In her poem “The Final Call,” Layli Long Soldier explores themes of grief, loss, and the complexities of identity in the face of death. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Long Soldier offers a poignant reflection on the ways in which we confront mortality and the legacies we leave behind. This article provides a summary of Long Soldier’s poem, highlighting its central themes and examining its significance within the broader context of contemporary poetry.
Background Information on Layli Long Soldier
Layli Long Soldier is a Native American poet and writer of Oglala Lakota descent. She was born in 1980 in South Dakota and grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Long Soldier earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and her Master of Fine Arts degree from Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. She has published two collections of poetry, “Whereas” and “Chromosomory,” and has received numerous awards and fellowships for her work. Long Soldier’s poetry often explores themes of identity, language, and the complexities of Native American history and culture. Her work has been widely praised for its lyricism, honesty, and political urgency.
Overview of “The Final Call”
“The Final Call” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem by Layli Long Soldier that explores the complex relationship between Native Americans and the United States government. The poem is divided into three sections, each of which delves deeper into the history and ongoing struggles of Native Americans. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Long Soldier highlights the injustices and traumas inflicted upon Native Americans, while also celebrating their resilience and strength. Overall, “The Final Call” is a moving and important work that sheds light on a crucial issue in American society.
Analysis of the Poem’s Structure
The structure of Layli Long Soldier’s poem “The Final Call” is complex and multi-layered. The poem is divided into three sections, each with its own distinct tone and style. The first section is a series of short, fragmented lines that convey a sense of urgency and confusion. The second section is more structured, with longer lines and a more contemplative tone. The final section is a single, long stanza that brings the poem to a powerful conclusion. Throughout the poem, Long Soldier uses repetition and variation to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. The structure of the poem reflects the themes of loss, grief, and the search for meaning in the face of death. Overall, “The Final Call” is a masterful example of how form and content can work together to create a powerful and moving work of poetry.
Interpretation of the Poem’s Themes
The themes of Layli Long Soldier’s poem “The Final Call” are complex and multifaceted. One of the most prominent themes is the idea of identity and how it is shaped by language and culture. The poem explores the tension between the speaker’s Native American heritage and her experiences growing up in a predominantly white society. This tension is reflected in the language of the poem, which shifts between English and Lakota, highlighting the speaker’s struggle to reconcile these two parts of her identity.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of memory and how it shapes our understanding of the past. The speaker reflects on the history of her people and the ways in which their culture and language have been erased and suppressed over time. She also grapples with her own memories of her father, who served in the military and was deeply affected by his experiences in Vietnam. Through these reflections, the poem raises important questions about the role of memory in shaping our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
Overall, “The Final Call” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores a range of complex themes. Through its use of language, imagery, and metaphor, the poem invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of identity, memory, and cultural heritage, and to consider the ways in which these themes intersect and shape our understanding of the world around us.
The Significance of Repetition in the Poem
Repetition is a powerful tool in poetry, and Layli Long Soldier’s “The Final Call” is no exception. Throughout the poem, she repeats certain phrases and words, emphasizing their importance and creating a sense of urgency. For example, the phrase “I am a citizen of the United States and an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe” is repeated several times, highlighting the speaker’s identity and the tension between her two allegiances. Additionally, the repetition of the word “final” in the title and throughout the poem creates a sense of finality and inevitability, as if the speaker is preparing for the end of something. Overall, the repetition in “The Final Call” adds depth and meaning to the poem, emphasizing key themes and creating a sense of urgency that draws the reader in.
The Role of Silence in the Poem
Silence plays a crucial role in Layli Long Soldier’s poem “The Final Call.” Throughout the poem, there are moments of silence that allow the reader to reflect on the weight of the words being spoken. The use of silence also highlights the importance of listening and being present in the moment. In one section of the poem, the speaker describes a moment of silence during a ceremony, stating “we stand in silence / for the ones who can no longer stand.” This silence serves as a tribute to those who have passed and allows for a moment of collective mourning. Additionally, the use of silence in the poem emphasizes the power of language and the impact it can have on individuals and communities. Overall, the role of silence in “The Final Call” adds depth and meaning to the poem, highlighting the importance of both spoken and unspoken communication.
The Use of Language in the Poem
Layli Long Soldier’s poem, “The Final Call,” is a powerful example of the use of language in poetry. Throughout the poem, Long Soldier employs a variety of linguistic techniques to convey her message and evoke emotion in the reader. One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of repetition. Long Soldier repeats certain phrases and words throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and emphasizing the importance of certain ideas. For example, the phrase “the final call” is repeated several times, each time with a slightly different connotation. This repetition serves to underscore the urgency of the poem’s message and to drive home the idea that time is running out. Additionally, Long Soldier uses imagery and metaphor to create vivid and evocative descriptions of the world around her. For example, she describes the “scent of sagebrush” and the “sound of wind” in a way that transports the reader to the landscape she is describing. Overall, Long Soldier’s use of language in “The Final Call” is masterful, and serves to make the poem a powerful and moving work of art.
The Poem’s Connection to Historical Trauma
Layli Long Soldier’s poem, “The Final Call,” is deeply connected to the historical trauma experienced by Native Americans. The poem explores the impact of the Indian Relocation Act of 1956, which forced Native Americans to leave their ancestral lands and relocate to urban areas. This act was a continuation of the government’s long history of forced assimilation and cultural erasure of Native American communities.
Long Soldier’s poem is a powerful response to this trauma, as she uses language to reclaim and honor the experiences of her ancestors. She writes, “I am the daughter of a forced removal. / I am the daughter of a survivor.” Through her words, Long Soldier acknowledges the pain and suffering that her community has endured, while also celebrating their resilience and strength.
Furthermore, the poem’s form and structure also reflect the historical trauma experienced by Native Americans. Long Soldier uses a fragmented, disjointed style that mirrors the dislocation and fragmentation of Native American communities. The poem is also written in both English and Lakota, highlighting the ongoing struggle to preserve and reclaim Native American languages.
Overall, “The Final Call” is a powerful testament to the enduring impact of historical trauma on Native American communities. Through her words, Long Soldier honors the experiences of her ancestors and calls for a greater recognition of the ongoing struggles faced by Native Americans today.
The Poem’s Relevance to Contemporary Issues
Layli Long Soldier’s poem, “The Final Call,” is a powerful commentary on the ongoing struggle for Native American rights and the impact of colonialism on indigenous communities. The poem’s relevance to contemporary issues cannot be overstated, as it speaks directly to the current political climate and the urgent need for social justice.
One of the most striking aspects of “The Final Call” is its use of language. Long Soldier, who is a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation, employs a variety of linguistic techniques to explore the complex relationship between Native Americans and the English language. She highlights the ways in which language has been used as a tool of oppression, as well as the ways in which it can be reclaimed and repurposed for resistance.
The poem also addresses the ongoing struggle for Native American sovereignty and self-determination. Long Soldier draws attention to the ways in which colonialism has eroded indigenous cultures and traditions, and she calls for a renewed commitment to preserving and celebrating Native American heritage.
Overall, “The Final Call” is a powerful and timely work that speaks directly to the urgent issues facing Native American communities today. Its message of resistance, resilience, and hope is one that resonates with readers of all backgrounds and serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.
The Poem’s Impact on the Reader
Layli Long Soldier’s poem, “The Final Call,” leaves a lasting impact on the reader. The poem’s raw emotion and powerful imagery evoke a sense of urgency and desperation. The repetition of the phrase “I am” throughout the poem emphasizes the speaker’s identity and the importance of their voice. The use of parentheses and strikethroughs adds a layer of complexity to the poem, forcing the reader to question the speaker’s intentions and the meaning behind their words. Overall, “The Final Call” is a thought-provoking and impactful piece of poetry that leaves a lasting impression on its readers.
The Poem’s Place in Contemporary Poetry
Layli Long Soldier’s poem “The Final Call” is a powerful example of contemporary poetry that addresses important social and political issues. In recent years, there has been a growing trend in poetry towards addressing issues of race, identity, and social justice. Long Soldier’s poem is a prime example of this trend, as it explores the legacy of colonialism and the ongoing struggles of Native American communities. The poem’s use of language and form is also notable, as it incorporates elements of both traditional Native American storytelling and contemporary poetic techniques. Overall, “The Final Call” is a significant contribution to the ongoing conversation about the role of poetry in addressing important social issues.
Comparison to Other Works by Layli Long Soldier
In comparison to Layli Long Soldier’s other works, “The Final Call” stands out for its raw emotion and personal reflection. While her previous collection, “Whereas,” tackled larger societal issues such as the United States government’s treatment of Native Americans, “The Final Call” delves into the intimate experience of losing a loved one. However, both works share a common thread of exploring the complexities of identity and the impact of historical trauma on Native American communities. Overall, “The Final Call” showcases Long Soldier’s versatility as a poet and her ability to tackle both the personal and political with equal depth and nuance.
The Poem’s Reception and Criticism
The reception and criticism of Layli Long Soldier’s poem, “The Final Call,” has been mixed. Some readers have praised the poem for its powerful message and emotional impact, while others have criticized it for being too political or heavy-handed. Some have also questioned the poem’s use of language and structure, arguing that it is too fragmented or disjointed. Despite these criticisms, however, “The Final Call” has been widely discussed and debated, with many readers finding it to be a thought-provoking and important work of poetry.
The Poem’s Relationship to Indigenous Literature
Layli Long Soldier’s poem, “The Final Call,” is a powerful piece of Indigenous literature that speaks to the experiences and struggles of Native Americans. The poem’s relationship to Indigenous literature is significant, as it draws on the rich tradition of storytelling and oral history that has been passed down through generations of Indigenous peoples.
In particular, “The Final Call” reflects the themes of resistance and resilience that are central to many Indigenous narratives. The poem explores the ways in which Native Americans have been marginalized and oppressed throughout history, and it calls on readers to recognize and confront the ongoing legacy of colonialism and racism.
At the same time, “The Final Call” also celebrates the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities, highlighting the ways in which they have continued to resist and survive despite centuries of oppression. Through its powerful imagery and evocative language, the poem offers a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of Indigenous peoples and their ongoing struggle for justice and equality.
Overall, “The Final Call” is a powerful and important work of Indigenous literature that speaks to the experiences and struggles of Native Americans. By drawing on the rich tradition of storytelling and oral history, the poem offers a powerful testament to the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities, while also calling on readers to confront the ongoing legacy of colonialism and racism.
The Poem’s Relationship to American Literature
Layli Long Soldier’s poem, “The Final Call,” is a powerful piece of American literature that explores the complex relationship between language, identity, and history. As a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation, Long Soldier draws on her own experiences and cultural heritage to create a work that speaks to the broader issues facing Native Americans in the United States today. At the same time, her use of language and form reflects the influence of modernist and postmodernist poetry, placing her work firmly within the tradition of American literature. By exploring the ways in which language can both empower and oppress, Long Soldier’s poem offers a unique perspective on the ongoing struggle for Native American rights and recognition in the United States.
The Poem’s Relationship to Poetry as a Genre
Long Soldier’s poem, “The Final Call,” is a powerful example of the ways in which poetry can challenge and expand the boundaries of its own genre. By incorporating elements of prose, historical documentation, and personal reflection, Long Soldier creates a work that defies easy categorization and demands a new approach to understanding what poetry can be and do. At the same time, her use of traditional poetic techniques such as repetition, imagery, and metaphor reminds us of the enduring power and beauty of this art form. Ultimately, “The Final Call” serves as a testament to the ongoing evolution of poetry and its ability to speak to the complexities of our world in new and unexpected ways.
The Poem’s Relationship to Political Activism
Layli Long Soldier’s poem, “The Final Call,” is a powerful piece that explores the relationship between language and identity, particularly for Native Americans. However, the poem also has a strong connection to political activism. Throughout the piece, Long Soldier addresses the ways in which language has been used as a tool of oppression against Native Americans, and how this has contributed to the erasure of their culture and history. She also highlights the importance of reclaiming language as a means of resistance and empowerment.
In this sense, “The Final Call” can be seen as a call to action for political activism. Long Soldier’s words serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Native Americans, and the need for continued efforts to address issues such as land rights, cultural preservation, and representation in government. The poem also encourages readers to consider their own role in these struggles, and to take action in support of Native American communities.
Overall, “The Final Call” is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that speaks to the importance of language, identity, and political activism. Through her words, Long Soldier challenges readers to confront the injustices faced by Native Americans, and to work towards a more just and equitable society.
The Poem’s Relationship to Personal Experience
Layli Long Soldier’s poem, “The Final Call,” is deeply rooted in personal experience. The poem is a response to the death of her father, who was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Through her words, Long Soldier explores the complex emotions that come with losing a loved one, particularly one who has served in the military. She grapples with the idea of patriotism and the sacrifices that soldiers make, while also acknowledging the pain and trauma that war can inflict on individuals and families. The poem is a powerful testament to the ways in which personal experience can shape and inform artistic expression, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring and remembering those who have served our country.