Each Sunday, I post a brief introduction to a collection of poetry I've been loving. I include one poem that I think really sings. No review. No need. If it's here, you'll know I recommend it. If you have one to recommend (yours or someone else's), send it along. I'll do my best to be here every Sunday.
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When a collection wins the Pulitzer Prize, it needs no introduction. When the name Jericho Brown is on the lips of every reader, everywhere, it really needs no introduction. Here's my favorite from this award-winning collection:
The Legend of Big and Fine
Long ago, we used two words
For the worth of a house, a car,
A woman -- all the same to men
Who claimed them: things
To be entered, each to suffer
Wear and tear with time, but
Greater than the love for these
Was the strong little grin
One man offered another
Saying, You lucky. You got you
A big, fine _______________.
Hard to imagine so many men
Waiting on each other to be
Recognized, every crooked
Tooth in our naming mouths
Ready like the syllables
Of a very short sentence, all
Of us crying mine, like babies who
Grab for what must be beautiful
Since someone else saw it.
Want more? Order The Tradition and join the rest of the world talking about this young wonder. Or click here to see/hear the poet read a few more from the collection.
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