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Frederick E. Berry Library and Learning Commons

Alternatives Library Collection

A-HA Moment

As I delved into "Don't Cry, Scream" by Don L. Lee, I encountered a profound A-HA moment that left me reeling with a mix of emotions. What struck me most was the raw emotional intensity embedded within Lee's verses. With each line, I felt a visceral connection to the pain, anguish, and resilience that permeate the African American experience. It was as if Lee had reached into the depths of my soul and unearthed emotions I didn't even know I harbored. Moreover, I was taken aback by Lee's unconventional use of language and structure. His words danced across the page in a chaotic symphony, challenging traditional norms and inviting me to rethink the boundaries of poetic expression. Each stanza felt like a puzzle, waiting to be unraveled, yet the more I tried to make sense of it, the more I realized that the true beauty lay in its mysterious complexity.But perhaps the most surprising revelation came in the form of the scream itself. As Lee's verses unfolded, I began to see the scream not just as a sound of pain or protest, but as a powerful symbol of collective outcry against oppression and injustice. It was a rallying cry, a call to arms, a declaration of strength and solidarity within the Black community. In that moment, I felt a sense of empowerment wash over me, as if I were part of something much larger than myself.Overall, "Don't Cry, Scream" presented me with a thought-provoking and eye-opening exploration of the struggles and strengths inherent in the African American experience. It was a journey filled with surprises and revelations, moments of profound insight that left an indelible mark on my psyche. Through Lee's words, I gained a deeper understanding of the resilience and resilience that define the African American spirit, and I emerged from the experience with a newfound appreciation for the power of poetry to both challenge and inspire.

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