Just Like Me Written by Lawan Mitchell Recited

Just Like Me Written by. Lawan Mitchell Recited by. Kylie Southard

Lawan Mitchell • Ethnicity- African American • Age when poem was written- 16 years Written to empower and motivate •

Literary Elements � Repetition- The author added texture with his use of repetition in lines 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 12 with “Black is…”. This was used to show the significance of black to the author and what it meant to him. “Black is as hard as steel, ” helps to get across what the author feels about black. This helps to show that black is strong and powerful. Not just as a color, but as a person the author wants to show what he believes this color really is and the use of this literary device helps him to do that.

� Simile- One way the author added feeling to the poem was when he planted a picture in the readers mind with the use of this simile. In line 7 “black moves like air”, the comparison of black to air allows you to get a feeling for what the author thinks of black as. This comparison gives the reader the cool, calm feeling of black. The message of this is that black is strong and wistful, much like the author is trying to betray himself.

Summary � In this poem a young black boy describes how the color black resembles him and his loved ones not only physically, but emotionally as well. His description of black is subtle, not too flashy or boring, powerful, nonchalant, and carefree, which is also a description of himself and those around him who are black. This man feels like nothing can faze him. Even though he thinks black just brings a cool, relaxed, stand alone kind of mood to the room, he believes black is true power. Black to him cannot just be reproduced, but it can mix with others.

Theme � People of all races and colors can mix together to make one equal and diverse society.

Works Cited � "SSRI SCOOP » Blog Archive » Growing acceptance of a diverse society? . " Sites@Duke | sites. duke. edu. N. p. , n. d. Web. 26 Nov. 2012. <http: //sites. duke. edu/ssri/2011/10/03/growingacceptance-of-a-diverse-society/>. � "A Poet's Circus: Just Like Me. " A Poet's Circus. N. p. , n. d. Web. 28 Nov. 2012. <http: //apoetscircus. blogspot. com/2010/01/just-likeme. html>.