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I love Clint Smith‘s writing. This includes some of his keen and straightforward social analysis, always with an eye on historical context. But also a lot of sweetness about young fatherhood.

I‘m such a crank. I like thinking about my kids when they were young, but this poetry collection focusing on being a new father didn‘t do much for me. The half-reaches on more serious topics were similar. Ok. He does pull back his punches. I kept thinking this stuff feels thin.

But some days, I worry that we are welcoming you into the flames of a world that is burning.
Some days, I am afraid that I am more kindling than water.
Poetry collection by Clint Smith

#ReadAway2024

I'm picky about poetry, but really liked this one, a collection of poems about fatherhood, with all the joy and anxiety that can provoke. The tone ranges from light-hearted to serious, as some poems also contemplate the challenges of parenting in a society where a Black boy will someday be a Black man, and shift its view accordingly. I'm looking forward to reading more of Smith's work.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is beautiful collection of poetry. Much of it can be seen as a love letter to the author‘s son. These poems contain the human experience: grief, pain, despair, love, hope, joy, beauty, awe. The author uses poetry here to confront the legacy of slavery. If this book hasn‘t already been banned, it probably will be. NPR link for a chat with the author⬇️

A beautiful book of poems about joy and grief, hope and despair. Clint Smith‘s poetry gives voice to the beauty and challenge of raising children in a perfectly imperfect world, and does an excellent job of describing how our memories, experiences, and expectations get us through.

Just loved this. In this collection of poems, Smith reflects on the sweetness and depth of joy in parenthood and family. He also considers the potential dangers of the world that likely await as his children grow into adulthood.

Fathering poems to make your heart burst. 💙
Simulpathity and paternity.

P4. “Waiting on a Heartbeat”

there is joy in being
a father to a mystery

2023

Beautiful collection of poems. My favorites reminded me of the magic (and exhaustion and fear) of those early years with young children. Highly recommend- it‘s delightful, funny, and perceptive.

I don‘t read a lot of poetry but I loved How the Word is Passed so I preordered Clint Smith‘s new collection and I‘m reading my way through it slowly. Today‘s poem is powerful especially in the face of all the upheaval happening in our world.

It helps that I can hear his voice as I read thanks to listening to the audiobook of his previous book.