Category Archives: Poetry

Love Letter to Black Women

This is a love letter to Black women, my sisters. I have never loved anyone quite as hard as I have loved you. This is not to say that I have not loved others well or loved them deeply, because I have. But loving you is hardness, requiring the density of commitment fortified by an enamelContinue reading “Love Letter to Black Women”

In Memoriam: Amiri Baraka Made My World a Black Poem

I was trying to comprehend exactly why the death of poet Amiri Baraka affected me so deeply. I cried when I heard. I haven’t read his work in years, I didn’t always agree with his politics and polemics, but still…I feel I lost something yesterday afternoon. Amiri Baraka spoke at Florida State when I attended, I thinkContinue reading “In Memoriam: Amiri Baraka Made My World a Black Poem”

This World Won’t Change You… [Video Link]

Originally posted on RJ ELDRIDGE:
Hello Readers, If you missed the Verses and Flow premiere, or if you didn’t miss it but just want to see more of the poetry from that night, including a web-exclusive poem, “Fireflies,” or a replay of the Poet Moment, just click here and check them out! I’d love to know…

Poets Changing Lives One Rhyme at a Time

Fifteen years ago, Keith Rodgers held a get together in the living room of his Tallahassee, FL apartment. People sat on the sectional couch under dim lighting, hunched knees-to-chin on the staircase, or stood behind the kitchen counter and waited. Finally, Keith stood up the in middle of the living room with his back toContinue reading “Poets Changing Lives One Rhyme at a Time”