"'I shall create! If not a note, a hole.
If not an overture, a desecration.'"
- Boy Breaking Glass by Gwendolyn Brooks* (PoLau '85-'86)
Gwendolyn Brooks was the first African-American woman to hold the position of Consultant in Poetry. She used it as a time to open poetry up to people that are, I think, mostly ignored in that respect. Her workshop included gang members and she visited prisons regularly. I hope we get another PoLau that does that sort of thing. She even would invite young writers to her office to do informal readings and friendly lunches. Brooks didn't shy away from any subject that she felt was important and as a result of that, her writing has an honesty that is accessible to a huge audience of readers.
Today is rainy and windy and gross in Huntsville, Texas. And I walked to work. There was nothing better than sitting down and opening up my Anthology and reading some of Brooks' poems. I think I'll like them just as much in the sweltering summer and in the dead of winter. She's just that awesome.
*From The Poets Laureate Anthology
, published by W.W. Norton in association with the Library of Congress. Poem copyright Gwendolyn Brooks.
If not an overture, a desecration.'"
- Boy Breaking Glass by Gwendolyn Brooks* (PoLau '85-'86)
Gwendolyn Brooks was the first African-American woman to hold the position of Consultant in Poetry. She used it as a time to open poetry up to people that are, I think, mostly ignored in that respect. Her workshop included gang members and she visited prisons regularly. I hope we get another PoLau that does that sort of thing. She even would invite young writers to her office to do informal readings and friendly lunches. Brooks didn't shy away from any subject that she felt was important and as a result of that, her writing has an honesty that is accessible to a huge audience of readers.
Today is rainy and windy and gross in Huntsville, Texas. And I walked to work. There was nothing better than sitting down and opening up my Anthology and reading some of Brooks' poems. I think I'll like them just as much in the sweltering summer and in the dead of winter. She's just that awesome.
*From The Poets Laureate Anthology
, published by W.W. Norton in association with the Library of Congress. Poem copyright Gwendolyn Brooks.
Comments
How I wish this book was on Kindle! Barring that and knowing I'll never wrestle that copy away from you, J'ru, I've just ordered another one.
And, Mom, you're correct. Giving me this was a wonderful mistake on your part. Thanks!