Examples of I Am Poems Poetry

Índice
  1. The Power of "I Am" Poems
  2. Example 1: I Am by John Clare
  3. Example 2: I Am Offering This Poem by Jimmy Santiago Baca
  4. Example 3: I Am by Maya Angelou
  5. Example 4: I Am a Black Woman by Mari Evans

The Power of "I Am" Poems

I Am Poems are a popular form of self-expression in poetry. These poems allow individuals to delve into their own identities, experiences, and emotions. By using the repetitive phrase "I am," each line serves as a unique reflection on the poet's self-awareness and personal journey. This article explores the beauty and versatility of I Am Poems through a collection of inspiring examples.

Example 1: I Am by John Clare

The "I Am" poem written by John Clare, an English peasant poet, showcases the raw emotions and introspection often found in these types of poems. Here is an excerpt from his powerful piece:

I am:
Yet what I am none cares or knows;
My friends forsake me like a memory lost:
I am the self-consumer of my woes;
They rise and vanish in oblivious host,
Like shades in love and death's oblivion lost;

In this excerpt, Clare shares his feelings of isolation and abandonment. He acknowledges his troubles and recognizes that they consume his being. The repetition of "I am" emphasizes the personal connection and introspective nature of the poem.

Example 2: I Am Offering This Poem by Jimmy Santiago Baca

Jimmy Santiago Baca, a renowned American poet, demonstrates the vulnerability and transformation that can occur through an "I Am" poem. Here is a snippet from his poignant work:

I am offering this poem to you,
since I have nothing else to give.
Keep it like a warm coat
when winter comes to cover you,
or like a pair of thick socks
the cold cannot bite through,

Baca's poem serves as an offering, a gift of love and protection. By using "I am," the poet connects deeply with the reader, offering comfort in the form of a warm coat and thick socks. This example showcases the compassionate and empathetic qualities often found in "I Am" poems.

Example 3: I Am by Maya Angelou

In her renowned poem "I Am," the celebrated Maya Angelou eloquently weaves together elements of self-acceptance, resilience, and personal growth. Here's a glimpse into her empowering composition:

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise… I rise… I rise.
I am the black oceans, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Angelou's poem embodies strength and empowerment, acknowledging her African American roots and the struggles faced by her ancestors. Through the repetition of "I am" and the bold proclamation of rising, she symbolizes perseverance and resilience.

Example 4: I Am a Black Woman by Mari Evans

Mari Evans, an influential Black author and poet, exemplifies how "I Am" poems can serve as platforms for asserting one's identity and celebrating selfhood. Here is a compelling excerpt from her poem:

I am a black woman
tall as a cypress
strong beyond all definition still
defying place and time
and circumstance
assailed impervious
indestructible

In this captivating work, Evans celebrates the strength and resilience of Black women. With each line beginning with "I am," she highlights the power of self-definition and the unyielding spirit within her community.

I Am Poems serve as a powerful means of self-expression, offering individuals the opportunity to explore their identities, emotions, and experiences. Through the repetition of "I am," poets can capture vividly the essence of their existence and share it with the world. The examples mentioned above, from John Clare, Jimmy Santiago Baca, Maya Angelou, and Mari Evans, demonstrate the diverse ways in which poets utilize this poetic form. So, take inspiration from these examples, embrace your own voice, and create your own exquisite "I am" poem.

Related Poems

Subir