* Nostalgia and longing: The poem begins with a vivid description of the tropical landscape, evoking a sense of longing for the poet's homeland. The speaker remembers the "warmth" of the tropics, the "sweet, brown faces," and the "vivid, dark-hued flowers," creating a yearning for a lost paradise. This tone is particularly evident in lines like, "My heart, a bleeding, empty wound, / Aching with memories."
* Disillusionment and alienation: As the poem progresses, a sense of disillusionment and alienation emerges. The speaker notes the stark contrast between the vibrant tropics and the cold, impersonal urban landscape of New York City. Lines like "These cold, hard stones, these barren, sunless streets / Do they not cry for the sweet, warm, gentle breath / Of tropic flowers?" express a deep sense of disconnect and longing for a more fulfilling life.
* Anger and resentment: There is a simmering anger and resentment towards the harsh realities of the speaker's new environment. The speaker compares the city to a "steel jungle," reflecting the prejudice and discrimination faced by Black people in America. This is evident in lines like "The things that are, the things that are not, / Are all confused and mixed, and my soul / Is full of doubt and pain."
* Resilience and hope: Despite the negativity, the poem concludes with a note of resilience and hope. The speaker acknowledges the enduring strength of his culture and his determination to persevere. The final lines, "Oh, I must find a way to live / In this hard, cold world, / And build a new life for myself." suggest a commitment to overcoming adversity and finding meaning in his new life.
Overall, "Tropics in New York" is a poem of bittersweet longing, disillusionment, and eventual hope. It reflects the complex experiences of an immigrant facing the challenges of a new and often hostile environment.