I've been trying to decide which of many, many poems I should share here in honor of National Black History Month. Obviously, I can share more than one - but if I had to pick just one, just ONE, what would it be?
Well, after much thinking I decided upon this one. I'll tell you why after you read it.
"Axe"
My father, God bless his axe.
He grooved deep in pitch pine.
He spun his charm like bachelor galvanise
in hurricane. Once I saw him peep through
torrential rain likea saint at a killing.
And when the wind broke his cassava trees... (continue reading HERE)
- Anthony Joseph, from "Sonnets for Albert" (Bloomsbury, 2022)
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Black History Month is an American observation, so it had been my intention to share a poem from an American poet - not a Trinidadian living in London. But having read this poem, can you honestly tell me that it is not universal? One would never know the writer was not American, nor would a reader have any idea this scene, this character, was not part of the American historical collective.
When I first read it, it felt like it could be anyone's father - American, British, African, white, black, ANYONE. And for a poem to have that kind of universality, that's a powerful poem. I hope you enjoyed it and will go back and read it again, and see what you come away with.
For more information on Joseph, his incredible work, and his amazing accomplishments, check out his website. And for more poetry, check out today's complete Poetry Friday roundup with Carol at Beyond Literacy Link where she is celebrating Valentine's Day early!
~~ SCHOOL VISITS still available! ~~
I'm booking author visits for the 2024 spring semester and still have a few dates available. If you think your school might be interested in having me visit, check out all the presentations I offer, then email me at Matt (at) MattForrest (dot) com!
I love chatting with elementary and middle school classes about writing: why poetry is fun to read and write, the importance of revision, and how imagination and creativity can lead to fantastic careers! My presentations are tailored to fit the needs of the classes and students' ages. One day I might be sharing details of how a picture book like Flashlight Night (Astra Young Readers, 2017) was created; the next, I'll be discussing dinosaur breath or crafting origami sea turtles!
Student presentations include:
- The Making of a Picture Book
- How a Child Saved a Book
- "Once Upon Another Time"
- The Most Imporant Thing about Writing Poetry
- "I Am Today"
- "A Beginner's Guide to Being Human"
- "Everybody Counts: Counting to 10 in Twelve Languages"
Adult presentations include:
- The Making of a Picture Book
- The Most Important Thing about Writing Poetry
- Free Yourself with Free Verse
- Tight Language, Loose Narratives: Crafting a Non-Traditional Picture Book
Learn more at MattForrest.com!
If you or someone you know might be interested in having me visit your school, library, or other organization, please email me
at matt(at)mattforrest(dot)com!
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FLASHLIGHT NIGHT:
DON'T ASK A DINOSAUR:
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