Gwendolyn Brooks (7 June 1917 – 3 December 2000 / Topeka, Kansas)

Yo i love ma niggas in the harlem renaysans

I loved this poem and I think she means that we all make choices good and bad. However, I do think she means those who make bad choices, thinking its cool, die young not always but often.

I love this poem, it is short and sweet and so true.

Personally the line 'We Die Soon' does not neseccarily mean that bad choices will lead them to an early death, I think it means that life is short, which is why they do all of the things mentioned in the poem.

Just a thought =3

A truely amazing poem. I'd wager that those who dislike this poem have never lurked late, never sung sin, don't understand the meaning.

I had the pleasure of hearing her talk as a guest for my sister's college grad cermony. She was such an amazingly powerful speaking; it was an experience I won't ever forget. And in saying that, this poem especially is one that absolutely came to life when she read it. If you can find an audio of her reading it, it's worth a listen.

I agree with J.B. Jazz represents music and June represents the establishment. In other words, they would rather listen to music than listen to the establishment. I had to break down each line of this poem in essay form when I was in high school. If you like this one, you should check out Black Voices.

I agree with you J B, it doesn't mean sleeping around. Jazz represents music and June represents the establishment. In other words they would rather listen to music than listen to the establishment.

I WAS REALLY HURT TO READ THAT STAMENT THAT THIS POEM WAS THE WORST POEM THEY EVER HERD. I DO NOT THINK THEY COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND IT. I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE POEM IN HIGH SCHOOL BECAUSE WHEN I READ IT I KNEW IT. I WAS GOING THROUGH THE SAME THING AND I WATCHED SO MANY OF THE PEOPLE I KNEW LIVE THAT LIFE STYLE. THAT POEM WOKE ME UP AND MADE ME THINK TWICE ABOUT HOW I WAS LIVING BECAUSE I WAS LIVING ON A PATH THAT WAS GOING STRAIGHT TO MY DEATH. SHE SAVED MY LIFE.

Hey, I never thought much of this poem either...UNTIL I heard Gwendolyn reading it out loud. You have to listen to the audio and the way she streeetches out and savors each syllable and creates this crazy beat. It's a fantastic poem.

Danyelle's comment about the 'Jazzy June' meaning to sleep around is completely wrong.
Here's a link to audio of Brook's herself dismissing that statement: http: //www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15433