Title
From a Person Sitting in Darkness: New and Selected Poems (Southern Messenger Poets),Used
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With a nod toward the grounding inspiration of Mark Twain and James Baldwin in its opening epigraphs, this lush collection of free and formal verseturning on multiple axes of race, religion, history, politics, and social issuessoars in exploration of the dark, troublesome visions of America. Gerald Barrax, a black poet who makes familiar black attitudes agonizingly fresh (Library Journal), speaks with ire and passion of those robbedand those who rob themof hope, of sight, of faith, of life. Ask the West African what happened to his ancestors. / Ask the Native American what happened to his land. / Ask the Person Sitting in Darkness what happened to his light.But Barrax also croonsabout the natural world and its creatures, about music, and about human love and relationships. Cello Poem, Dennis Sampson wrote in the Hudson Review, is an erotic love poem of fleshandblood so artfully told one scarcely knows the difference between the cello at the end and the remembered lovers. And in The Old Poet Is Taken in Marriage, Barrax displays an endearing capacity for gentleness and surprise. Poets who swagger and strut make me sick / with envy, he writes, while yet I marvel, in terrified humility, / that poems come to me at all, as Emily / did, for no reason I can understand. Through the unswerving perspective of a black man, Barrax widens the human experience, achieving a universality of tone. His poems find words for real feelings, and the color of a lovers skin is, ultimately, not very important.One hundred four poems in all, eighteen penned since his last book, From a Person Sitting in Darkness showcases Barraxs gifts for arresting imagery and compression, crystalline diction and dichotomy, narrative force, and the leavening touches of humor and irony. This collection is the essence of a lyrical, sensual, unpredictable work.
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- Q: What is the primary theme of 'From a Person Sitting in Darkness'? A: The primary theme revolves around race, religion, history, and social issues, exploring the dark visions of America while also celebrating love and the natural world.
- Q: Who is the author of this poetry collection? A: The author is Gerald Barrax, a noted black poet recognized for his powerful and fresh perspectives on familiar black attitudes.
- Q: How many poems are included in this collection? A: The collection features one hundred four poems, including eighteen new works added since the author's last book.
- Q: What is the condition of the book being sold? A: The book is listed as 'New,' indicating it is in pristine condition and has not been previously owned.
- Q: What type of binding does this edition have? A: This edition is a paperback, making it lightweight and portable.
- Q: When was 'From a Person Sitting in Darkness' published? A: The book was published on November 1, 1998.
- Q: Can you provide a brief overview of the author's poetic style? A: Gerald Barrax's poetic style features arresting imagery, crystalline diction, narrative force, and touches of humor and irony, showcasing a rich exploration of human emotions.
- Q: What audience is this book suitable for? A: This collection is suitable for readers interested in contemporary poetry, social issues, and the exploration of black experiences in America.
- Q: Are there any notable reviews or critiques of this work? A: Yes, Library Journal noted Barrax as 'a black poet who makes familiar black attitudes agonizingly fresh,' highlighting the depth and impact of his work.
- Q: What are some key features of this book? A: Key features include a lush collection of poems addressing complex themes, the author's unique voice, and a focus on both personal and universal experiences.