Collected Poems

“Her masterful use of spacing, spelling and sound to create impact and celebrate the unique vernacular known as Black English is what gives her work that edge of poetic genius, but it’s the intensely human quality, the intimacy and realness of the words, that drives them deep into the heart of many who receive them.” —RUSSH Magazine “In impressive volume showcasing the broad scope of her literary work in general and word smithing talents in particular.” —Midwest Book Review “This long-overdue retrospective will be treasured by all who spend time with it. If you are looking for light in the darkness, a reminder of what kindred spirits are capable of when they work together for change, this book will galvanize and comfort you.” —Rain Taxi “Sonia Sanchez is a lion in literature’s forest. When she writes she roars, and when she sleeps other creatures walk gingerly.” —Maya Angelou “Her songs of destruction and loss scrape the heart; her praise songs thunder and revitalize. We need these songs for our journey together into the next century.” —Joy Harjo, US poet laureate “The poetry of Sonia Sanchez is full of power and yet always clean and uncluttered. It makes you wish you had thought those thoughts, felt those emotions, and, above all, expressed them so effortlessly and so well.” —Chinua Achebe, Nobel Prize laureate “Sonia Sanchez remains one of the most read, respected, and visible figures of the Black Arts Movement.” —Amiri Baraka “You have spoken for us . . . Written for us . . . Sung to us . . . How much in your debt we are.” —Toni Morrison