Best Walter Dean Myers Poems

Walter Dean Myers was a writer of children’s books best known for young adult literature. He was born in Martinsburg, West Virginia, but was raised in Harlem, New York City.

While he is primarily recognized for his novels, he also ventured into poetry and created several poems that reflect his deep understanding of the human experience. Let’s enjoy three of Walter Dean Myers’ notable poems: “Summer,” “Love That Boy,” and “Harlem: A Poem.”

Famous Walter Dean Myers Poems

Summer

I like hot days, hot days
Sweat is what you got days
Bugs buzzin from cousin to cousin
Juices dripping
Running and ripping
Catch the one you love days

Birds peeping
Old men sleeping
Lazy days, daisies lay
Beaming and dreaming
Of hot days, hot days,
Sweat is what you got days.

Walter Dean Myers’ poem “Summer” encapsulates the vibrant atmosphere of the season. It’s a short but beautiful piece that celebrates the simple joys of summer, like the sun’s warmth and the freedom to explore. In this poem, he uses vivid imagery and sensory language to convey the sensations of summer, so you can feel the heat and hear the sounds of the season. Through “Summer,” he invites us to relive the nostalgia and warmth associated with this time of year, making it a captivating ode to the season.

Love That Boy

Love that boy,
like a rabbit loves to run
I said I love that boy
like a rabbit loves to run
Love to call him in the morning
love to call him
‘Hey there, son!’

He walk like his Grandpa,
Grins like his Uncle Ben.
I said he walk like his Grandpa,
And grins like his Uncle Ben.
Grins when he’s happy,
When he sad, he grins again.

His mama like to hold him,
Like to feed him cherry pie.
I said his mama like to hold him.
Like to feed him that cherry pie.
She can have him now,
I’ll get him by and by

He got long roads to walk down
Before the setting sun.
I said he got a long, long road to walk down
Before the setting sun.
He’ll be a long stride walker,
And a good man before he done.

“Love That Boy” is a touching poem by Walter Dean Myers that highlights the strong bond between a parent and their child. The poem explores the depth of the profound emotions that come with parenting. It emphasizes the importance of cherishing and nurturing the unique qualities and dreams of each child. Through this poem, Myers captures the universal experience of parental love and the hopes and dreams parents hold for their children. It’s a heartfelt and relatable piece that resonates with readers of all backgrounds.

Harlem: A Poem

They took the road in Waycross, Georgia
Skipped over the tracks in East St. Louis
Took the bus from Holly Springs
Hitched a ride from Gee’s Bend
Took the long way through Memphis
The third deck down from Trinidad
A wrench of heart from Goree Island
A wrench of heart from Goree Island
To a place called
Harlem

Harlem was a promise
Of a better life,
of a place where a man
Didn’t have to know his place
Simply because
He was Black

They brought a call
A song
First heard in the villages of
Ghana/Mali/Senegal
Calls and songs and shouts
Heavy hearted tambourine rhythms
Loosed in the hard city
Like a scream torn from the throat
Of an ancient clarinet

A new sound, raucous and sassy
Cascading over the asphalt village
Breaking against the black sky over
1-2-5 Street
Announcing Hallelujah
Riffing past resolution

Yellow, tan, brown, black, red
Green, gray, bright
Colors loud enough to be heard
Light on asphalt streets
Sun yellow shirts on burnt umber
Bodies
Demanding to be heard
Seen
Sending out warriors

From streets known to be
Mourning still as a lone radio tells us how
Jack Johnson
Joe Louis
Sugar Ray
Is doing with our hopes.

We hope
We pray
Our black skins
Reflecting the face of God
In storefront temples

Jive and Jehovah artists
Lay out the human canvas
The mood indigo

A chorus of summer herbs
Of mangoes and bar-b-que
Of perfumed sisters
Hip strutting past
Fried fish joints
On Lenox Avenue in steamy August

A carnival of children
People in the daytime streets
Ring-a-levio warriors
Stickball heroes
Hide-and-seek knights and ladies
Waiting to sing their own sweet songs
Living out their own slam-dunk dreams
Listening
For the coming of the blues

A weary blues that Langston knew
And Countee sung
A river of blues
Where Du Bois waded
And Baldwin preached

There is lilt
Tempo
Cadence
A language of darkness
Darkness known
Darkness sharpened at Mintons
Darkness lightened at the Cotton Club
Sent flying from Abyssinian Baptist
To the Apollo.

The uptown A
Rattles past 110th Street
Unreal to real
Relaxing the soul

Shango and Jesus
Asante and Mende
One people
A hundred different people
Huddled masses
And crowded dreams

Squares
Blocks, bricks
Fat, round woman in a rectangle
Sunday night gospel
“Precious Lord…take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand…”

Caught by a full lipped
Full hipped Saint
Washing collard greens
In a cracked porcelain sink
Backing up Lady Day on the radio

Brother so black and blue
Patting a wide foot outside the
Too hot Walk-up
“Boy,
You ought to find the guys who told you
you could play some checkers
‘cause he done lied to you!”

Cracked reed and soprano sax laughter
Floats over
a fleet of funeral cars

In Harlem
Sparrows sit on fire escapes
Outside rent parties
To learn the tunes.

In Harlem
The wind doesn’t blow past Smalls
It stops to listen to the sounds

Serious business
A poem, rhapsody tripping along
Striver’s Row
Not getting it’s metric feel soiled
On the well-swept walks
Hustling through the hard rain at two o’clock
In the morning to its next gig.

A huddle of horns
And a tinkle of glass
A note
Handed down from Marcus to Malcolm
To a brother
Too bad and too cool to give his name.

Sometimes despair
Makes the stoops shudder
Sometimes there are endless depths of pain
Singing a capella on street corners

And sometimes not.

Sometimes it is the artist
looking into the mirror
Painting a portrait of his own heart.

Place
Sound
Celebration
Me mories of feelings
Of place

A journey on the A train
That started on the banks of the Niger
And has not ended

Walter Dean Myers’ poem “Harlem: A Poem” delves into the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Harlem, New York. In this piece, Myers pays tribute to the iconic neighborhood, which has been a center of African American culture and creativity for generations. The poem provides a vivid snapshot of Harlem’s streets, the rhythms of its music, and the aspirations of its people. It touches on themes of resilience, identity, and the enduring spirit of the community. “Harlem: A Poem” offers readers an insightful glimpse into the heart and soul of this legendary neighborhood, showcasing Myers’ ability to capture the essence of a place with his words.

In these poems, Walter Dean Myers’ unique storytelling skills and keen observations invite readers to connect with the beauty, challenges, and emotions of everyday life, particularly within the context of African American communities. His poems, like his novels, continue to be appreciated for their ability to convey powerful messages and stories that resonate with a broad audience.

FAQ: Walter Dean Myers Poems

Who is Walter Dean Myers?

Walter Dean Myers was an acclaimed American author, best known for his young adult literature that often explores themes of race, identity, and urban life. He was also a poet, integrating his poetry into many of his novels and standalone collections. Myers received numerous awards for his work, including multiple Coretta Scott King Awards.

What themes are commonly explored in Walter Dean Myers’ poems?

Walter Dean Myers’ poems often explore themes such as:

• Urban Life: Reflecting the experiences of young people growing up in inner cities.
• Race and Identity: Addressing the complexities of race, cultural heritage, and self-identity.
• Struggles and Resilience: Highlighting the challenges faced by marginalized communities and the strength required to overcome them.
• Family and Relationships: Focusing on the dynamics of family, friendship, and community.
• Hope and Aspirations: Offering messages of hope, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams.

What is unique about Walter Dean Myers’ poetry style?

Walter Dean Myers’ poetry is unique for its:

• Narrative Quality: Often blending storytelling with poetic form, making his poems accessible and engaging.
• Authentic Voice: Using language and themes that resonate deeply with young readers, particularly those from urban backgrounds.
• Emotional Depth: Capturing the emotional experiences of his characters and readers alike.
• Social Commentary: Offering insights into societal issues, particularly those affecting African American communities.

How does Walter Dean Myers’ poetry relate to his other works?

Walter Dean Myers’ poetry is often intertwined with his prose, serving as a complementary or integral part of his narratives. His poems may reflect the inner thoughts of his characters, set the tone for a story, or stand alone as powerful statements on the themes he explores in his novels.

Who is the target audience for Walter Dean Myers’ poems?

Walter Dean Myers’ poems are primarily targeted at young adults and teens, though they are also appreciated by adult readers. His work often resonates with those who have experienced or are interested in urban life, racial identity, and the challenges of growing up in marginalized communities.

What impact has Walter Dean Myers’ poetry had on literature?

Walter Dean Myers’ poetry has had a significant impact on literature by:

• Broadening Representation: Bringing the experiences of urban, African American youth to the forefront of young adult literature.
• Influencing Future Writers: Inspiring other writers to explore similar themes and write for underrepresented audiences.
• Enhancing Young Adult Literature: Contributing to the development of the young adult genre with his unique blend of poetry and prose.

How can educators use Walter Dean Myers’ poems in the classroom?

Educators can use Walter Dean Myers’ poems in the classroom to:

• Discuss Social Issues: Facilitate conversations about race, identity, and social justice.
• Encourage Creative Writing: Inspire students to write their own poetry or stories based on personal experiences.
• Analyze Poetic Devices: Teach literary techniques such as metaphor, imagery, and narrative structure.
• Promote Diversity: Introduce students to diverse perspectives and voices in literature.

What awards or recognitions has Walter Dean Myers received for his poetry?

Walter Dean Myers received numerous awards and recognitions for his work, including honors for his poetry. These include:

• Coretta Scott King Awards: Recognizing his contributions to literature that promotes an understanding and appreciation of African American culture.
• National Book Awards: For his outstanding achievements in writing for young people.
• Children’s Literature Legacy Award: For his lasting contribution to children’s literature.