Remember the Bridge

Poems of a People
by Carole Boston Weatherford

Weatherford, Carole Boston. Remember the Bridge : Poems of a People. New York, NY: Philomel Books, 2002.

 ISBN 9780399237263

This collection of twenty-nine poems was written by a single poet, Carole Boston Weatherford. She starts the book off with an African tree and the poem "Mother Africa Speaks to Civilization".There is not any mention of the poems in this book being included in any other poetry books. Weatherford is a renowned poet with poems in children's books, anthologies, and journals. 

For the layout of this book, there is no table of contents or index to aide readers in finding individual poems. The back of the book contains an author's notes page about her inspiration for writing these poems, and a page for photo and illustration credits. The illustrations throughout the book consist of real photographs, drawings, and sketches of the people and items talked about in the poems. All illustrations and photos in this book make excellent historical visuals for these poems written for and about African American heroes of the past. Weatherford shows her respect and admiration for these heroes through her poems.

Weatherford has an unique style by starting the poems off with "Remember the Bridge" and closes with "I am the Bridge". The symbolism of the people being the bridge is brilliant and inspiring. Every poem has a strong presence, and is a positive contribution to this collection and the theme of African American heroes in our history. There is a variety of poems written in free verse, rhyme, and meter. This book is written for people to learn and remember the sacrifices and challenges African Americans have made to get to where they are today. Weatherford wants her readers to remember the past and never forget. Remember the Bridge was written for children and young adults, but might be more suitable for the upper elementary through high school age. This book would be a treasure for any public or school library. Teachers will be draw to the symbolism, poetic elements, and the historical presence of this book. 

One poem I would highlight from this book is "I am the Bridge". For this poetry break the teacher will ask the students to close their eyes in visualize what the poem is saying as he/she reads the poem aloud. Then as a class have a discussion on what the students imagined from this poem. Then show the students the photograph associated with the poem. Now read the poem again. Do the students have a different view of the poem? Discuss the symbolism the poet represent in this poem.

Excerpt from I am the Bridge by Carole Boston Weatherford

The bridge is men and women,

famous and unknown,

leaving paths of memories,

timeless stepping stones.

I follow in the shadows

of heroes without names

and keep the faith of elders

who lean on hickory canes.

I hear the beat of Africa

drumming deep within,

bear the scar of slavery

beneath my ebony skin.

I stand with valiant soldiers 

who claim the victory

and jump in jubilation

with slaves at long last free.