When I Rise Up
The poem explores themes of liberation, resilience, and the quest for self-empowerment. The speaker expresses a desire to transcend earthly limitations and constraints, symbolized by the act of rising above the ground. This elevation allows for a broader perspective on the challenges and obstacles that bind them. The imagery of beating wings suggests a struggle for freedom, while the mention of tranquility indicates moments of peace amidst turmoil. As the speaker rises, they experience a surge of strength, likened to the uplifting qualities of incense. This metaphor emphasizes the transformative power of overcoming adversity and the spiritual elevation that comes with it. The repetition of the phrase about looking down on what fetters them reinforces the idea of gaining insight and clarity through this ascent. The work ultimately conveys a message of hope and empowerment, illustrating the importance of striving for personal growth and liberation from societal or self-imposed limitations. The journey of rising is both physical and metaphorical, representing the inner strength required to confront and overcome life's challenges. The poem serves as an affirmation of the human spirit's capacity to rise above difficulties and embrace a more expansive existence.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1918 · Genre: Poetry, Inspirational, Spiritual · 78 words
First lines
When I rise above the earth, And look down on the things that fetter me, I beat my wings upon the air, Or tranquil lie, Surge after surge of potent strength Like incense comes to me When I rise up above the earth And look down upon the things that fetter me.
What this Textopian page supports
When I Rise Up is listed on Textopian as a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, dated 1918 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Date: 1918 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Inspirational, Spiritual, African American Literature, Feminist Literature
- Length: 78 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that explores themes of liberation and strength through lyrical expression.
- Inspirational — The poem conveys a message of empowerment and overcoming obstacles, which aligns with inspirational literature.
- Spiritual — The themes of rising above earthly constraints suggest a spiritual or transcendental perspective.
- African American Literature — The author, Georgia Douglas Johnson, is a significant figure in African American literary history, and her work reflects the experiences and struggles of African Americans.
Tags
Poetry Collection · African American Literature · Early 20th Century Poetry · Social Justice · Racial Equality · Feminism · Suffrage Movement · Civil Rights · Black Experience · American History · Historical Context · Personal Narrative