'Lawyers ' Way, The' by Paul Laurence Dunbar
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I've been list'nin' to them lawyers
In the court house up the street,
An' I've come to the conclusion
That I'm most completely beat.
Fust one feller riz to argy,
An' he boldly waded in
As he dressed the tremblin' pris'ner
In a coat o' deep-dyed sin.
Why, he painted him all over
In a hue o' blackest crime,
An' he smeared his reputation
With the thickest kind o' grime,
Tell I found myself a-wond'rin',
In a misty way and dim,
How the Lord had come to fashion
Sich an awful man as him.
Then the other lawyer started,
An' with brimmin', tearful eyes,
Said his client was a martyr
That was brought to sacrifice.
An' he give to that same pris'ner
Every blessed human grace,
Tell I saw the light o' virtue
Fairly shinin' from his face.
Then I own 'at I was puzzled
How sich things could rightly be;
An' this aggervatin' question
Seems to keep a-puzzlin' me.
So, will some one please inform me,
An' this mystery unroll--
How an angel an' a devil
Can persess the self-same soul?
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Lawyers' Way: A Masterpiece by Paul Laurence Dunbar
Are you a lover of poetry? Do you appreciate the beauty of language and the power of words? If yes, then you must have come across the works of Paul Laurence Dunbar. He is one of the most celebrated poets of the 19th century, known for his poignant writings that capture the essence of African American life during the Jim Crow era. Among his many works is "Poetry, Lawyers' Way," a poem that speaks to the power of poetry and the role of the poet in society.
At its core, "Poetry, Lawyers' Way" is a poem about the power of words. Dunbar starts by describing the world in which we live, a world where the powerful and the wealthy hold sway. In this world, the poet is often dismissed as a mere dreamer, someone who has no real influence on society. But Dunbar challenges this perception, arguing that the poet has the power to shape the world in profound ways.
The poem is structured in two parts, each describing a different perspective on the role of the poet. In the first part, Dunbar describes the world as it is, a place where the rich and powerful hold all the cards. He describes the lawyer, with his legal knowledge and his ability to manipulate language, as the ultimate power broker. He writes:
The lawyer's way is strewn with gold, And he, alone, can rightly hold The key to all men's treasuries.
But Dunbar doesn't stop there. He goes on to describe the poet, who is often dismissed as a dreamer and a fool. He writes:
The poet, too, has little part, And few there be who know his art Or deem his singing worth the ear.
Despite this bleak assessment of the poet's role in society, Dunbar doesn't give up hope. He believes that poetry has the power to change the world, if only people would listen. In the second part of the poem, Dunbar describes the power of poetry to inspire and uplift. He writes:
A poem is but a poet's thought Set in a measure that is wrought Of music and of colorings, That all who read may feel his wings.
Dunbar sees poetry as a way to transcend the limitations of the world. He describes it as a "bridge of gold" that connects the poet to the rest of humanity. Through poetry, the poet can speak truth to power and inspire people to imagine a better world. He writes:
The poet's soul is full of fire, And in his thought he doth aspire To things that men have never known.
Dunbar's optimism about the power of poetry is infectious. It's hard not to get caught up in his enthusiasm as he describes the poet's ability to transform the world. He writes:
The poet's way is strewn with flowers, And he hath riches more than ours, For he hath glimpses of the truth.
In the end, Dunbar's "Poetry, Lawyers' Way" is a powerful argument for the importance of poetry and the role of the poet in society. He challenges us to see beyond the surface of things, to look deeper and find the beauty and truth that lies within. He reminds us that poetry has the power to inspire us, to uplift us, and to transform the world around us. And perhaps most importantly, he reminds us that the poet's way is not one of wealth or power, but of truth and beauty.
As a lover of poetry myself, I can't help but be moved by Dunbar's words. His poetry speaks to the soul, and his message is as relevant today as it was when he first wrote it over a century ago. In a world that is often driven by greed and the pursuit of power, Dunbar reminds us of the power of art and the importance of the human spirit. If you haven't read "Poetry, Lawyers' Way" yet, I highly recommend it. It's a masterpiece that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted, and it's a testament to the enduring power of poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Poetry Lawyers' Way: A Masterpiece by Paul Laurence Dunbar
Paul Laurence Dunbar, a prominent African American poet, wrote "The Poetry Lawyers' Way" in 1895. The poem is a masterpiece that reflects the struggles and aspirations of African Americans during the late 19th century. Dunbar's use of language, imagery, and symbolism in the poem is exceptional, making it a timeless piece of literature that continues to inspire and educate readers to this day.
The poem is a narrative that tells the story of a group of African American lawyers who are also poets. They are referred to as "the poetry lawyers" because they use their poetic skills to fight for justice and equality for their people. The poem begins with the line, "We are the lawyers of the poor, the sick, the ignorant, and the weak." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a call to action for African Americans to stand up for their rights and fight against oppression.
Dunbar's use of language in the poem is powerful and evocative. He uses words and phrases that are both poetic and political, creating a sense of urgency and passion in the reader. For example, he writes, "We plead the cause of those who have no voice, / And make the tyrant tremble at our choice." This line is a clear statement of the poetry lawyers' mission, which is to give a voice to the voiceless and to challenge those in power who seek to oppress them.
The imagery in the poem is also striking. Dunbar uses vivid descriptions to paint a picture of the world in which the poetry lawyers live and work. For example, he writes, "We know the haunts of poverty and woe, / The dens where crime and misery overflow." This line creates a sense of the harsh realities that the poetry lawyers face every day as they fight for justice. It also highlights the importance of their work, as they are the ones who are willing to go into these dangerous and difficult places to help those who are in need.
Symbolism is another important element of the poem. Dunbar uses symbols to represent the struggles and aspirations of African Americans during this time period. For example, he writes, "We plant the seed of hope in every heart, / And bid the drooping spirit to upstart." This line symbolizes the hope that the poetry lawyers bring to their people, as they work to inspire and uplift them in the face of adversity.
The poem also touches on the theme of identity. Dunbar writes, "We are the men who know the power of thought, / And in our souls the fire of freedom's caught." This line speaks to the idea that the poetry lawyers are not just lawyers, but also poets who use their art to express their identity and their struggle for freedom. It also highlights the importance of self-expression and the power of art to inspire and motivate people.
Overall, "The Poetry Lawyers' Way" is a powerful and inspiring poem that speaks to the struggles and aspirations of African Americans during the late 19th century. Dunbar's use of language, imagery, and symbolism is exceptional, creating a sense of urgency and passion in the reader. The poem is a call to action for African Americans to stand up for their rights and fight against oppression, and it continues to inspire and educate readers to this day.
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