Poetry In Voice 2016 winner Marie Foolchand recites at Griffin Poetry Prize awards ceremony

Summary

The transcript reflects a powerful declaration of the collective strength of the people, portraying them as the driving force behind all progress and history. The speaker emphasizes that the great works of the world are shaped by the masses, from inventors to leaders like Napoleon and Lincoln. Despite suffering hardships and being exploited, the people remain resilient, continually rising again to shape history. The narrative urges the people to remember past injustices and not allow themselves to be taken advantage of, signaling a future where the masses will no longer tolerate mockery or exploitation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker identifies with the people, the mob, and the masses, emphasizing the collective power of the crowd.
• 😀 The speaker asserts that all significant work in the world is achieved through the efforts of the people.
• 😀 The working class, inventors, and producers of essential goods (food, clothing) are highlighted as the true drivers of progress.
• 😀 The people are not only the creators but also the audience witnessing history unfold.
• 😀 Historical figures like Napoleon and Lincoln come from the masses, and when they die, new leaders will emerge from the same source.
• 😀 The speaker describes the people as a fertile ground, capable of enduring hardships and storms but often taken for granted and exploited.
• 😀 Despite being drained and forgotten by history, the people occasionally rise up, leaving a mark on history through acts of resistance or revolt.
• 😀 The people are urged to remember past injustices and the leaders who have betrayed them.
• 😀 When the people learn from the past, they will stop being manipulated by those in power, and no one will be able to mock or deride them.
• 😀 The speaker envisions a future where the collective force of the people, the mob, or the crowd becomes an unstoppable force against those who seek to oppress them.

Q & A

What does the speaker mean by 'I am the people, the mob, the crowd, the mass'?

The speaker is emphasizing the collective power and identity of the common people, suggesting that they represent the masses who influence history and societal progress.

How does the speaker describe the role of the people in creating historical figures?

The speaker suggests that great historical figures like Napoleon and Lincoln emerge from the people. They rise from the masses and are shaped by them, but they eventually die, only for new figures to emerge in their place.

What is meant by 'I am the seed ground'?

'I am the seed ground' refers to the people as the foundation or fertile ground where new ideas, movements, and leaders are born, ready to grow and shape history.

What do the phrases 'plowing terrible storms' and 'I forget' represent?

These phrases symbolize the hardships and struggles the people endure. The 'storms' could be crises or challenges that test the people, and 'I forget' suggests the tendency of the masses to move on and not hold on to the past pain, as they are continuously driven forward.

Why does the speaker say 'the best of me is sucked out and wasted'?

This line suggests that the people often give their best efforts, whether through labor, sacrifice, or contributions, but much of it is exploited or wasted without gaining true recognition or benefit.

What does 'I growl, shake myself and spatter a few red drops' symbolize?

This metaphor likely represents the people's occasional response to oppression or injustice. The 'growl' and 'red drops' indicate moments of resistance or revolt, but the speaker suggests these actions are often short-lived or forgotten.

What is the significance of the speaker's statement 'when I the people learn to remember'?

This statement suggests that the key to true power and change lies in the people's ability to remember past wrongs, learn from history, and stop allowing themselves to be manipulated or exploited.

What does the speaker mean by 'no speaker in all the world will say the name the people with any fleck of a sneer in his voice'?

The speaker implies that when the people recognize their power and unity, no one will dare to speak down on them. They will be respected, and no one will belittle them or take advantage of them.

What is the implied outcome when the people stop forgetting 'who robbed me last year, who played me for a fool'?

The implied outcome is that the people will stop being taken advantage of and manipulated. By remembering and holding others accountable for past injustices, they will achieve greater power and influence in shaping their future.

What role does history play in the speaker's vision of the people's power?

History plays a crucial role in the speaker's vision. The people must learn from the past, remembering those who have wronged them and using that knowledge to prevent future exploitation. Understanding history allows the people to recognize their own strength and potential.