The symbol of the dark tower occurs in the title of the poem rather than in the poem itself. As such, it sets the scene for the themes presented in the poem. A tower is a tall building that suggests strength and stability. It symbolizes the place from which the speaker of the poem offers their words. Its status as dark implies African American skin tones. From the top of a tower, a person’s horizons are wider; he or she can see far around and therefore acquire a larger perspective on things, an advantage that people on the ground do not have. Speaking from this tower, the speaker of the poem can acquire the mantle of a prophet or seer, one who observes the present reality but can confidently say that something better is on the way. As a result, people can look up to the speaker and accept them as an authority.

The symbolism of seeds and flowers frames the poem, occurring in the first two lines and in the last line. The images are drawn from nature and convey the notion that seeds, once planted, will always bear fruit. That is nature’s way, and it will hold true for African Americans too.