It’s had tacks in it, / And splinters, / And boards torn up, / And places with no carpet on the floor— / Bare.
-- Speaker (Lines 3-7)

Importance: This section near the beginning encompasses the heart of the poem. The speaker uses metaphorical imagery to describe the obstacles she has had to overcome on her journey through life. The first few lines describe pitfalls that one encounters in a dangerous physical setting — tacks, splinters, loose boards that can cause serious injury. The final line in this section is one of the most powerful in the poem, and is made up of only a single syllable. Here, “Bare” describes a life of poverty and want.

And sometimes goin’ in the dark / Where there ain’t been no light.
-- Speaker (Lines 12-13)

Importance: This line uses juxtaposition to contrast the images of dark and light, which have a double meaning. In one sense, the contrast refers to Black and white people in society...