Dinner Guest, Second Entry

Social screeds or political poems often are pedantic. I'd name some to prove my point, but can't off the top of my head--later, I'll try to prove it. However, this "Dinner Guest" makes an important point about society in a friendly, humorous manner. Sure, the imagery is part of that, as is the setting, but the tone is established in large part by his use of rhythm and rhyme.

The rhythm is fast, with either 2 or 3 hard beats per line. There's a pattern, but it's not obvious or regular. It sounds breezy, unconcerned, not ponderous or preachy. The rhyme is simplistic--dined/mind, way/USA, night/white--and irregular, keeping the poem from becoming sing songy or nursey rhyme-ish. The commonness of the rhyming words enhances the breezy tone, but it's deceptive; hints of hoity-toity culture seep in, with "damask" and "fraises du bois." The speaker in the poem (which may or may not be based on Hughes) is common folk, using common language, but he can make small talk with the white liberals who are demurely probing their guest, the mouthpiece of all African-Americans, so they can understand "The Negro Problem."

The language sets a tone that is gently ironic, poking fun not only at the hosts but also at the guest, who acknowledges that he's enjoying his moment of fame as he sips his wine and nibbles the lobster. Even the ending twist, where the guest acknowledges that the whole evening is just a way of passing time, with no serious intent to address the issue, keeps with the light toned rhythm and rhyme even as a pointed bard sticks through the words.

Rhythm and rhyme create a tone that sets the scene and draws the reader into consideration of potentially uneasy questions with an inviting lilt. "Dinner Guest" is strong proof that social commentary can be poetic and incisive while still making important points.

Dinner Guest, First Entry

Below is a poem by Langston Hughes. Probably every school child reads his sweet poem that claims life without dreams is a broken-winged bird, and probably every child has shared his/her dreams as the teacher and students applude and encourage, admonishing children that they don't want to be broken-winged birds, so reach for the stars....aren't we all happy and inspired?

If that's all you remember of Hughes, you've missed the good stuff. He can be pointedly witty, damningly angry. He tells the Truth about life as he saw it, and creates striking characters to carry the message.

Should poetry have a political message? Of course--when it can do it and still use poetic language and imagery. This poem is as witty as Dorothy Parker's writing, in ways, even drawing on the same high society backdrop she uses. But...even as Hughes evokes the imagery of rich New York entertainment, with lobster and wine, he ends with a gentle observation that no one really wants to solve the "Negro Problem;" it's just small talk, almost creating a confessional ambiance with the whole "I'm so ashamed of being white" line. Instead of Hail Mary's, though, they get break bread with the wronged party, who has become the voice of his race. The poem ends more ironic than bitter, admitting that it's good to be on Park Avenue even though "the Problem" lingers.

Hughes died in the late 60's, after years of fiction and poetry that was widely read. As I watch the talk shows and news programs, with a burgeoning variety of black spokesmen speaking about the way Obama's presidency changes the status of blacks in America, I wonder...are all those interviewers and hosts simply the new version of the dinner party? Could be...

Dinner Guest: Me, by Langston Hughes

I know I am The Negro Problem Being wined and dined, Answering the usual questions That come to white mind Which seeks demurely To Probe in polite way The why and wherewithal Of darkness U.S.A.— Wondering how things got this way In current democratic night, Murmuring gently Over fraises du bois, "I'm so ashamed of being white." The lobster is delicious, The wine divine, And center of attention At the damask table, mine. To be a Problem on Park Avenue at eight Is not so bad. Solutions to the Problem, Of course, wait.