3 Must-Read June Jordan Poems

June Jordan was a Jamaican American poet and teacher. Her writing explored gender, race, activism, and more. She was born in Harlem and died in 2002. She was inducted on the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor. Some of her collections include Dry Victories, New Life, and Kimako’s Story.

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Poem About My Rights

‘Poem About My Rights’ by June Jordan is a one-stanza poem revealing a speaker’s thoughts on misogyny, sexism, and racism from their experience. It is celebrated for accurately portraying the struggles of women and men of color in a patriarchial and predominantly white society.

June Jordan is the poet of 'Poem About My Rights.' The poem itself is a reflection of her personal experiences, therefore she is strongly involved with this poem.

Even tonight and I need to take a walk and clear

my head about this poem about why I can’t

go out without changing my clothes my shoes

my body posture my gender identity my age

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Poem for My Love

‘Poem for My Love’ reflects on love’s elusive nature and the subsequent wonder and gratitude it inspires in those lucky enough to find it.

The speaker of June Jordan's poem finds themselves overwhelmed by a spectrum of emotions, from amazement to gratitude. The reason for this is the person lying next to them, their beloved, and the soothing peace their presence and love have given them. Relying on an array of truly mesmerizing and poignant images and symbols, the poet explores the miracle of love with reverence and tender appreciation. The resulting poem presents a touchingly hopeful view of love as a dream longed for even through the darkest of nights.

How do we come to be here next to each other

in the night

Where are the stars that show us to our love

inevitable

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July 4, 1974

‘July 4, 1974’ by Jordan reflects on motherhood, marking her son’s birth as a personal independence day filled with hope and challenges.

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3 Must-Read June Jordan Poems

Poem About My Rights

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