“One of poetry’s great effects, through its emphasis upon feeling, association, music and image — things we recognize and respond to even before we understand why — is to guide us toward the part of ourselves so deeply buried that it borders upon the collective.”
―
American Sonnet 10
by Wanda Coleman
. after Lowell
our mothers wrung hell and hardtack from row
. .and boll. fenced others’
gardens with bones of lovers. embarking
. .from Africa in chains
reluctant pilgrims stolen by Jehovah’s light
. .planted here the bitter
seed of blight and here eternal torches mark
. .the shame of Moloch’s mansions
built in slavery’s name. our hungered eyes
. .do see/refuse the dark
illuminate the blood-soaked steps of each
. .historic gain. a yearning
yearning to avenge the raping of the womb
. .from which we spring.
Florence, Ala. December 7th 1866
From Wade in The Water
by Tracy K. Smith
Dear Sir I take the pleashure of writing you
A fue lins hoping that I will not ofende you
by doing so I was raised in your state
and was sold from their when I was 31 years olde
left wife one childe Mother Brothers and sisters
My wife died about 12 years agoe and ten years
agoe I made money And went back and bought
My olde Mother and she lives with me
Seven years agoe I Maried again and commence
to by Myself and wife for two thousande dollars and
last Christmas I Made the last pay ment and I have
made Some little Money this year and I wis
to get my Kinde All with me and I will take it
as a Greate favor if you will help me to get them
Fourteen Lines 