Maya Angelou

To a Suitor

To a Suitor - meaning Summary

Constancy and Radiant Reciprocity

The speaker addresses a Black suitor, asking for steadfastness and seriousness in their approach. In exchange for constancy and ceremonial descent, the speaker promises luminous, almost cosmic rewards: "cascades of brilliance" and an instinctive arching like a crescent moon. The poem frames mutual commitment as dignified, ritualized, and transformative, linking emotional loyalty to radiant, natural reciprocity and shared honor.

Read Complete Analyses

If you are Black and for me, press steady, as the weight of night. And I will show cascades of brilliance, astrally. If you are Black and constant, descend importantly, as ritual, and I will arch a crescent moon, naturally.

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