Dark Romanticism
Poetry
Ishmael Reed
Ishmael Reed is an acclaimed American poet, novelist, essayist, and
playwright. Born on February 22, 1938, in Chattanooga, Tennessee,
Reed is known for his provocative and innovative works that
challenge traditional literary conventions and explore themes of
race, identity, and power dynamics. Throughout his career, Reed
has been recognized for his unique voice, satirical wit, and keen
social commentary. His works often incorporate elements of
postmodernism, magical realism, and jazz aesthetics, reflecting his
diverse influences and commitment to pushing the boundaries of
literary expression.
Ishmael Reed
Reed's literary contributions have earned him numerous accolades,
including nominations for the Pulitzer Prize and National Book
Awards. His notable works include novels such as "Mumbo Jumbo,"
"The Free-Lance Pallbearers," and "Flight to Canada," as well as
poetry collections like "Conjure: Selected Poems, 1963-1970" and
"New and Collected Poems." Reed's writings continue to resonate
with readers, challenging societal norms and encouraging critical
engagement with complex issues.
Be Aware: Do Not Reed This Poem
"Be Aware: Do Not Reed This Poem" by Ishmael Reed is a thought-provoking and self-reflexive
poem that challenges the reader's expectations and explores the power dynamics inherent in the
act of reading and interpreting a text. Through its unconventional structure and wordplay, Reed
invites readers to question the authority of the poet and the role of the reader in constructing
meaning.
The title itself, "Be Aware: Do Not Reed This Poem," immediately catches the reader's attention
and introduces a sense of irony and playfulness. The deliberate misspelling of "read" as "reed"
highlights the poet's intention to disrupt traditional reading practices and expectations. The use
of capitalization in "Reed" also draws attention to the poet's own identity, suggesting a self-
awareness and deliberate manipulation of language.
Be Aware: Do Not Reed This Poem
The poem begins with a series of instructions, commanding the reader not to engage with the
poem in traditional ways. Reed writes, "do not read this poem / i repeat / do not read this poem /
do not read it / do not read it / do not read it aloud." These repetitive lines create a sense of
urgency and defiance, emphasizing the poet's desire to challenge the reader's compliance with
conventional rules of engagement.
Throughout the poem, Reed employs wordplay and puns to disrupt the reader's expectations and
create a sense of linguistic play. For instance, he writes, "do not reed this poem / do not let it / do
not let it /…/do not let it." Here, the repetition of "reed" and "let" plays with the homophonic
relationship between the two words, suggesting that the act of reading is also an act of control
and manipulation.
Reed's poem also contains references to
historical figures and events, further
complicating its meaning. He mentions
"Paul Revere" and "Tecumseh," two figures
associated with American history, but the
context in which they are mentioned
remains ambiguous. This ambiguity
challenges the reader to question the
reliability of historical narratives and the
ways in which they shape our
understanding of the present.
― Irene M. Pepperberg
In conclusion, "Be Aware: Do Not Reed This Poem" by Ishmael
Reed is a playful and thought-provoking exploration of the act of
reading and interpreting a text. Through its unconventional
structure, wordplay, and historical references, Reed invites
readers to question their assumptions and engage critically with
the power dynamics inherent in the act of reading. By defying
traditional expectations, Reed challenges readers to actively
participate in the construction of meaning and to question the
authority and control of the poet.
