Patricia Smith (1) (1955–)

Patricia Smith has long been a favorite poet of mine, and this is another collection that demands attention. Engaging with the Blues and with Smith's gorgeous language, this collection practically sings. There are poems here which made me catch my breath, and which I had to read and re-read three or four times before I could make myself move on. And I'm sure I'll be coming back to it.

If you're new to Patricia Smith, this probably isn't the collection I'd recommend only because it is a little less accessible than some, and I'd say that there are others where every single poem included is an absolute stand-out that deserves to be read and re-read and shared. This one didn't quite live up to that absurdly high standard for me, but it is a fabulous collection that I loved living within.

Recommended.… (más)

Smith has amassed an amazing collection of largely 19th century photographs of African-American men, women, and children. All unidentified, their faces lost to history and lost to their descendants. Smith has written poems to give each of these faces a story--stories based on what clues she has. The photographer's location from the frame. Clothing. Expression. Clothing and accessories. She has done her research, weaving in events in those cities, jobs associated with clothing, a couple's expressions. This is really a fascinating collection, original and well researched. As a genealogist, I find unidentified old photos to be so sad--like everyone, I have so many not-so-distant ancestors I have no photos of. Maybe they exist, with no names attached. Maybe they are in antique stores or listed on ebay.

I can't help but wonder if maybe, somehow, someone will read this book and identify someone. Based on another photo saved. Or a recognizable piece of jewelry. Or someone who passed on their features to a descendant.… (más)