Poems Celebrating the 19th Amendment: A Tribute to Women's Suffrage

The 19th amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified on August 18, 1920, marked a significant milestone in American history. This amendment granted women the right to vote, empowering them to participate fully in the democratic process. To commemorate this momentous achievement, poets have crafted evocative verses that honor the struggles and triumphs of the suffrage movement. In this article, we celebrate the spirit of the 19th amendment through a selection of powerful poems that inspire and pay tribute to the brave women who fought for equality.

Poem 1: "I Rise" by Maya Angelou

"You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise."

Maya Angelou, renowned poet and civil rights activist, encapsulates the resilience and determination of women in her iconic poem "I Rise." While not explicitly about the 19th amendment, this empowering work reflects the indomitable spirit of women who refused to be silenced. Through vivid imagery and a powerful voice, Angelou reminds us that the fight for equality continues, even in the face of adversity.

Poem 2: "The Ballad of Susan B." by Alice Duer Miller

"She was a suffragist, Susan B.,
And she stood on the old State House steps,
And she lectured like a man.
And the people came to listen -
Black people and white people,
Women and men."

In "The Ballad of Susan B.," Alice Duer Miller pays homage to Susan B. Anthony, one of the prominent leaders of the women's suffrage movement. Through poetic storytelling, Miller highlights Anthony's fierce determination and her ability to unite people from all backgrounds in the pursuit of equality. This poem beautifully captures the essence of the suffrage movement and reminds us of the power of collective action.

Poem 3: "Suffrage" by Sylvia Plath

"I am inhabited by a cry.
Nightly it flaps out
Looking, with its hooks, for something to love.
I am terrified by this dark thing
That sleeps in me;
All day I feel its soft, feathery turnings, its malignity."

In "Suffrage," Sylvia Plath uses hauntingly beautiful imagery to explore the internal struggle faced by women seeking freedom and equality. While not directly referencing the 19th amendment, this poem delves into the emotional journey of women who fought against societal constraints. Plath's evocative language and introspective tone create a captivating piece that resonates with the challenges faced by suffragettes.

Poem 4: "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

"It is the strangest yellow, that wallpaper!
It makes me think of all the yellow things I ever saw.
Not beautiful ones like buttercups, but old foul, bad yellow things."

In "The Yellow Wallpaper," Charlotte Perkins Gilman explores the themes of oppression and confinement often experienced by women in a patriarchal society. While not directly linked to the 19th amendment, this poem sheds light on the struggles faced by women in their fight for autonomy and self-expression. Gilman's vivid descriptions and eerie atmosphere create a thought-provoking piece that speaks to the importance of breaking free from societal constraints.