I recently came across an author discussing their thought that fiction isn’t activism. I’ll put a pin in that to say, poetry definitely is and I don’t want to hear anything else about it. Maybe I don’t know the true definition of activism, but I know that poetry moves. I know that poetry unites. I know that poetry has for centuries highlighted the human condition, brought the perils of society to the forefront and has been at the helm of movements.

the craftAshley M. ColemanApril 14, 2024poetry, national poetry month, jasmine mans, black girl call home, sonia sanchezComment

the craft. poetry is.

To read how Ms. Sonia Sanchez perceives the poet, it’s no wonder poetry has always felt an intimidating genre to me. Growing up in Philadelphia, we were never short on hubs where words flowed over microphones in syncopated rhythms, sometimes over music, other times, solo straight to the ears of the audience, shooting this crafted language right into their veins.

the craftAshley M. ColemanMarch 31, 2024writing, poetry, sonia sanchez, lucille cliftonComment