readers of the new school: vivid poetry by sonia sanchez

This week I wanted to highlight the work of one of my favorite poets, Sonia Sanchez. I admire her work and her authenticity; he storytelling is impeccable, and it’s always refreshing to hear her take on life. She’s a remarkable poet and her catalogue is definitely worth checking out, Shake Loose My Skin: New and Selected Poems, is a great introduction to her work. This collection of Sanchez’s poems is vivid and poignant. Her poems can certainly be rough around the edges, but there is an underlying theme of beauty and realness that exists in them.

By Damola Durosomo, AFROPUNK Contributor

Here is one of my favorite poems by her:

Ballad – Sonia Sanchez (all rights reserved)

Forgive me if I laugh
you are so sure of love
you are so young
and i too old to learn of love.

The rain exploding
in the air is love
the grass excreting her
green wax is love
and stones remembering
past steps is love,
but you. you are too young
for love
and I too old.

Once. what does it matter
when or who, I knew
of love.
I fixed my body
under his and went
to sleep in love
all trace of me
was wiped away

Forgive me if i smile
young heiress of a naked dream
you are so young
and I too old to learn of love.

Another noteworthy poem from Shake Lose My Skin is “After Saturday Nights Comes Sunday Morning”, a striking story about the hardships brought on by love, drugs, and money. It does a great job of portraying the sad reality that many African American women and men are faced with while in relationships. A must read! You can check out some excerpts from the poem here.

Sonia Sanchez has certainly created some beautiful poetry; her poems are truthful and moving! Be sure to check out Shake Loose My Skin here and check out one of her other amazing works Homegirls and Handgenades here!