Awaking In New York, Maya Angelou: Summary & Analysis
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"Awaking In New York" by Maya Angelou is a vivid and contemplative poem that captures the essence of the bustling city in the early morning hours. Through striking imagery and evocative language, the poem explores the contrast between the city's energy and the speaker's personal sense of isolation. Awaking In New York by Maya Angelou Curtains forcing their will
against the wind,
children sleep,
exchanging dreams with
seraphim. The city
drags itself awake on
subway straps; and
I, an alarm, awake as a
rumor of war,
lie stretching into dawn,
unasked and unheeded.
Critical Analysis "Awaking In New York" paints a vivid portrait of the city's early morning atmosphere while also delving into the speaker's personal thoughts and feelings. The opening lines set the stage with the image of "Curtains forcing their will against the wind," symbolizing both the city's determination and the speaker's sense of confinement. The act of "children s…