One of the most important things that I look at in a poem is structure. Willie Perdomo does a fantastic job in mimicking the life on 123rd Street by the structure in the poem. The poem is a bit choppy and the lines are very short, perhaps reflecting the neighborhood and creating an eerie vibe of the street. The structure of the poem creates a bit of a disturbing, starting atmosphere in the poem. Clearly, the street was a filled with crime and violence which Perdomo represents by saying, “Automatic bullets bounce off stoop steps.”
As to the content of the poem, I initially argued that the poem reflects the hopelessness on the street and in the neighborhood as well. It seems that even the poet thinks this way. He says, “And I can’t tell what’s wrong fro what’s right.” But, I do not believe him anymore. By noticing the terrible situation itself, Perdomo knows what is wrong and what is right. Further, by writing this poem to express himself, Perdomo gives hope to this street. The hope lies in the poem itself.
-Angelika
” But, I do not believe him anymore. By noticing the terrible situation itself, Perdomo knows what is wrong and what is right. ”
I really do agree with you: it seems like powerful artwork usually contain some kind of argument (intended or not, perceived or not) which makes it different from “noise” “shapes” “records” and things in the world which are not quite often considered as “art.”