Apollo

“Crash” by Elizabeth Alexander (2001)

“Crash,” from Alexander’s collection Antebellum Dream Book, explores race and gender, and uses a similar short line as “Apollo.” The poem, while inspired by a dream, comments on a larger racial question. Much like “Apollo,” “Crash” appears to be about a plane crash but expands beyond that simple narrative.

“Butter” by Elizabeth Alexander (1996)

While different in tone and subject matter from “Apollo,” “Butter” explores a more personal lens into Alexander’s life, upbringing, and cultural heritage. The poem meditates on butter and how this ingredient fits into the speaker’s life. “Butter,” though, is more than just a poem dedicated to butter; it explores a rich, celebrated culture.

“They Clapped” by Nikki Giovanni (1972)

Nikki Giovanni is an important female Black poet. Her poem “They Clapped” was written in 1972, a similar time period to when Alexander’s “Apollo” takes place. “They Clapped” offers an interesting eye into the feelings around race at that time following the wake of the Civil Rights Movement.

“Elizabeth Alexander on Moving Forward in the Face of Adversity.” Interview with Spencer Bailey (2021)

This interview with Alexander covers a significant amount of ground.