What I Say: Innovative Poetry by Black Writers in America is the second book in a landmark two-volume anthology that explodes narrow definitions of African American poetry by examining experimental poems often excluded from previous scholarship. The first volume, Every Goodbye Ain’t Gone, covers the period from the end of World War II to the mid-1970s. In What I Say, editors Aldon Lynn Nielsen and Lauri Ramey have assembled a comprehensive and dynamic collection ...

He was a son of Africa who became father to a nation and, for billions of people around the world, a beacon of hope, courage, and perseverance in the face of opposition. Now, acclaimed poet Maya Angelou honors the life and remarkable soul of Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa and Nobel laureate.In His Day is Done, Angelou delivers an authentically heartfelt and elegant tribute to Mandela, who stood as David to the mighty Goliath of Apartheid and who, after tw...

Praise for Saeed Jones:"Jones is the kind of writer who's more than wanted: he's desperately needed."—FlavorWire"I get shout-happy when I read these poems; they are the gospel; they are the good news of the sustaining power of imagination, tenderness, and outright joy."—D. A. Powell"Prelude to Bruise works its tempestuous mojo just under the skin, wreaking a sweet havoc and rearranging the pulse. These poem...

This dazzling Christmas poem by Maya Angelou is powerful and inspiring for people of all faiths.In this beautiful, deeply moving poem, Maya Angelou inspires us to embrace the peace and promise of Christmas, so that hope and love can once again light up our holidays and the world. “Angels and Mortals, Believers and Nonbelievers, look heavenward,” she writes, “and speak the word aloud. Peace.”Read by the poet at the lighting of the National Christmas Tree at ...

Although born with it, it seems as though it takes a lifetime to discover beauty within one's self. How does one even begin to define it? The simple appreciation of beauty is another feat in itself. It’s always been there waiting to be unearthed. Flower In My Hair is like being born again…into beauty. Be Introduced or reacquainted with self love.BLESSEDselling Author E. N. Joy gifts her readers with her most personal and private thoughts. In the past, she’s used her gift of written...

In his greatly anticipated new full-length book of poetry, the first since The Dead Emcee Scrolls in 2006, “the poet laureate of hip-hop” (CNN) Saul Williams presents his ideas, observations, realizations, dreams, and questions about the state of America, the American psyche, and what it means to be American.After four years abroad, Williams returned to the United States and found his head twirling with thoughts on race, class, gender, finance, freedom, gu...

Perfect for those who hate to read wordy poetry, San Diego-based author Laura Roberts' new HAIKU FOR HATERS ebook contains only 24 painless pages of 5-7-5s. Covering subjects as diverse as pop-star Prince to Chairman Mao and rowdy revolution, this is the first in the "Haiku for ____" series, with more coming soon; be sure to collect them all!Print version available at Buttontapper.com.ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Laura Roberts can leg-press an average-sized sumo wrestler, is a ...

A multicultural array of poets explore what it is means to be AmericanThis powerful and moving collection of poems stretches across the boundaries of skin color, language, ethnicity, and religion to give voice to the lives and experiences of ethnic Americans. With extraordinary honesty, dignity, and insight, these poems address common themes of assimilation, communication, and self-perception. In recording everyday life in our many American cultures, they displace ...

A suite of poems examining the myth and history of the legendary prizefighter Jack Johnson—a finalist for both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award—from the author, with Youssef Daoudi, of the graphic novel Last on His Feet: Jack Johnson and the Battle of the CenturyThe legendary Jack Johnson (1878–1946) was a true American creation. The child of emancipated slaves, he overcame the violent segregationism of Jim Crow, challenging white boxers—and ...

Here's your invitation to join a literary as well as a personal relationship with the deeply insightful and profoundly expressive perspectives of Regina Diane Jemison. As you encounter these soul-stirring pieces, you may imagine listening to one of God's own trombones. The poetry, prose and personality in Soul Clothes, may rub up on a curious and compassionate place within you, a place of stark reality drenched in divine hope. Imagine a John Coltrane solo, with words instead of te...

With a career spanning more than 18 years, Shihan has gradually cultivated an emotional writing style. Not everyone will know what it is to be Young, Black, Father, Husband, from New York but, everyone knows what it's like to feel love, pain and happiness. We can relate to the emotions of life easier than the adjectives of one's life. Deciphering Gibberish is best described as an intimate collection of his life's emotional observations masquerading as poetry. Emotionally charged, Decipheri...

Something Special Just For You is a collection of sixteen original poems. The poems have been created to inspire, enlighten, and encourage every reader. The book is broken down into four sections which include "Something Special For Everybody", "Something Special For The Lovers", "Something Special For The Community", and "Something Special For a Few Individuals". Also included is a poetic bonus that salutes the heart of us all. This collection of poems was titled "Something Special Just F...