Nayyirah Waheed's poetry does indeed leave one in a maze of emotion. It consists of a network of paths that act as a puzzle. The network of paths in this case is the paths of thought, the confusion it brings, the many emotions that overwhelms and makes you feel lost. Most of Waheed's poems end with the context of the poem, acting as the author of the poem. This also acts as the title of the poem. This evokes understanding. I am going to focus on two poems.

The first one I chose is 'titled' Masculine. This is a poem about what it is to be masculine in society. There are certain standards and expectations of being considered masculine. Being a man, according to society, is one of them. This is evident when she writes "i have seen a man". 'All men have to be masculine. Men have to be tough. Men are not allowed to cry or show emotion. Men are strong- always'. This expectation is portrayed when she writes "but instead beat his heart until it was unconscious." This makes it evident that feeling is unacceptable. Crying is unacceptable for it shows weakness. So when a man is not considered masculine, then there ought to be an identity issue for how could he be anything else. This is evident when she writes "I have seen a man wanting to weep but". This whole poem conveys the message that by "beat his heart" more deep wounds form for the emotions are never dealt with. This creates men to not feel; "until it was unconscious" The man is emotionally unconscious.

Where
 you are
is not
who
you are
- circumstances

In this poem it is evident that it is in the context of circumstances one finds you in. Commenting on technical characteristics, by spacing the words Where and who it emphasizes the comparison of your circumstance that does not determine who you are. This poem refers to when one finds yourself in a bad situation or your circumstances are not the best, that that does not become your identity. One can be a good person in bad place or circumstance and one can be a bad person with good circumstances. If one is in a place of poverty and isolation, it does not make your a worthless lonely person.