To understand Audre Lorde's poetry, one just has to be sincere. She's not writing anything incredibly profound, but she is writing the truth. Based on her own experiences, Lorde writes to dispel the lies which people tell themselves. She was a black lesbian mother. Much of her experience revolves around hate and discrimination, so naturally, a great deal of her poetry focuses on these ideas.
Lorde's poetry is a reflection of her life. In her personal life, she adored poetry, often quoting it in her daily communications. When she couldn't find a poem that would sufficiently respond to how she felt, she would write something. Publishing her writing, she hoped to help other people look past stigmas to recognize the beauty of differences. She considered it a shame that people go so far in their attempt to avoid prejudice that they pretend people are all the same. To Lorde, the differences between people are what makes them all so beautiful and worthwhile. She wanted to teach people to celebrate their uniqueness and unconventionality.
In 1992, Lorde died of breast cancer. Even while fighting the disease, she maintained her belief in unshakable sincerity. She wrote about her experiences in hospitals, how she felt, and all the changes in her life. Her unwavering honesty shines through in all of her poetry. The common themes of her writing are bold, raw, and unapologetic. She relates her experience.
Lorde's writing remains relevant today, as much of it still speaks to the struggles of being different or misunderstood. Her writing is often seen as a call to action, to fight against the oppressive forces of society. She speaks to the freedom that comes with being true to oneself and encourages people to continue to fight for their rights and the rights of others. Lorde's poetry is a powerful reminder to be strong, brave, and true.
Though Lorde is no longer with us, her writing still serves as an inspiration to those who feel misunderstood or oppressed. Her words are a reminder to never be afraid to be who you are, as it is the only way to truly be happy. Her works still encourage people to stand up for what is right and to never give up in the face of injustice. She is a reminder that perseverance and courage can triumph over any odds.
Lorde's works are a testament to her unwavering commitment to truth. Her writing was powerful, but so was her message. She believed that by being honest about her experiences and her beliefs, she could help others find the courage to stand up for themselves. Her words still resonate in the hearts of many and her legacy lives on. Lorde's poetry is a daily reminder to never be afraid to be who you are and to always have faith in the power of truth.
