Ego Tripping

“Ego Tripping,” also known as “Ego Tripping (there may be a reason why),” is one of American poet Nikki Giovanni’s most well-known poems. Giovanni first published this poem in 1972, which is the year that also marks Giovanni’s first trip to Africa, three years after the birth of her son. As the title of the poem suggests, this poem is a fulsome celebration of the many facets of Giovanni’s identity as a Black woman. Written at a tumultuous time in American history, “Ego Tripping” contains deeply personal discussions of pride and identity that reflect the poet’s notions of self; as well, the poem is full of highly political commentary reflective of the changing ideas around race and gender that correspond with the Civil Rights Movement and second-wave feminism.

No rhyme scheme or meter pattern is observable in “Ego Tripping,” but for many readers, the rhythm of the poem is its most memorable feature. When this poem is read out loud, the irregularity of the lines and the breaks give the words a musical quality that is at once catchy and unpredictable. Some contemporary music artists, for example, consider the rhythm of “Ego Tripping” as a precursor of sorts to the music

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