Wednesday, July 8, 2009
week 3 Question 3
In the poem "Commitments" written by Essex Hemphill, He talks about himself during family gatherings. In the beginning of the poem he states, "I will always be there" which he is reffering to his family and loved ones. He mentions at the family gatherings how they take family photos and everyone is holding their children, but his arms are always empty. Also how his family hopes one day he will marry. He also states "around a lover I am always there". He feels that he will always be there because they are his family, but that they won't always be there for him because he is homosexual. This is why his arms are always empty in the pictures because he is not accpted as a homosexual. "I am the invisible son".
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It is sad the acceptance that Hemphill feels he lack from his family and loved ones. However I think his invisibility it more attributed to his own feelings of being the outsider. He sates that his family is "expecting to throw rice" at him and that "In the family photos nothing appears out of character", as if they are all oblivious to his homosexuality. He most likely feels unable to express is sexuality, in fear of disapproval and thus in his own mind is separated from the love and caring that he sees given to the rest of the family. He does express how he will always be there for his loved ones, but does not necessarily state that they are not there for him. He is detached emotionally and unfortunately may never feel equal.
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