RASPBERRIES & WRITING

DEAR POET 2022 | STUDENT RESPONSE TO POEM “BLACK DANDELION” LETTER 3

Dear Semaj Brown,

My name is Adithi, and I am currently a ninth grader in Troy, Michigan. I aspire to make contributions in the world of science, but another one of my developing interests lies within the great works of literature. I admire poetry specifically because it is unique to the poet, but it can also bring people together through the message of the poem. Your work, “Black Dandelion,” struck a chord with me because it reminded me of my culture and my family – two of the most important aspects of my life. I try my best every day to reconnect with my authentic Indian culture and with my family’s support and love I can make progress every day.

Your use of the dandelion as a symbol was an eye-catching and powerful one because the connection between the dandelion and the suffering of the oppressed holds a strong bond. One detail that helps form this connection was, “Dandelions bare art of/endurance and escape/transforming into pearl puffs/floating with ephemeral intention/carrying the spirit of the weed” (25-29). I admired how you created the idea of the spirit of the weed, and how it connects with the oppressed. My descendants were affected by the actions of people with greed and blind ambition. They were massacred in their own lands and put to death for fighting for their human rights. This line resonates with me, Indian people, African American people, and all people who are victims of oppression.

Another aspect of your poem that I found interesting was the subtle hint of the support from the people around you. As you know, no celebrated figure in history contributed to the cause that they believed in without the support of their families and their communities. A line that caught my eye was, “No Blooming Allowed; Blossoms Will be Persecuted/These brave plants grew just for me” (11-12). This part of the text highlights the contributions that the people around us make for the same cause. It is easy to forget about the sacrifices that have been made in the past, the sacrifices being made currently, and the suffering that may come because of the fight against oppression. The love that my family gives me is a crucial aspect that helps me get up at 5:30 every morning to go to school. Their love shows me the importance of learning and making discoveries. They show me that because the world uses the chains of expectations to make us feel weak, we need to use the fire inside of our hearts to break free of that restraint.

“Black Dandelion” truly opened my perspective of the emotions and feelings of the oppressed through the comparison of everyday objects, such as lawnmowers. The end left me wondering what amused and mortified you about the “hat framed faces of the pious.” Is it that many people with good intentions are influenced by others with the intention to harm?

Thank you for writing such a delightful and compelling poem. You have truly shown me the power of passion and perseverance – the power of the weed!

Sincerely, Adithi

To view Semaj reading Black Dandelion and to read MORE student letters and the Poet Laureate Fellow response, Please Visit Dear Poet at the Academy of American Poets Website, poets.org