Audre Lorde (1934–1992) was born in New York City and found early success in writing poetry. Lorde used poetry as a means of expression and a way to communicate. She became a published author when a popular magazine published one of her poems while she was still in high school. In addition to poetry, Lorde also wrote acclaimed essays and novels. She won many important awards for her writing and worked to support several social causes close to her heart. Toward the end of her life, Lorde took the African name Gamba Adisa, which is believed to mean “she who makes her meaning clear.”
Pat Mora (b. 1942) was born in El Paso, Texas. She comes from a Mexican American family and considers herself fortunate to be bilingual and have the ability to write in both Spanish and English. She has written several books of poetry, as well as children’s books and essays. Mora takes pride in being a Hispanic writer. She says that she will continue to write and to struggle to say what no other writer can say in quite the same way she can. Family, Mexican American culture, and the desert are all important themes in Mora’s work.
SETTING A PURPOSE Both of these poems focus on communication during adolescence. As you read, think about the subject and how it is presented from two different points of view. How is the message in each poem communicated to readers?