The poem begins with the line "Trane you were the sound of freedom," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Brathwaite goes on to describe Coltrane's music as "a river of sound" that "flowed through the streets of the world." He also praises Coltrane's ability to improvise, saying that he could "make the saxophone talk."
In addition to celebrating Coltrane's music, the poem also explores the themes of freedom and spirituality. Brathwaite writes that Coltrane's music "opened up a new space" for people to experience freedom and that it "gave us a glimpse of the divine."
The poem concludes with the lines "Trane you are gone but your music lives on / in the hearts and souls of all who heard it." This is a fitting tribute to a musician who had such a profound impact on the world.
Here is a more detailed analysis of the poem:
* The title of the poem, "Trane," is a reference to Coltrane's nickname. This shows that Brathwaite is writing from a personal perspective and that he has a deep connection to Coltrane's music.
* The poem is written in free verse, which allows Brathwaite to create a sense of spontaneity and improvisation. This is appropriate for a poem about a musician who was known for his improvisational skills.
* The poem uses a lot of imagery to describe Coltrane's music. Brathwaite compares Coltrane's music to a river, a wind, and a fire. This imagery helps to create a sense of the power and beauty of Coltrane's music.
* The poem also uses a lot of repetition. Brathwaite repeats the lines "Trane you were the sound of freedom" and "Trane you are gone but your music lives on" throughout the poem. This repetition helps to create a sense of rhythm and momentum, and it also emphasizes the importance of Coltrane's music.
Overall, "Trane" is a powerful and moving tribute to John Coltrane. Brathwaite's poem captures the essence of Coltrane's music and his influence on the world.