I have read other works by this writer. I previously read some of his poems in an anthology of Southern poets and his nonfiction book, Bloot at the RoI have read other works by this writer. I previously read some of his poems in an anthology of Southern poets and his nonfiction book, Bloot at the Root. The poet incorporates Southern dialect and culture into his work. He also uses the poetic devices of repetition and imagery so each of the poems feels personal and a depiction of his family and culture. ...more
This was my last read for the Sealey Challenge. I had heard of the poet as a novelist so I was intrigued to read her poetry. Her poems are extremely rThis was my last read for the Sealey Challenge. I had heard of the poet as a novelist so I was intrigued to read her poetry. Her poems are extremely relatable. She writes about familiar topics such as Martin Luther King, Jr. in the MLK poem, she uses words associated with him i.e. sermon, mountaintop, and midnight. Brilliant word play. She also has a poem reimagining the biblical story of the woman caught in the act of adultery. In that poem, Clair makes the story more modern and humorous.
She quotes from other writers in the collection including Iceberg Slim and Toni Morrison. Her Morrison quote is from Song and Solomon. The poem that follows the quote is from the point of view of a flying African, an integral aspect of Song of Solomon.
Excellent collection that will be enjoyable to lovers of poetry. ...more
I first encountered this poet’s work in the anthology, Gracious: poems from the 21st Century South. I was intrigued and wanted to read more of his worI first encountered this poet’s work in the anthology, Gracious: poems from the 21st Century South. I was intrigued and wanted to read more of his work.
In this collection, Abushanab uses conventional and unconventional rhyme patterns. This shows his skillful use of words. In the poem, Missing, the rhyme pattern adds angst and complexity to the piece regarding a missing child. Another poetic device the writer uses well is repetition. In the poem, Custody Denied,he repeats the word unfit and rhymes the end of the lines to the word. That repetition in the poem enforces to the reader the idea of an unfit parent. ...more
I was excited to see a vintage copy of this collection in my library. This is Nikki Giovanni’s debut collection and it shows the talent she had at a yI was excited to see a vintage copy of this collection in my library. This is Nikki Giovanni’s debut collection and it shows the talent she had at a young age. Some of the poems are political in nature. Others reflect on intimate relationships. What all the poems have in common are Giovanni’s ability to capture Black people’s feelings and ways of talking. Perfect title for the collection. ...more
This collection left me speechless. The poet writes primarily about incarceration. He takes prison lingo and elevates it to its own art form. He definThis collection left me speechless. The poet writes primarily about incarceration. He takes prison lingo and elevates it to its own art form. He defines the lingo and uses it to illustrate life behind prison walls. In the poem, Dear Augusta, Betts describes the language as one of “survival and blood.”
The poem, Fantasy Girl captures the essence of the collection. The poem is about a prison rape. It is written with intimacy but the reader knows this is a violent act. Rape is a tough subject but Betts skillfully writes this poem. The entire collection is like this poem: tough subjects but excellently written. ...more
This poet is a great story teller. In his poem, Vine he tells the story of an outdoor plant. The description is so vivid the reader can visualize the This poet is a great story teller. In his poem, Vine he tells the story of an outdoor plant. The description is so vivid the reader can visualize the vine and all its leaves. Also, in this collection are poems told from a child’s point of view that gives the reader a reflection on adult life. The title poem begs the question who is really happy at happy hour?
The poet is a native of rural northeast Kansas. Her background is evident in her poems when she writes about westward expansion and prairie burning. SThe poet is a native of rural northeast Kansas. Her background is evident in her poems when she writes about westward expansion and prairie burning. She also writes of young girls developing into womanhood. One of her most poignant poems in the collection is Elegy for the Living, an insightful piece on grief. Lovers of poetry should definitely read this collection....more
This is the poet’s debut collection and it lays the foundation for her future works. The themes/topics contained in the collection: Black Southern lifThis is the poet’s debut collection and it lays the foundation for her future works. The themes/topics contained in the collection: Black Southern life, American history, family dynamics. She covers these topics with emotional brilliance. ...more
In the foreword for this chap book, Chris Abani writes, “This is an important debut for a poet who will get stronger and stronger with every book, witIn the foreword for this chap book, Chris Abani writes, “This is an important debut for a poet who will get stronger and stronger with every book, with every new poem.” I agree with Abani. This debut was not strong but shows the potential of the poet. ...more
First of all, the cover for this collection is eye-catching. It is a painting by Seattle artist, Kevin Neireiter and helps set the vibe for readers ofFirst of all, the cover for this collection is eye-catching. It is a painting by Seattle artist, Kevin Neireiter and helps set the vibe for readers of the collection. Another way Matejka sets the vibe is by the quotes chosen at the beginning. One of those quotes is from poet Rodney Jones “Being mixed, you’re the man of the future, Too bad the future isn’t now.”
Having mixed (multi) racial identities is a theme of the collection. Another theme that emerges is the dissolution of family. He has a poem that has the child’s perspective and the mother’s perspective of the father leaving. It is a great example of narrative poetry.
The poet has some excellent closing lines for the poems. In the poem, The Meaning of Rpms which is about a blind woman, he ends the poem “But Pearl could tell I was lying just by hearing me talk” Another thing the poet does well is the incorporation of music, Miles Davis and Al Green are mentioned in several poems.
I will definitely read more of his poetry. ...more
Started the month long Sealey Challenge with the revered Audre Lorde. In this collection, Lorde writes about many things including motherhood and humaStarted the month long Sealey Challenge with the revered Audre Lorde. In this collection, Lorde writes about many things including motherhood and human rights. The endings of the poems in this collection are jolting. She takes the reader along one path with the poems and then ends the poems with a visual, question or phrase that leaves the reader contemplating and wanting to read the poems over again. ...more
In the Field Mob version of the song, Georgia there is a line that says “But ain’t nothing like that GA red clay.” Honoree Fanonne Jeffers echoes thatIn the Field Mob version of the song, Georgia there is a line that says “But ain’t nothing like that GA red clay.” Honoree Fanonne Jeffers echoes that sentiment in this deeply personal collection of poems. Professor Jeffers explores historical events, her relationship with her father and the experiences of people indigenous to the United States.
The collection starts with the title poem, Red Clay Suite which explores the role of red clay throughout the poet’s family history. A very moving poem that fits the sentiment of the entire collection. ...more
I first read this poet in the anthology, The BreakBeat Poets Vol. 3 : Halal If You Hear Me. Her poems featured in that anthology really impressed me aI first read this poet in the anthology, The BreakBeat Poets Vol. 3 : Halal If You Hear Me. Her poems featured in that anthology really impressed me and I was thrilled to be contacted by the publishers of her recently released collection to receive an advanced copy.
One of Shire’s poems, Midnight in the Foreign Food Aisle, I read previously and is included in this collection. That poem illustrates the reflective nature of Shire’s poetry. The poem begins with her asking a question to her Dear Uncle, “is everything you love foreign or are you foreign to everything you love?” She doesn’t use pretentious words but words that get to the core of what is love, what is home, who we are as people.
I enjoyed this collection and look forward to reading more poetry from this awesome poet! Thank you Random House Books for an advanced copy of the book via Netgalley....more
Alicia (PrettyBrownEyeReader)
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