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A review by africanbookaddict
Counting Descent by Clint Smith
4.0
!!! https://africanbookaddict.com/2017/09/23/poetry-neon-soul-counting-descent/
In 56 poems, the realities of being a black boy in America are beautifully portrayed in this collection. Not only are the plights and queries of black boyhood portrayed, but black boy joy is an important component of these poems as well- so its pretty balanced, which I loved. This collection is personal, honest. Smith shares his loving family with us and sheds light on how he was raised. The titular poem - 'Counting Descent' is my absolute favorite. I read it 3 times before I proceeded to finish the book. Smith's way with words can make you freeze momentarily as you clearly picture all the nuances and truths he portrays. His writing is tangible - you feel the pain, you feel the joy and you feel less alone. I loved how he personified New Orleans through its unique foods, as a tourist attraction, as a high-risk flood zone and ultimately as his home.
Fave poems were: Counting Descent, Playground Elegy, Ode to the Only Black Kid in Class, The Protest Novel Responds to James Baldwin (this one gave me chills), Passed Down (this poem surprised me... never knew some light-skinned folk actually (and honestly) felt ashamed of their lightness. From all the books I've read/friends I know who are of a lighter hue, they consider it a 'privilege'), Lifeline, Each Morning is a Ritual Made Just For Us (I looved this! I think its a love poem dedicated to his wife), When Mom Braids My Sister's Hair and For the Hardest Days.
I'll definitely revisit this collection again. I've been following Clint on Twitter, so I'll be keeping an eye out for more of his work!
In 56 poems, the realities of being a black boy in America are beautifully portrayed in this collection. Not only are the plights and queries of black boyhood portrayed, but black boy joy is an important component of these poems as well- so its pretty balanced, which I loved. This collection is personal, honest. Smith shares his loving family with us and sheds light on how he was raised. The titular poem - 'Counting Descent' is my absolute favorite. I read it 3 times before I proceeded to finish the book. Smith's way with words can make you freeze momentarily as you clearly picture all the nuances and truths he portrays. His writing is tangible - you feel the pain, you feel the joy and you feel less alone. I loved how he personified New Orleans through its unique foods, as a tourist attraction, as a high-risk flood zone and ultimately as his home.
Fave poems were: Counting Descent, Playground Elegy, Ode to the Only Black Kid in Class, The Protest Novel Responds to James Baldwin (this one gave me chills), Passed Down (this poem surprised me... never knew some light-skinned folk actually (and honestly) felt ashamed of their lightness. From all the books I've read/friends I know who are of a lighter hue, they consider it a 'privilege'), Lifeline, Each Morning is a Ritual Made Just For Us (I looved this! I think its a love poem dedicated to his wife), When Mom Braids My Sister's Hair and For the Hardest Days.
I'll definitely revisit this collection again. I've been following Clint on Twitter, so I'll be keeping an eye out for more of his work!