continually speaks about the term ‘half caste.’ In these ways both authors are conveying what is very important to them in the form of an entertaining yet meaningful poem. In his poem, Agard does not talk about himself directly; instead he strongly implies that he is talking about himself by talking aggressively as if he is being insulted, ‘ Wha yu mean?’ This tells the reader that he does not wish to talk only about himself, but also that many other people are affected with the same issues. On the other hand Nichols talks to the hurricanes like they are her own personal objects, and that they are a part of her alone, ‘ Talk to me Oya.’
The cultures of the two poems are portrayed in very different ways.
For example, Nichols talks in perfect English, except when referring to the hurricane names, which makes the reader take her seriously, ‘Old tongues reaping havoc in new places.’ However, Agard insists on writing the poem phonetically, in a way that is similar to his speaking it. This does not help the reader to take the poem as seriously, as they may have difficulty understanding and reading it. They may also find some parts humorous. However this is not the case when some high level standard English is also present. This shows the reader that the author is in fact very intelligent and that it was his intention to write the poem in that particular fashion. His culture as a ‘half caste’ is therefore shown through his substandard English, ‘Ah rass.’
The language of the two poems are quite similar, in that they both use the same kind of words to show their feelings. In her poem, Nichols uses different techniques to capture the eye of the reader such as repetition, ‘talk to me Oya, talk to me Shango.’ This helps the atmosphere of the poem, as almost mystical. Agard’s poem is very similar, as he also uses repetition, ‘ wha yu mean when yu say half caste?’ is repeated several times throughout the poem, in order to instil the statement in the readers head, making it a little more serious and also making the reader remember the authors thoughts.
In conclusion, both poems use similar language but for very different reasons. Nichols is trying to remember old memories, and trying to show the reader her feelings whereas Agard is also trying to show his feelings, but by arguing with the reader.