Trace-“Ballad”
The speaker concedes, “I fixed my body/under his and went/to sleep in love/all the trace of me/was wiped away.” The trace denotes the speaker’s distinctive Self. The speaker’s appreciation of herself transformed absolutely as a result of love.
Light-“For Sister Gwen Brooks”
Light embodies Gwen Brooks' intelligence. Sonia Sanchez writes, “You tell the stars/don’t be jealous of her light.” Sanchez’s plea to the stars submits that Brooks’ brilliance outshines the glossiness of the stars.
Emerald lariat--“For Sister Gwen Brooks”
The ‘Emerald lariat’ is a sign of Brooks’ sacredness. Sanchez asserts, “for she is a holy one/this woman twirling her emerald lariat.” The green color of the lariat embodies Brooks’ unfathomable piousness.
Tonian-“A Poem for Ella Fitzgerald”
Sanchez elucidates that Ella boasted a ‘tonian’ voice (Ella-tonian). The voice was extraordinarily mellow and accordant. The voice sets her apart from other songsters.
