Extravaganza

Extravaganza

The Messenger, 1930-31

Page 24

This poem by Ruth Fiske is about her watching Jazz dancing. Jazz is predominantly associated with African-American culture and was established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Fiske is watching the "wild" intoxicating dance moves. She writes like she is trying to hold back, but cannot because the music is to intriguing. In the poem she states: "Pairs of moving atoms whirl To the ever shifting beat of man-made noise, While between their dual motions, others wind disentangled." Fiske is moved by this music and fascinated by the creation of this dance.

Virginia Baptist Historical Society

Richmond, Va

1930-31