It is important to single out the first line in "For the White poets who would be Indian" because it makes a significant point about the individuals addressed in the work. The line is actually a continuation of the title, which is itself a prepositional phrase that seems to open a sentence. (Notice that the main words in the title are not all capitalized as they would be normally.) The words "just once" indicate that the "White poets" for whom the poem is written would really want to "be Indian" only one time, if they were given the chance. This is the first touch of sarcasm from the poet, as she calls into question the sincerity of non-Native Americans who claim they would like to be a part of Indian culture.
.....
This is a free excerpt of 135 words. This section contains 1,235 words. This
study guide contains 18,442 words (approx. 61 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Literature Guide with our For the White poets who would be Indian Access Pass.
