Cynthia in the Snow

"Black Love" by Gwendolyn Brooks (1981)

An ideal accompaniment for the reader who seeks to better understand Brooks’s perspective, “Black Love” mirrors the joy of “Cynthia in the Snow.” The poet writes: “Nourish our children-proud, strong,” (Line 16), emphasizing the importance of togetherness, love, and solidarity, and noting the importance of caring for children.

"We Real Cool" by Gwendolyn Brooks (1960)

Arguably Brooks’s most famous poem, “We Real Cool” describes a group of boys skipping school to shoot pool. It explores the dangerous period after the childhood of “Cynthia in the Snow,” as boys eager to be adults stay out late and drink gin—and also become aware of the fact their risk-taking carries a mortal danger.

"The Bean Eaters" by Gwendolyn Brooks (1960)

This poem touches on the small, everyday doings and twinges of life, much as “Cynthia in the Snow” does, but in the world of an elderly couple. The poem straddles the joy and pain of ordinary life, much like Cynthia twinkles with joy and pain when she sees snow that is “so beautiful it hurts” (Line 11).