Root By Terrance Hayes Analysis

The Poem

“Root” is a poem by Terrance Hayes that was first published in his 2010 collection, “Lighthead.” The poem is a meditation on the idea of roots, both literal and metaphorical. It explores the idea of belonging and identity, and how our roots shape who we are and how we see the world around us.

The Analysis

Stanza 1

The poem begins with the speaker describing a tree growing in their yard. The tree is described as having “no father, no mother” and “no memory of the soil it sprang from.” This sets up the central theme of the poem – the idea of roots and where we come from.

Stanza 2

The second stanza shifts from the tree to the speaker themselves. The speaker describes their own roots, saying that they “come from the dirt.” This line is a powerful metaphor, suggesting that the speaker’s identity is deeply rooted in their upbringing and the environment they were raised in.

Stanza 3

The third stanza explores the idea of ancestry and heritage. The speaker says that they are “a child of slaves,” and that they carry the memories and experiences of their ancestors with them. This idea of inherited trauma is a common theme in African-American literature, and it is explored in depth throughout the poem.

Stanza 4

The fourth stanza shifts again, this time to the idea of language and how it shapes our identities. The speaker says that they speak “in the tongue of the conquered,” which is another reference to the legacy of slavery and oppression in America. The line “I am the tongue of the conquered” is a powerful statement, suggesting that the speaker’s identity is deeply tied to the history of their people.

Stanza 5

The fifth stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the poem. The speaker says that they “speak to the dead and the dead speak back,” suggesting that their connection to their ancestors is not just a metaphorical one. The line “I am the root of the root” reinforces the central theme of the poem – that our roots shape who we are and that we are deeply connected to the past.

Stanza 6

The sixth stanza continues this theme, with the speaker saying that they “hear the voices of my blood.” This line is a direct reference to the idea of inherited trauma, suggesting that the speaker’s ancestors are still speaking to them from beyond the grave.

Stanza 7

The seventh stanza is more hopeful, with the speaker saying that they “believe in the future.” Despite the weight of their history and the trauma that they carry with them, the speaker still has hope for a better tomorrow.

Stanza 8

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, returning to the tree from the first stanza. The speaker says that the tree is “my brother,” suggesting that they see themselves as connected to all living things, even a tree in their yard.

The Themes

The central theme of the poem is the idea of roots and where we come from. The poem explores the ways in which our roots shape our identities and how we see the world around us. Other themes include ancestry, heritage, language, trauma, and hope for the future.

The Significance

“Root” is a powerful poem that speaks to the experiences of African-Americans in America. It explores the legacy of slavery and oppression, and the ways in which that legacy continues to shape the lives of African-Americans today. The poem is significant because it gives voice to a community that has been historically silenced, and it offers hope for a better future.

The Conclusion

“Root” is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores the idea of roots and where we come from. It speaks to the experiences of African-Americans in America and offers hope for a better future. The poem is a testament to the power of language and the importance of understanding our history and the legacy that we carry with us.