Herman Beavers - 'Requiem' (for Gwendolyn Brooks)

The transcript is a poetic tribute to Gwendolyn Brooks on her 100th birthday, titled 'Requiem'. It explores themes of Blackness, grief, silence, and the value of waiting. The poem reflects on Brooks' teachings and her deep understanding of the world, nature, and the intuitive knowledge of Black bodies.

What is the significance of Gwendolyn Brooks' 100th birthday in the context of the poem?

How does the poem describe the relationship between grief and understanding darkness?

What does the poem suggest about the value of waiting and its costs?

What imagery is used in the poem to convey the emotional landscape of the speaker?

In what ways does the poem reflect on the experiences of Black bodies?