First published 2024
Frederick Joseph, known for his bestselling works, turns to poetry in this collection that mines joy from hardship. The poems celebrate Black identity, childhood wonder, and mental health recovery. Joseph captures fleeting moments of love, resilience, and inspiration that rush past in daily life. He writes against time's passage and the weight of trauma and loss. The collection covers relationships, grief, the marvel of existence, and questions about bringing children into today's world. Each poem offers readers a chance to see their own experiences reflected back. Joseph creates a space of light when the world feels dark. The work appeals to poetry newcomers and longtime readers alike. These verses dig into the deepest parts of human experience, marking hearts and renewing appreciation for being alive. Joseph transforms a poetry collection into something larger, a celebration of what makes existence meaningful. The book stands as protection against change, trauma, and sorrow while holding onto beauty and goodness just a bit longer.
Genres: mental-health, african-american, poetry, 21st-century
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: emotional, found-family
128 pages · Paperback · Row House Publishing
Content warnings: mental-illness