Hopkins Award Poetry
Here in Harlem: Poems in Many Voices
by Walter Dean Myers
Bibliography
Myers, Walter Dean. 2004. Here in Harlem: Poems in Many Voices. New York: Holiday House.
ISBN: 0823418537
Book Review
Through a classical collection of fifty-four poems, poet Walter Dean Myers introduces readers to his fascinating life while growing up in a well known place called Harlem. Each poem is written in a different voice to completely capture the essence of those who played a special role in Myers’ life. With Harlem having so much history, it is only fitting to include poems with such famous Harlem residents like Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, and Duke Ellington.
Authentic black and white photos are randomly placed throughout the text to further provide a classical appeal that resonates the true heart of Harlem. The ivory colored pages with tattered edges further gives the reader a feeling of reading a personal journal or perusing a photo album of Walter Dean Myers’ childhood. In fact, the front and back covers immediately entice readers with a black and white photo of Duke Ellington on the front, and two well dressed young men on the back, one of which is Walter Dean Myers in the prime of his youth.
Reading each poem takes the reader on a rhythmical journey with inclusions of pure Harlem heritage and dialect flowing within the entire book. In her first of six testimonies found throughout Myers’ book, “Clara Brown” speaks of Harlem by stating, “Everybody’s asking me why I’m always talking about Harlem. Well, child, to me, Harlem is like an old friend.” Walter Dean Myers allows readers to enter a different way of life with “rice and collards” and “rent-due blues,” while every poem is aptly titled to represent a character from his past. These poems written by Myers are delivered in a variety of poetic forms like free-verse, rhythm and rhyme, gospel, and jazzy blues.
People of all ages can relate to those included throughout this book, with poems from Harlem residents ranging from twelve to eighty-seven years of age. A variety of citizens from veterans, to students, to a boxer, a hustler, and a nanny are all represented. All types of people with all types of stories brought together to educate others in a Harlem way of life. The organization of the book is genuinely thought out as well, with a complete table of contents provided at the beginning, and occasional testimonials included from the great “Clara Brown.” Readers find out at the very end who “Clara Brown” is, along with a page dedicated to the people, places, and terms to add further understanding to the poems that make up this beautifully written book.
The following poem shows Harlem culture at its finest.
Macon R. Allen, 38
Deacon
I love a shouting church!
Praises bounding off the ceiling
The rhythm catching up the feet
Tambourines that send the spirits reeling
Yes, give me a shouting church!
Praising Jesus to a jump-up preacher
As he hollers gospel on the way to grace
Lord, give me a shouting church!
Where everybody knows the end is coming fast
And the righteous speak in tongues
Saying, “Sinner, don’t let this harvest pass”
Don’t give me no whispering church
Don’t be mumbling nothing to my Lord
You came in crying and you going out crying
So don’t be holding back the word
Oh, Lord, I love a shouting church!
Wake up Lazarus! Wake up Paul!
Wake up the congregation, and lift their hearts
If they don’t hear it now, they won’t hear at all
Oh, I love shouting church!
Can I get an A-man?
Extensions
After reading the poem, “Macon R. Allen, 38,” and other poems from Myers‘ book, children can bring copies of black and white photos of their own ancestors and write a poem based on their life from information collected from other family members. It is important to our own heritage that children learn these stories and utilize them in creative ways like writing poetry. These poems can be mounted along with the black and white photo to be displayed for others to learn the fascinating facts of different families. This would be a perfect tie in with lessons that focus on family trees and genealogy.
Older children may enjoy performing these poems to each other. Provide copies of these poems to allow children to select their favorite poem so they can practice becoming the character.
This book can be recognized and shared during the month of February during African American History Month and in recognition of Langston Hughes‘ birthday.
Image Source: Barnes & Noble