysis - The Thirteens Black

A Lament for Lost Youth

Maya Angelou's "The Thirteens (Black)" is a stark and sorrowful snapshot of a community plagued by hardship and despair. The poem's tone is initially resigned, almost observational, as it catalogues the various misfortunes befalling family members. However, it shifts to a more direct and accusatory tone as it focuses on the poem's addressee, the "you," revealing a deep sense of disappointment. The repeated phrase "The thirteens. Right On." functions as a bleak refrain, highlighting the pervasiveness of the problem and adding a layer of bitter irony.

Echoes of a Troubled Era

While the poem doesn't explicitly mention specific historical events, it resonates with the social realities faced by many African American communities during the mid-to-late 20th century. Issues such as poverty, drug addiction ("taking smack"), incarceration ("in the joint"), and lack of opportunity contributed to cycles of despair that disproportionately affected these communities. Angelou, a prominent voice in the Civil Rights Movement and African American literature, frequently addressed these issues in her work, lending her poem a deeper layer of social commentary.

The Crushing Weight of Abandonment

One central theme explored in the poem is the abandonment of the young. Each stanza depicts a world where traditional support structures have crumbled: the mother is overwhelmed ("shouting"), the father is absent ("gone to war"), and siblings are lost to the streets or addiction. This leaves the "you" of the poem isolated and vulnerable, a child without guidance or protection. The line "You out here by yourself" powerfully underscores this sense of abandonment and its devastating consequences.

The Perversion of Identity

Another significant theme is the loss of innocence and identity. The reference to "the thirteens" suggests the age of the poem's subject, a time typically associated with burgeoning potential. However, the poem paints a picture of this potential being squandered by circumstance. The speaker's inability to find a suitable insult ("I'd call you something dirty, / But there just ain't nothing left") suggests that the "you" has been so thoroughly broken and corrupted by their environment that even the most harsh words lack impact, emphasizing the depth of their degradation.

Bitterness in the Refrain

The recurring phrase "The thirteens. Right On." serves as a powerful and ambiguous symbol. On the surface, "Right On" is a phrase of encouragement and solidarity, common in African American vernacular. However, within the context of the poem, it takes on a deeply sarcastic and tragic meaning. It suggests a resigned acceptance of the bleak reality, perhaps even an indictment of the societal forces that have led to this state of affairs. Is it an affirmation of the subjects spirit to survive, or a sardonic comment on the circumstances that define it?

A Legacy of Pain

In conclusion, "The Thirteens (Black)" is a poignant and unsettling poem that explores the themes of abandonment, loss of innocence, and the devastating impact of social circumstances on young lives. The poem's stark imagery and shifting tone, combined with the ambiguous refrain, create a powerful statement about the challenges faced by marginalized communities. It serves as a reminder of the importance of providing support and opportunity to young people, lest they become another statistic in a cycle of despair.