Afroetry is an excellent book of poetry regarding African-American history. The book consists of a variety of poetic forms and styles that are easy to comprehend. They include: acrostic, rhyming couplets, narrative, quatrain, and freeform to name a few. The essence of the poems serves as a teaching tool and a memory refresher, depending on one's knowledge of African-American history.
Many of the poems have a sense of humor, while being very serious at the same time although not an oxymoron. For instance, the rhyming couplets and embedded message in “It Takes a Village" are outstanding. “Anger Management" really sends an awesome message regarding the existing conflicts in different areas regarding the differing developmental process between African-American youth.
While reading this book, one will find other ingenious poems such as: the bombing of the “Black Wall Street" in Oklahoma, which is really an eye opener for everyone to understand that process. “Watch What You Eat" is really a poem to live by, especially when viewing the various ailments affecting a certain percent of the population and the issue of obesity.
One book from the Bible, Leviticus, which is a poem in the book, is symbolic of Slendah's faith in God. This poem really shines through in this uplifting poetic piece. The poem “African Burial Ground," which relates to the discovery of the burial site in New York is just incredible. I had the opportunity to visit the burial site in New York and it was a moving experience. Visiting Slendah's Website and reading her poetry is a wonderful experience.
One could write a dissertation on this excellent book; however, personally reading it and feeling the humbling experience is stimulating. I could not put the book down once I started reading it until I read the last poem, which linked some of the songs of the unforgettable Luther Vandross into a very thoughtful piece. What a great way to end a book with an awesome and uplifting poem. This book is very poignant and has a positive experience awaiting anyone who reads it. Get a copy today and don't delay. There is an exciting experience awaiting any reader in the exciting words of Afroetry by Linda Mayfield-Hayes (Slendah).
One may learn more about her Slendah by visiting her Website at: http://slendah.tripod.com.
Joseph S. Spence, Sr., is the co-author of two poetry books, A Trilogy of Poetry, Prose and Thoughts for the Mind, Body and Soul, and Trilogy Moments for the Mind, Body and Soul. He invented the Epulaeryu poetry form, which focuses on succulent cuisines and drinks. He is published in various forums, including the World Haiku Association; Milwaukee Area Technical College, Phoenix Magazine; and Taj Mahal Review. Joseph is a Goodwill Ambassador for the state of Arkansas, USA, and is an adjunct faculty at Milwaukee Area Technical College. He has completed over twenty years of service with the U.S. Army.
