I really feel like this description of Basqiat’s art would be similar to the aim of advertisements. Ads are message based and want to be perceived a certain appealing way also.

This kind of reminds me of Ginsberg and his piece “Howl.” It was very much ahead of the time and new which made it controversial. It became very popular, and has a very large influence on poetry and writing today, like Basquiat’s lasting influence on art today.

I feel like part of the American Dream is to not be forgotten when you die. Like some part of you lives on after you are gone. That’s as the case for Basquiat. He is still being talked about and impacting our society today.

This oxymoron really stands out. Emphasizes how messed up this situation is.

Creates a very raw feeling/image. This sticks throughout the poem.

It’s kind of a movement. While she finds she is sometimes writing for her ancestors, she’s in turn inspired her grandchildren to write.

Peaceful and easy way to voice her opinion. Especially while she was pregnant.

In a way you have to be willing to let the poetry connect to you.

I feel like this could mean you need a creative and flexible mind to read poetry, and “understand” it in you’re own way.

Ironic, because there were many literal acts of war against Indians.

Second quatrain focuses on the grandmother.