'Men' by Maya Angelou

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When I was young, I used to
Watch behind the curtains
As men walked up and down the street. Wino men, old men.
Young men sharp as mustard.
See them. Men are always
Going somewhere.
They knew I was there. Fifteen
Years old and starving for them.
Under my window, they would pause,
Their shoulders high like the
Breasts of a young girl,
Jacket tails slapping over
Those behinds,
Men.

One day they hold you in the
Palms of their hands, gentle, as if you
Were the last raw egg in the world. Then
They tighten up. Just a little. The
First squeeze is nice. A quick hug.
Soft into your defenselessness. A little
More. The hurt begins. Wrench out a
Smile that slides around the fear. When the
Air disappears,
Your mind pops, exploding fiercely, briefly,
Like the head of a kitchen match. Shattered.
It is your juice
That runs down their legs. Staining their shoes.
When the earth rights itself again,
And taste tries to return to the tongue,
Your body has slammed shut. Forever.
No keys exist.

Then the window draws full upon
Your mind. There, just beyond
The sway of curtains, men walk.
Knowing something.
Going someplace.
But this time, I will simply
Stand and watch.

Maybe.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Men by Maya Angelou: A Poetic Exploration of Masculinity and Power

Maya Angelou, the renowned American poet, civil rights activist, and memoirist, wrote the poem "Men" as a part of her 1978 collection, And Still I Rise. The poem is a haunting and powerful meditation on the complex relationships between men and women, and the ways in which gender, power, and desire intersect in our lives. Through vivid imagery, metaphorical language, and rhythmic repetition, Angelou explores the many facets of masculinity and the ways in which it can both empower and oppress.

At its core, "Men" is a poem about power. It is a call to arms for women to reclaim their power in a world that often seeks to erode it. The poem opens with a series of rhetorical questions that set the tone for the rest of the piece:

"When I was young, I used to Watch behind the curtains As men walked up and down the street. Wino men, old men. Young men sharp as mustard. See them. Men are always Going somewhere."

Through these lines, Angelou establishes the pervasive presence of men in the world, and the sense of purpose and direction that they possess. Men are always "going somewhere," always moving forward, always in control. This is a stark contrast to the speaker's experience as a young girl, relegated to watching from the sidelines. However, as the poem unfolds, the speaker begins to challenge this power dynamic, and to assert her own agency and strength.

One of the most striking features of "Men" is Angelou's use of metaphorical language to describe the ways in which men exert their power. Throughout the poem, men are compared to a variety of animals, from "roosters" to "snakes" to "monkeys." These comparisons serve to underscore the animalistic, primal nature of men's behavior, and to highlight the ways in which their actions can be both seductive and dangerous.

For example, in the stanza beginning "Men themselves have wondered / What they see in me," Angelou writes:

"They try so much But they can't touch My inner mystery. When I try to show them They say they still can't see."

Here, the speaker asserts her own power and mystery, suggesting that men are drawn to her but unable to fully understand or possess her. This is a subtle but powerful reversal of the traditional power dynamic between men and women, in which men are often seen as the ones with all the power and agency.

Angelou's use of repetition and rhythm is also key to the poem's impact. Throughout the piece, she repeats the phrase "Men themselves have wondered" several times, each time building on the previous iteration to create a sense of momentum and urgency. This repetition serves to underscore the poem's central theme of power, as the speaker repeats the phrase almost like a mantra, reminding both herself and the reader of the ways in which men have historically exerted their dominance over women.

As the poem draws to a close, the speaker's tone becomes more assertive and confident. She declares that she will no longer be "captured by the sharp teeth / Of your dreams," and that she will "not dance to your beat." This final stanza is a powerful statement of agency and independence, as the speaker refuses to be constrained by the expectations and desires of men.

In conclusion, "Men" is a powerful and provocative poem that explores the complex relationships between men and women, and the ways in which gender, power, and desire intersect in our lives. Through vivid imagery, metaphorical language, and rhythmic repetition, Maya Angelou challenges traditional notions of masculinity and femininity, and asserts the power and agency of women. More than forty years after its publication, "Men" remains a timeless and resonant meditation on the human experience, and a testament to the enduring power of poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Men: An Ode to the Power of Words

Maya Angelou, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, wrote a powerful poem called "Poetry Men" that celebrates the transformative power of words. In this poem, Angelou pays tribute to the men who have used their words to inspire, uplift, and empower others. Through her vivid imagery and lyrical language, Angelou captures the essence of what it means to be a poet and the impact that poetry can have on the world.

The poem begins with a powerful opening line: "I like to see a man proud of the place he lives." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Angelou goes on to describe the men who have used their words to celebrate their communities and the people who live there. She describes these men as "poetry men," suggesting that they are not just writers, but artists who use their words to create something beautiful and meaningful.

Angelou goes on to describe the different ways in which these poetry men have used their words to make a difference in the world. She talks about the men who have "sung the praises of the earth," celebrating the natural beauty of the world around us. She also describes the men who have "painted the faces of their brothers," using their words to give voice to those who have been marginalized or oppressed.

One of the most striking images in the poem is when Angelou describes the poetry men as "architects of the possible." This line captures the idea that poets are not just observers of the world, but creators who have the power to shape it. Through their words, they can inspire others to dream big and imagine a better future.

Angelou also touches on the idea that poetry can be a form of resistance. She describes the men who have used their words to "speak the truth to the people," challenging the status quo and calling for change. This idea is particularly relevant in today's world, where many poets and writers are using their words to speak out against injustice and inequality.

Throughout the poem, Angelou uses vivid imagery and sensory language to bring her words to life. She talks about the "smell of hot tamales" and the "sound of a jukebox," painting a picture of a vibrant and lively community. She also uses metaphors and similes to create a sense of depth and complexity. For example, she describes the poetry men as "fingers on a hand," suggesting that they are all part of a larger whole.

One of the most powerful aspects of the poem is the way in which Angelou celebrates the diversity of the poetry men. She talks about the men who have come from different backgrounds and cultures, but who have all used their words to make a difference. This idea of diversity and inclusivity is a central theme in much of Angelou's work, and it is particularly relevant in today's world.

In conclusion, "Poetry Men" is a powerful ode to the transformative power of words. Through her vivid imagery and lyrical language, Maya Angelou celebrates the men who have used their words to inspire, uplift, and empower others. She captures the essence of what it means to be a poet and the impact that poetry can have on the world. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of art and the importance of using our words to make a difference.

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