Kevin Young je americký básnik, ktorého tvorba je silno ovplyvnená odkazom Langstona Hughesa a vizuálnym umením Jeana-Michela Basquiata. Jeho básne sa ponárajú do hĺbok afroamerickej skúsenosti, prepletajú osobné a historické naratívy s bohatým, rezonujúcim jazykom. Youngova práca často skúma témy identity, dedičstva a zložitosti pamäte, čím čitateľom ponúka provokatívnu a dojemnú perspektívu. Jeho literárny vplyv je badateľný v jeho pôsobivej schopnosti prepojiť súčasné problémy so širším kultúrnym kontextom.
Exploring the depths of grief and the beauty of new beginnings, this collection captures the author's emotional journey a decade after his father's death. Through poignant two-line poems, Young conveys the haunting silence of loss and the transformative power of life events, particularly the birth of his son. His vivid imagery in "Crowning" stands out as a remarkable celebration of life. The concluding sequence emphasizes acceptance and the importance of embracing both sorrow and joy, offering profound insights into the complexities of existence.
The blues-a musical tradition uniquely American-has had a powerful influence on American poets, and this scintillating anthology offers a richness of poetry as varied and vital as the music that inspired it.
Across a turbulent history, Black poets created a rich and multifaceted tradition that has been both a reckoning with American realities and an imaginative response to them. One of the great American art forms, African American poetry encompasses many kinds of verse: formal, experimental, vernacular, lyric, and protest. The anthology opens with moving testaments to the power of poetry as a means of self-assertion, as enslaved people voice their passionate resistance to slavery. This volume captures the power and beauty of this diverse tradition and its challenge to American poetry and culture. Here are all the significant movements and currents: the nineteenth-century Francophone poets known as Les Cenelles, the Chicago Renaissance that flourished around Gwendolyn Brooks, the early 1960s Umbra group, and the more recent work of writers affiliated with Cave Canem and the Dark Noise Collective. Here too are poems of singular, hard-to-classify figures: the enslaved potter David Drake, the allusive modernist Melvin B. Tolson, the Cleveland-based experimentalist Russell Atkins. The volume also features biographies of each poet and notes that illuminate cultural references and allusions to historical events-- adapted from dust jacket
Set against a film noir backdrop, this collection features a "soft-boiled" private eye, A.K.A. Jones, and the enigmatic femme fatale, Delilah Redbone. Their journey through Shadowtown is filled with intrigue, aliases, and a cast of colorful characters, including The Killer and The Snitch. Young's five poetic "reels" blend detective lingo with dark glamour, creating a playful yet poignant exploration of passion and mystery. The work showcases his signature originality and stark lyricism, making it a captivating read.
Exploring the challenges of daily life, this book offers a philosophical perspective on Christian living amidst distractions and struggles. It addresses the superficiality that often fills spiritual voids and encourages readers to reassess their perceptions of the world. By identifying barriers to personal growth, the narrative guides individuals toward a deeper understanding of their spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their value as creations of God and the possibility of overcoming the influence of evil.
This collection delves into the South's legacy, exploring themes of African-American grief and resilience. The poet's distinctive voice, characterized by flexible and blues-inflected lines, offers a unique perspective on cultural and personal passages. Celebrated for its liveliness and depth, the work reflects the profound emotional landscape of the African-American experience, showcasing the author's ability to stand out in contemporary poetry.
The book delves into the complexities of organized and spontaneous violence in sports, advocating for an expanded definition of 'sports-related violence.' It addresses various issues, including criminal activities by athletes, abuse within sporting environments, and exploitative labor practices, highlighting the multifaceted nature of violence associated with sports.
This book emphasizes the necessity of global cooperation to tackle pressing 21st-century issues like the global economy, environmental destruction, and nuclear proliferation, highlighting that no single nation can address these challenges alone.
The collection showcases the African-American experience through vibrant and engaging language, blending strength and sophistication. Kevin Young's poetry is both accessible and profound, capturing the essence of life with a unique voice. Selected by Lucille Clifton for the National Poetry Series, this work stands out as a significant contribution to contemporary American poetry, highlighting Young's potential as an emerging literary talent.
Exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience, this collection showcases Kevin Young's inventive language inspired by music. Each poem, with titles like "Stride Piano" and "Gutbucket," captures the essence of blues, oscillating between celebration and lament. The verses reflect a journey from devotion to heartbreak, ultimately embracing the bittersweet nature of overcoming challenges. Young's work resonates with both humor and depth, making it a poignant reflection on the complexities of human emotions and experiences.
