The Wade in the Water Summary
"The Wade in the Water" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem by Nyani Nkrumah. This poem is a tribute to the strength and resilience of the black community in the face of oppression, and it celebrates the spiritual and cultural heritage that has sustained them through centuries of struggle.
The poem draws its title from an old African American spiritual song, "Wade in the Water," which was sung by slaves as a code to signal to others that it was safe to escape and travel through water to avoid being caught by their oppressors. Nkrumah uses this imagery to evoke the idea of a journey through water as a metaphor for the struggles of the black community.
The poem begins with an invocation to the "ancestors" and "warriors" who have come before, recognizing their sacrifice and contribution to the fight for freedom. The speaker acknowledges the legacy of slavery and the ongoing struggle against racism, but also expresses a sense of hope and determination in the face of adversity.
Throughout the poem, Nkrumah uses vivid and evocative language to paint a picture of the black experience. She describes the "bodies hanging from trees," the "blood-stained soil," and the "crack of whips" that were once all too common in America. But she also celebrates the cultural richness of black communities, with their "soulful blues" and "swaying hips" that represent a connection to their African heritage.
