An Analysis of 'Dreaming Black Boy'
This poem focuses on the wishes of a black boy. He is facing discrimination and he dreams that his quality of life would not be determined by the colour of his skin. He does not like the fact that he is prevented from realizing his dreams and expressing himself freely because of his race. He wishes for recognition from his teacher. He looks forward to being hugged (commended) when he kicks a goal. He also wishes that whenever he has the answer in class he does not hold back. He makes reference to the fact that he is not 'a wood chopper like all ancestors'. This means that he is not a slave and as such he should not be afraid to speak or assert himself. He further wishes for the opportunity to receive the best education and earn 'good money'. He does not want to degrade himself by doing demeaning things in order to receive favours. He uses the term 'licking boots' to highlight that he does not want to have to be subservient to people in order to get ahead...