The poem Metempsychosis is profoundly layered, weaving philosophical depth with social commentary. The concept of metempsychosis—a soul’s migration through time and forms—is explored here with striking resonance. It powerfully juxtaposes historical cycles of injustice and oppression against the potential for transformation and reckoning.
The imagery is vivid and deliberate, with lines like “A whip becomes a wage, a chain, a law” encapsulating the persistence of systemic inequities. Sarah B. Royal’s use of “ancient tongues of need” and “seeds remain, and sprout in structures new” evokes the inescapable ties between past and present, illustrating how unresolved wounds continue to shape human societies. Yet, the closing stanza offers hope, framing the past as a “map” rather than a burden—a guide to help us break free from repetition.
This poem recalls the works of thinkers and poets like Audre Lorde or James Baldwin, who often grapple with themes of history, identity, and societal transformation. It balances a sense of urgency with cautious optimism, reminding us that change begins with reflection and acknowledgment.
WoPoLi 
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