Unity and Identity

In "An Anthem," the opening line resonates with a powerful declaration of unity: "Our vision is our voice." The speaker vividly describes how "we" traverse the nation, seeking out those who advocate for war. As the stanza unfolds, the speaker reveals the essence of her group through evocative imagery. They are depicted as individuals of fire and ceremony, speaking with voices condemned by society. In essence, they are figures of fiery resolve and cultural heritage, courageously voicing truths amidst censure.

Wisdom Beyond Sight

The third stanza delves deeper into the speaker's portrayal of her people, emphasizing their profound wisdom and purpose. Their strength lies within, allowing them to achieve great things in their hearts without physical effort. She poetically expresses, "we run without legs," illustrating their ability to progress spiritually and mentally without physical movement. By stating they "see without eyes," the speaker highlights their intuitive understanding that surpasses mere visual perception. Their laughter, like a joyous deluge, unites them within a community rich in camaraderie.

A Personal Plea for Courage

Repeated thrice within the poem are the poignant lines: "give me courage so I can spread / it over my face and mouth." Here, the speaker acknowledges her need for bravery to confront the world's pressing issues, hinting at a plea for peace amidst looming conflicts. The shift from "we" to "me" marks a personal appeal, underscoring the speaker's individuality within her community, yet her willingness to face battles alone. She envisions courage as a visible adornment, worn proudly upon one's face and voiced through one's words.

The Secret River

The speaker shifts back to describing her people, now likened to a hidden river, an uncelebrated source of life. Women labor and march, their movements flowing like water, their keen eyes discerning what lurks behind the trees. Sanchez introduces the motifs of singing and dancing here, where hips sway like a dance of defiance, and voices roar like thunder.

Demand for Recognition

The sixth stanza paints a world "split wide open," where division and conflict reign. Sanchez illustrates this shattered existence with "the world...broken into little pieces / and you beg with tin cups for life." The speaker challenges this fragmented view, asking if her people are more than mere hunger or entertainment—music, clowns, or dance. She demands their recognition as a complete, unfragmented entity, worthy of respect beyond singular cultural attributes, reiterating once more the need for courage.

Confrontation and Strength

In the poem’s longest stanzas, the speaker narrates the enduring journey of her people, often descending from heights to depths. She invokes Shango, the thunder god of Yoruba mythology—an emblem of their unyielding spirit. Addressing the "madmen" with "death talk," she warns of their impending confrontation. Her people, fortified by nature's elements—the sun, the rain—and the history of injustice, as seen in the "children of Soweto," stand unafraid, prepared to counter the madness that threatens them.

Closing Imagery of Resilience

The poem concludes with a vivid image of red rain, possibly symbolic of blood, mingling with the people's fiery spirit. The statement "our fire mixes with the water" suggests not extinguishment, but a powerful fusion, where fire spreads through the blood. The poem ends with a final plea for "courage so I can spread it / over my face and mouth," leaving a lasting impression of resilience and determination.