Story Review of Geraldine Moore the Poet

The text, “Geraldine Moore the Poet”, written by Toni Cade Bambara, talks about the life of a girl named Geraldine Moore, experiencing poverty both in school and outside of school. Geraldine’s mom had left due to her sickness, which made it difficult for Geraldine to concentrate on her schoolwork. Also, some workers came to move out all her furniture as payment for the rent on her apartment. Geraldine did not like the free school lunches because tomato soup was funny-looking, the cheese was dried out, and the orange was unripe, which was very gross to her. Instead, Geraldine went back to the apartment for her lunch that her older sister Anita made. Anita lived with Geraldine while waiting for her husband back from the army. Unlike Anita who spent her days watching TV or using her phone, Geraldine took their financial struggles very seriously. To earn money, Geraldine began looking after her neighbor, Mrs. Watson’s dog, twice a week for a dollar. Because of poverty and stress, Geradline was unable to remember the poem she was meant to write for school. When Mrs. Scott went on to poems, Geraldine told Mrs. Scott that she cannot write a poem because nothing lovely happened in her life. Mrs. Scott mistakenly thought Geradline’s explanation was the poem and told the class to copy the poem that Geraldine said. After that, everyone called Geraldine a poet. Three main themes appear and intertwine in the story: Poverty, Loneliness, and Understanding. 

Unadvodiabloty, people’s different parts of life would be significantly affected by poverty, such as  education, healthcare, job opportunities, housing, social exclusion, and food availability. When individuals have no or little financial resources and essentials to meet basic living needs, poverty occurs, such as food, shelter, and clothing. Geraldine outside school was in a situation of poverty where she was unable to escape. Geraldine had no money to pay the bills, the rents, and gas fee. Poverty is a pressing reality happening in the world, and its impacts are deeply distressing for people in the situation of poverty. Geraldine and Anita, who experienced severe  poverty, had no place to live because they were no longer paying the rent, kicked out legally from the apartment. When mom was sick and away, Geraldine had no breakfast to eat. Not because Geraldine did not want to eat breakfast; it was because she did not have the financial ability to have breakfast. To earn money in order to get the next meal, Geraldine tried her very best to do the things she possibly could do to help themselves by watching Mrs. Watson’s dog, even the money is not a lot. Geraldine’s socks were broken because of being bit by the dog. However, Geraldine had to use rubber bands to hold knee socks because she did not have enough money. Poverty extends beyond merely being poor; it possesses the capacity to profoundly alter one’s life. 

People in poverty have little support from others or may feel judged by others, creating the feeling of loneliness. When people are in the situation of poverty, their lives are often filled with loneliness and concerns. Geraldine at school received no financial, academical, and emotional support from friends and teachers. Geraldine was distracted from the Geometry class, but what she thought was not a good thing, like watching TV or eating delicious food. Instead, Geraldine worries about real life like paying rent or gas bills. Nobody will help her with money issues. In class when Geraldine did not understand the meaning of the concept, nobody would explain it to her. Even when Geraldine had questions in mind, she would be afraid to ask questions because other kids or even teachers might blame her or laugh at her, thinking she was not smart or not paying attention in class. Nobody supports Geraldine’s academic learning. Geraldine as a kid was supposed to worry about her own learning, but she was more worried about reality if she would be able to find the next meal. The bad financial situation keeps Geraldine away from the educational needs because nobody could help her financially. The financial limitations could create an environment where people in the situation of poverty experience the feelings of loneliness.  

In reality, it is essential to show our understanding for people who are encouraging significant challenges in life. Even if we have not experienced such challenges yet, it is crucial for us to show our respect for them and take initial actions, which might foster a ripple effect. No kids in the class would be able to understand Geraldine because they were not in the situation of poverty. But after reading Geraldine’s poem, Mrs. Scott was getting to understand her. The literature teacher, Mrs. Scott tried her best to understand where Geraldine stands. Although Mrs. Scott had not personally experienced poverty, she empathized with Geraldine’s feelings by reading her poem. The teacher saw Geraldine in a soft way which made her feel respected and touched. Mrs. Scott protected Geraldine by praising her poem in front of the class, which in turn, affects how classmates perceive Geraldine. Slowly, the classmates began befriending her. This emotional support impacted Geraldine’s life greatly, helping her confront poverty. A small tiny action showing the understanding toward people who are in poverty could give them courage to go through hardship. 

The text, “Geraldine Moore the Poet”, described how Geraldine lived a life in poverty. But the author was trying to have readers see deeper meaning and more meaningful thoughts about practical life through Geraldine’s viewpoint. This text gives readers an idea how poverty could have a huge impact on different aspects of life as well as  the consequence of being poor, which makes people develop feelings of loneliness, social isolation, and worries. At the same time, the author tries to have readers see things in a positive light by understanding and respecting people who are facing financial struggles. No one wants to be in a situation of poverty. But for people in poverty, what they need is the support from people around them, helping them get strong financially, emotionally, and academically.