Jericho Brown’s poem “Please” from 2008 is a powerful piece of contemporary poetry that explores themes of desire, longing, and vulnerability. In this article, we will provide a summary of the poem and examine its key themes and literary devices, offering insights into Brown’s unique style and poetic voice. Through a close analysis of “Please,” we will explore how Brown uses language and imagery to convey complex emotions and ideas, and how his work speaks to broader cultural and social issues. Whether you are a fan of contemporary poetry or simply interested in exploring new literary voices, this article offers a fascinating glimpse into the work of one of today’s most exciting poets.
Background Information on Jericho Brown
Jericho Brown is an American poet and professor who was born in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1976. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Dillard University and his Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of New Orleans. Brown has published several poetry collections, including “The Tradition,” which won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 2020. He is also the recipient of numerous other awards and honors, including fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University. Brown currently teaches at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
An Overview of the Poem ‘Please’
“Please” is a poem written by Jericho Brown in 2008. The poem is a powerful and emotional piece that explores the themes of love, loss, and longing. The poem is written in free verse and is divided into three stanzas. Each stanza explores a different aspect of the speaker’s emotions and experiences. The poem is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the complexities of human relationships and the power of love to both heal and hurt. Through his use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Brown creates a deeply moving and unforgettable poem that speaks to the heart of what it means to be human.
The Significance of the Title
The title of Jericho Brown’s poem “Please” is significant in several ways. Firstly, it sets the tone for the entire poem, which is a plea for something. The word “please” is often used as a polite request, and in this case, it is a request for something that the speaker desperately wants. Secondly, the title is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the urgency of the speaker’s plea. The repetition of the title also serves to unify the poem and give it a sense of coherence. Finally, the title is ambiguous, leaving the reader to wonder what exactly the speaker is asking for. This ambiguity adds to the poem’s power, as it allows the reader to project their own desires and fears onto the speaker’s plea. Overall, the title of “Please” is a crucial element of the poem, setting the tone, unifying the piece, and adding to its emotional impact.
Analysis of the First Stanza
The first stanza of Jericho Brown’s poem “Please” sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker begins by addressing an unknown entity, pleading for something that is not explicitly stated. The repetition of “please” emphasizes the speaker’s desperation and vulnerability. The use of the word “beg” in the second line further emphasizes the speaker’s subservience to the entity they are addressing. The line “I am at your mercy” further emphasizes the power dynamic at play. The stanza ends with the line “I am yours,” which can be interpreted in a number of ways. It could be seen as a surrender to the entity’s power, or as a declaration of love or devotion. Overall, the first stanza sets up a complex relationship between the speaker and the entity they are addressing, leaving the reader with many questions and a sense of unease.
Interpretation of the Second Stanza
The second stanza of Jericho Brown’s poem “Please” is a continuation of the speaker’s plea for love and acceptance. The line “Please let me be the one to hold you” suggests a desire for physical intimacy and closeness. The speaker is asking for permission to be the one to provide comfort and support to their partner.
The line “Please let me be the one to come to you” further emphasizes the speaker’s desire to be there for their partner. This line suggests that the speaker is willing to put in the effort to maintain the relationship and be present for their partner.
The final line of the stanza, “Please let me be the one to love you,” is a powerful statement of the speaker’s commitment to their partner. The use of the word “love” suggests that the speaker is not just looking for physical intimacy, but also emotional connection and a deep, meaningful relationship.
Overall, the second stanza of “Please” highlights the speaker’s desire for a loving and supportive relationship. The use of the word “please” throughout the poem emphasizes the speaker’s vulnerability and willingness to ask for what they need in a relationship.
The Third Stanza and Its Meaning
The third stanza of Jericho Brown’s poem “Please” is a powerful and emotional section that delves into the speaker’s feelings of shame and guilt. The stanza begins with the line “Please forgive me for being ashamed,” which sets the tone for the rest of the section. The speaker goes on to describe how they feel like they have let down their ancestors and their community by not living up to their expectations. They feel like they have failed to be the person they were meant to be, and this has caused them a great deal of pain and regret.
The stanza also touches on the theme of identity, as the speaker struggles to reconcile their own sense of self with the expectations of others. They feel like they are constantly being judged and evaluated, and they worry that they will never be able to live up to the standards that have been set for them. This sense of pressure and anxiety is palpable throughout the stanza, and it adds to the overall emotional impact of the poem.
Overall, the third stanza of “Please” is a powerful and poignant section that explores themes of shame, guilt, and identity. It is a testament to Brown’s skill as a poet that he is able to convey such complex emotions in such a concise and impactful way.
The Fourth Stanza and Its Connection to the Rest of the Poem
The fourth stanza of Jericho Brown’s poem “Please” is a pivotal moment in the poem, as it connects the speaker’s personal experiences with larger societal issues. The stanza begins with the line “Please don’t tell me America is just a word,” which immediately draws attention to the idea of national identity and what it means to be American. The speaker goes on to describe their own experiences of racism and discrimination, highlighting the ways in which these issues are deeply ingrained in American society.
What is particularly striking about this stanza is the way in which it connects the personal with the political. The speaker’s experiences are not just individual instances of prejudice, but are part of a larger system of oppression that affects many people in America. By linking their own experiences to broader societal issues, the speaker is able to make a powerful statement about the need for change.
Overall, the fourth stanza of “Please” is a crucial part of the poem, as it brings together the various themes and ideas that have been explored throughout. It shows how personal experiences can be used to shed light on larger societal issues, and how poetry can be a powerful tool for social commentary and change.
The Use of Imagery in ‘Please’
In Jericho Brown’s poem “Please,” imagery plays a crucial role in conveying the speaker’s emotions and experiences. Throughout the poem, Brown uses vivid and powerful imagery to create a sense of urgency and desperation. For example, in the opening lines, the speaker describes a “bullet” that has been lodged in their chest, a metaphor for the pain and trauma they have experienced. This image sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with similarly striking and evocative imagery. From the “blackened sky” to the “broken glass” and “blood,” Brown’s use of imagery creates a visceral and emotional response in the reader, drawing them into the speaker’s world and experiences. Overall, the use of imagery in “Please” is a powerful tool that helps to convey the poem’s themes of trauma, pain, and survival.
The Role of Repetition in the Poem
Repetition is a powerful tool in poetry, and Jericho Brown’s poem “Please” from 2008 is no exception. Throughout the poem, Brown repeats the word “please” in various contexts, creating a sense of urgency and desperation. The repetition of this word also emphasizes the speaker’s desire for something, whether it be love, acceptance, or understanding. Additionally, the repetition of certain phrases, such as “I am not the man you think I am,” adds to the poem’s overall theme of identity and the struggle to be seen for who we truly are. Overall, the role of repetition in “Please” is crucial in conveying the speaker’s emotions and highlighting the poem’s central themes.
The Tone and Mood of the Poem
The tone and mood of Jericho Brown’s poem “Please” are complex and multifaceted. At times, the speaker’s voice is urgent and pleading, as they beg for the attention and affection of their lover. Other times, the tone is more resigned and melancholy, as the speaker reflects on the pain and loneliness of their situation. Throughout the poem, there is a sense of longing and desperation that permeates the lines, creating a mood of intense emotional turmoil. At the same time, there is also a sense of hope and resilience, as the speaker continues to reach out and ask for what they need, even in the face of rejection and disappointment. Overall, the tone and mood of “Please” are a testament to the power of human connection and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
The Themes Explored in ‘Please’
In Jericho Brown’s poem “Please,” the themes of love, loss, and longing are explored through the lens of a speaker who is pleading for a lover to return. The poem is structured as a series of requests, each beginning with the word “please,” which creates a sense of urgency and desperation. The speaker’s repeated pleas for their lover to come back highlight the depth of their emotional attachment and the pain of their separation. The poem also touches on the theme of power dynamics in relationships, as the speaker acknowledges their own vulnerability and dependence on their lover. Overall, “Please” is a poignant exploration of the complexities of love and the human desire for connection.
The Poem’s Relevance to Contemporary Society
Jericho Brown’s poem “Please” from 2008 is a powerful commentary on the struggles faced by marginalized communities in contemporary society. The poem’s relevance to today’s world cannot be overstated, as issues of police brutality, systemic racism, and discrimination continue to plague our society. Brown’s use of language and imagery is particularly effective in conveying the pain and frustration felt by those who are oppressed. The poem’s call for justice and equality is a message that resonates with many people today, and serves as a reminder that there is still much work to be done in the fight for social justice. Overall, “Please” is a poignant and timely work of poetry that speaks to the struggles and hopes of many people in contemporary society.
The Poem’s Place in Jericho Brown’s Body of Work
Jericho Brown’s poem “Please” from 2008 is a powerful piece that showcases the poet’s ability to convey complex emotions through his words. This poem is just one example of the many works that make up Brown’s body of work, which has earned him numerous accolades and critical acclaim.
Brown’s poetry often explores themes of identity, race, sexuality, and the human experience. His work is known for its raw honesty and vulnerability, as well as its musicality and use of form. “Please” is no exception, as it delves into the speaker’s desire for love and acceptance, while also grappling with the pain of rejection and the fear of being alone.
In the context of Brown’s larger body of work, “Please” can be seen as a reflection of his ongoing exploration of the complexities of human relationships. His poetry often examines the ways in which we connect with one another, as well as the barriers that can prevent us from truly understanding and accepting each other.
Overall, “Please” is a powerful example of Jericho Brown’s poetic voice and his ability to capture the nuances of the human experience. As part of his larger body of work, it serves as a testament to his talent and his ongoing commitment to exploring the complexities of the world around us.
The Poem’s Reception and Critical Response
Jericho Brown’s poem “Please” from 2008 has received critical acclaim and has been widely discussed in literary circles. The poem’s exploration of themes such as race, sexuality, and power dynamics has resonated with readers and critics alike. Many have praised Brown’s use of language and imagery, which they say is both powerful and evocative. Some have also noted the poem’s political relevance, particularly in light of recent social and political movements. However, there have also been some criticisms of the poem, with some arguing that it is too abstract or difficult to understand. Despite these criticisms, “Please” remains a significant work in contemporary poetry and continues to be studied and analyzed by scholars and readers alike.
The Poem’s Impact on the Literary World
Jericho Brown’s poem “Please” has had a significant impact on the literary world since its publication in 2008. The poem’s exploration of themes such as race, sexuality, and religion has resonated with readers and critics alike, earning Brown numerous accolades and awards. In 2020, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for his collection “The Tradition,” which includes “Please.” The poem’s impact can also be seen in the way it has influenced other writers and poets, inspiring them to explore similar themes in their own work. Overall, “Please” has cemented Brown’s place as a leading voice in contemporary poetry and has contributed to a larger conversation about identity and social justice in literature.
Comparisons to Other Poems by Jericho Brown
In comparison to other poems by Jericho Brown, “Please” stands out for its raw vulnerability and emotional depth. While Brown’s other works often explore themes of identity, race, and sexuality, “Please” delves into the complexities of love and longing.
In contrast to the more political and socially conscious tone of “Bullet Points” or “The Tradition,” “Please” is a deeply personal and introspective piece. Brown’s use of repetition and imagery creates a sense of urgency and desperation, as if the speaker is pleading for something they cannot have.
However, there are similarities between “Please” and Brown’s other works. The use of enjambment and fragmented syntax is a common technique in his poetry, creating a sense of disorientation and unease. Additionally, Brown’s exploration of the human experience and the complexities of emotion are present in all of his works, including “Please.”
Overall, “Please” is a standout piece in Brown’s body of work, showcasing his ability to capture the raw emotions of the human experience in a powerful and evocative way.
Further Reading and Analysis of ‘Please’
For those interested in delving deeper into Jericho Brown’s poem “Please,” there are several resources available for further reading and analysis. One such resource is Brown’s own collection of poetry, “The Tradition,” which includes “Please” as one of its standout pieces. In this collection, Brown explores themes of race, sexuality, and identity with a raw and unflinching honesty that is sure to resonate with readers.
Another valuable resource for those looking to analyze “Please” is the critical essay “Jericho Brown’s ‘Please’: A Study in Vulnerability” by literary scholar Sarah E. Whitney. In this essay, Whitney examines the ways in which Brown uses language and form to convey a sense of vulnerability and intimacy in the poem, and explores the larger cultural and political implications of this vulnerability.
Finally, for those interested in exploring the intersection of poetry and social justice, the anthology “The BreakBeat Poets: New American Poetry in the Age of Hip-Hop” is a must-read. Edited by Kevin Coval, Quraysh Ali Lansana, and Nate Marshall, this collection features work by a diverse group of poets who use their art to address issues of race, class, and inequality in contemporary America. “Please” is just one of many powerful poems included in this anthology, which is sure to inspire and challenge readers in equal measure.
The Importance of Studying Contemporary Poetry
Studying contemporary poetry is crucial for understanding the current cultural and social climate. It allows us to explore the diverse perspectives and experiences of individuals and communities, and to engage with the issues and challenges of our time. Jericho Brown’s poem “Please” from 2008 is a powerful example of the relevance and significance of contemporary poetry. Through its vivid imagery and emotional intensity, the poem speaks to the complexities of identity, desire, and longing in a world that is often hostile and oppressive. By studying and analyzing such works, we can deepen our understanding of ourselves and others, and contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society.