Harlem Hopscotch, Maya Angelou: Summary & Analysis

"Harlem Hopscotch" by Maya Angelou is a rhythmic and vivid poem that captures the spirit of a playful yet profound game. Through its structure and concise language, the poem explores themes of inequality, resilience, and the challenges faced by marginalized individuals in society. Harlem Hopscotch by Maya Angelou One foot down, then hop! It's hot. Good things for the ones that's got. Another jump, now to the left. Everybody for hisself. In the air, now both feet down. Since you black, don't stick around. Food is gone, the rent is due, Curse and cry and then jump two. All the people out of work, Hold for three, then twist and jerk. Cross the line, they count you out. That's what hopping's all about. Both feet flat, the game is done. They think I lost. I think I won. Summary "Harlem Hopscotch" describes a game of hopscotch as a metaphor for navigating life's challenges. Through concise language and rhythmic structure, the poem depicts the strugg…