Margaret Walker has a rich heritage of experience to draw upon for her poems. She uses her platform as a poet to be an influencer of honor. In an active recognition of the struggles of African Americans in the past, she advocates for the embracing of freedom and new life. Poems like "For My People" very directly express Walker's vision for African Americans in the 20th century. As an author during the Civil Rights Movement, Walker joined her voice to the movement as an appeal to the reclusive or less politically minded youth.
Walker writes from a perspective of service. She writes about other people, or even her own relationships to other people. "For Malcolm X" is an ode to a leader taken too soon. The blood and violence of his death only serves to cement the violence of oppression into the minds of his followers, motivating them remain active. "Love Song for Alex, 1979" is a different kind of ode.
In recognition of her husband's tireless devotion to her and his family, Walker writes her intimate feelings about him and how she's observed the change of time in his body and demeanor. And the list continues with countless poems dedicated to the honor of people who hold influence in Walker's life.
