In This Place (An American Lyric)

Fiction | Poem | Adult | Published in 2017

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Summary

Background

Poem Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Background

Literary Context: Spoken-Word Poetry

“In This Place (An American Lyric)” could fall into the category of spoken-word poetry, as Gorman’s intention was to present, or perform, the poem at the Library of Congress. While this performance-based literary form draws on the oral traditions of ancient Greece, modern spoken-word poetry arose during the Harlem Renaissance, a flourishing of Black art and culture around New York City in the 1920s. Spoken word’s rhythm-driven cadence also draws on the Beat poetry movement of the mid-20th century and the genre of the Black sermon, especially its secularized versions from the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Because of this history, spoken-word pieces tend to be associated with themes related to marginalized communities, progressive political philosophy, and the inclusion of the underrepresented as full citizens.

“In This Place” features several structural elements of spoken-word poetry, including wordplay, rhyme, and repetition. The poem’s title is a repeating phrase that structures its story about America’s potential for poetry, so a listening audience can follow the poem’s movements without needing to see the written text. Like much spoken-word poetry, the poem also uses internal and end rhymes to build rising momentum, capture listener attention through euphony, and give the text the feel of a chant.

Gorman plays with multivalent words (words that have multiple meanings) throughout the poem—another common aspect of the spoken-word mode. For example, in the eighth stanza, she refers to the “dreamer[s]” (Line 51) of this country—the word refers to both those who are part of the DACA program for the children of undocumented immigrants and those who have a dream for their future in America. This second meaning is also an allusion to the famous “I Have a Dream” speech delivered by civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., during the March on Washington on August 28, 1963.

The poem touches on the race, community, and social justice themes typical of many spoken-word pieces. Gorman discusses the ideal of an inclusive America, a topic with particular resonance during the presidency of Donald Trump and the rise of white supremacy as a political movement.

Authorial Context: Poet Laureates

In 2017, Amanda Gorman became the first National Youth Poet Laureate and then presented her work at the inauguration for US Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith, the 22nd person to hold that title. Both positions are bestowed by the Library of Congress as markers of honor for talented, passionate poets, although the youth position is determined by a rigorous application process and contest, while the adult position is selected by the current Librarian of Congress.

The position of US Poet Laureate has been in its current state since 1986, and the official title is “Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress.” Poet laureates complete one term but can be selected for two. During that time, they receive a suite at the Library of Congress and a $60,000 stipend and are expected to perform an annual reading and additional duties. Since the 1990s, poet laureates’ goals have often been projects aiming to bring poetry to the masses: poetry in airports, poetry through digital efforts, and poetry for children. Gorman exemplifies this spirit in her poem, which upholds the value of poetry as an expression of personhood, connection, inclusion, and patriotism: “a poem in every America / a poet in every American” (Lines 87-88).

From 1937 to 1986, the “Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry” position, which Robert Frost occupied in the late 1950s, meant serving as a collection specialist and resident scholar in poetry, recommending books for the library to purchase and surveying the collection with feedback. The changes in the position show the changing needs and desires of the Library of Congress, as well as the American poets who occupy the position.