A Song Of Hope Poem Analysis

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My poem analysis for the poem A Song Of Hope By Kath Walker. I'm so happy! I got an A for it:)

A Song of Hope by Kath Walker

My teacher told me, when I was little, I took everything for granted and never thought anything of it, that, at a time in every person’s life, they’ll look back and reflect upon their choices. She said some people regret their decisions, what they’ve done with their lives as well and how they’ve influenced others, and so they try to quickly change, but changing is difficult and it takes time, so just take it step by step. She said that to one of my friends who was always in trouble and bullying people. I was six when I heard this, and I couldn’t stop laughing. I think now and realise I probably made her quite mad actually. However, when I read this poem, I noticed the similarities between the poem and what my teacher had said. A Song of Hope was written to express racism in Australia and how much it affects people. It was published by Kath Walker, an aboriginal Australian who’s more commonly known as Oodgeroo.

Look up, my people,

The dawn is breaking

The world is waking

To a bright new day

When none defame us

No restriction tame us

Nor colour shame us

Nor sneer dismay.

Now brood no more

On the years behind you

The hope assigned you

Shall the past replace

When a juster justice

Grown wise and stronger

Points the bone no longer

At a darker race.

So long we waited

Bound and frustrated

Till hate be hated

And caste deposed

Now light shall guide us

No goal denied us

And all doors open

That long were closed.

See plain the promise

Dark freedom-lover!

Night's nearly over

And though long the climb

New rights will greet us

New mateship meet us

And joy complete us

In our new Dream Time.

To our fathers' father

The paid, the sorrow;

To our children's children

The glad tomorrow.

A Song Of Hope. The name in itself gives you a fairly clear idea of the poem; however, it doesn’t give away everything. It lets you know that the text is to give hope, but nothing about a new beginning after the racial tension between the natives and white settlers and it hides that it’s directed at Aboriginals. It’s very well-worded and powerful and bluntly states the faults and flaws of white Australians. I don’t know for certain, but I think someone who doesn’t share the same viewpoints as Oogeroo, would feel indirectly confronted. Walker wants you to think about your actions before your act and your words before you speak. She wants you to feel, bad, in a way, but I think she also wants you to feel sad and then, about half-way through, she tries to lift your spirit and say: “Well, you can’t change the past, so let’s work hard towards a tomorrow without racism.”

During A Song of Hope, certain lines especially caught my attention, either because I didn’t get them and so I tried to grasp an understanding of them, or simply because I liked they were written. For example: Till the hate be hated. I really loved this line. At first, it didn’t make any sense but then I realized it meant: until the hate towards black is hated by us. Another example is here, in line 3: The world is waking. This is actually when I started paying attention to what I was reading. When I first saw the poem, I just scrolled down and almost closed the tab before I read this line. At that point, it made me wake up, and keep reading.

Oodgeroo’s Song of Hope has being set out in the structure of a well-written ballad. She uses many poetic terms such as rhyme at the end of most lines and imagery. The rhyme of each line is used to better create rhythm and flow throughout the poem so the reader doesn’t become too confused. Imagery, like most poems, is done to paint a richer and more vivid picture. Her poetics devices are very inspiring and create a deep on impact on the reader.

Overall, A Song of Hope tells the story of a bright new day where racism lives no longer and Aboriginals are accepted and allowed their rights among our society. Kath Walker demonstrates a vast understanding of human’s feelings and emotions. It’s also evident that she can easily connect with her people and their wishes. She uses a huge vocabulary and carefully words each line as to leave a long lasting impression. Thank-you very much for listening.

Submitted: June 09, 2012

Poetry poetry hope poem australia song hate tomorrow rhyme racism imagery dreamtime analysis aboriginal walker kath

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Ms Potatohhead

i ? kath walker and her poems which are filled with hope. being from a county which suffered from discrimination i can totally connect to it ?~love~?

Sat, June 9th, 2012 1:15pm

Author
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That's so sweet. Thanks:) And I agree.

Sat, June 9th, 2012 6:19am

Dozy

Thanks Jane. Nicely written. It`s been too long since I read any of Kath Walker's stuff. She was a great lady.

Sat, June 9th, 2012 10:39pm

Author
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Yeah I agree:)

Sat, June 9th, 2012 5:18pm

NellyNel

This is the most beautifull thing ive read in booksie so far! You elecated from my expectations and i want you to keep on believing. Never stop! You have an amaizing talent and voice. Someday i hope to meet you my dear writer, your an angel in this section and heavens mighty to keep. Please help yourself to read my essay A Race to find Faith, i know you might just like it. Always believe, always. -Nel

Sun, June 10th, 2012 7:10am

Author
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Thank-you! I do believe and I'll definitely check it out:)

Sun, June 10th, 2012 1:28am

EdwardJBradleySr

Jane294:

Interesting, imaginative, wonderful tribute, well written and organized presentation. Great writing.

Liked the way in which you eased into your subject and, then, presenting the poem. Resuming your discussion, after the poem, to finish. Should receive a letter grade of "A+".

Gave it an "I Like It" vote. As with your other postings. All well deserved.

Thank you for becoming a fan. Appreciative and grateful. You are most thoughtful, considerate and kind.

Happy trails,

Ed Bradley.

Mon, June 11th, 2012 4:39am

Author
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thank-you so much!:)

Sun, June 10th, 2012 10:24pm

ShanCourtneyJane13

I watched and heard you do this analysis, and you did an amazing job!!! i have to admit that you did absolutely way better job than i did...! I am so happy that you decided to post this and am very happy from these nice comments, as i said before, let me know when you have something new in!!

Wed, June 13th, 2012 3:36am

Author
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Thankyou so much! I really did work hard on it in the hour left I had...Anyway...: You love me...:
thanx

Tue, June 12th, 2012 8:41pm