1. Maya Angelou
"Times Square- tells the story of a shoeshine man who cleans shoes at such a remarkable rhythm that it in fact keeps his spirit alive. ... The poem uses rhythm and is filled with ideas about racism, hunger, and unemployment. ... (Bloom2 51) "Much of Angelou's poetry, almost entirely short lyrics, expresses in short, often jazzy rhythms, themes common to the life experiences of many American blacks- (Bloom2 20) Throughout her work, Maya transformed from the bashful, awkward black girl shamed of her appearance to a proud black woman, proud of her color and curves and who has learned fr...
- Word Count: 1347
- Approx Pages: 5
- Grade Level: High School