NaPoMo QOTD A Good Poem for a Bad Day

"'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.

Comments

Joni Rodgers said…
What a great line. "If not a note, a hole." Love that.

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.
I'm holding out for a Kindle edition, too. But a few more great lines like these, and I'll be powerless to resist the hard copy.
Jerusha said…
Trust me, Colleen, this is a book that you need in hard copy. It's one of those books that is gratifying to open and read. I have come around to the fact that I am going to get a kindle in the coming year, but This is a book that is necessary to truly open.
And, Mom, you're correct. Giving me this was a wonderful mistake on your part. Thanks!