bookmindedmag 's review for:

Hybrida: Poems by Tina Chang

5.0

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What a beautiful collection of poetry by Tina Chang. I took a long time to read this book because I wanted to make sure I absorbed every word. Tina Chang writes not just from the heart, but from her very soul. Her poetry is full of worry for her children, who have to navigate this world as black children. Her concern comes through, but also the fierce, primal love of a mother who will do anything to protect her children. The poem that is the embodiment of that love is “Creation Myth,” a poem that spans several pages and is written in different styles. It lays her feelings out for all to see, giving us not a glimpse but a complete view into what it means to love your child even though you won’t be able to protect him or her (or they) all of the time. That the world will get to them eventually and that all you can do is hope that you have prepared that child for whatever comes.

Tina Chang is a poet whose work I will keep on my radar as my desire to read more poetry continues to grow.