S.O.S. by Amiri Baraka

Darrin Mills February 12, 2009
Constitution HS English II

S.O.S by: Amiri Baraka

“Calling All Black People”, what can these words mean? Can these words symbolize a calling, or a call of interest towards a nationality? Myself, the reader assumes this poem, relates to time, of activist, civil rights, and the author may have a strong point to get across by telling, this poem. When the reader cites this poem over, he/she may think about vast times of rebellion. This poem catches my eye due to the vocabulary, the meaning, and the vast connection it makes to my activist side of my personality.

The vocabulary of the poem S.O.S. caught my attention, due to the virtues and characteristics meant by the used words. The reader feels as though the author had a serious crave for the repetition of the entire poem. The words that the author used where also very basic, and simple. The poet gives off an activist vibe, showed by the repeat of “Calling All Black People”. This poem shows a strong sense of unity in the African American community.

The meaning to this poem is very deep, and inspirational, because of the race choice, it revolves around one nationality, and drives us to unite. Just by looking at the poem, you can feed off of the activist type of vibe, which the poet is speaking on. When I recite this poem, it makes me think of the movie, “Dead Presidents”, due to the fact Lorenzo Tate’s close friend was an uptight, and serious activist. This poem makes me feel a sign of protest, and standing up for one’s actions, and rights.

This poem is so cool, but this poem does have a bit of a downfall about it. This poem tends to get pretty boring, and begin to die down at the end. It repeats its words, has a meaning, unites, and inspires, but doesn’t switch up the flow of the poem through the whole poem.

In conclusion, this poem, in a way ignites us as a people, and brings unity to the African American community. This gives insight of how Blacks were called together, by shouting in acts of activism. This poem can inspires many culture, by it unique efforts of unity.