Why the Black Hole Sings the Blues - (American Literature) by Ishmael Reed (Paperback)

The poems in this collection are a testament to Ishmael Reed's mastery of language and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience.

Written between 2007 and 2020, these poems cover a wide range of topics, from events that occurred around Reed's house to cataclysmic space events.

The collection includes commissioned works, such as "Moving Richmond," which was part of a public art installation created by Mildred Howard, and "Hope Is The Thing With Feathers," performed by Gregory Porter.

The longest poem in the book, "Jazz Martyrs," was begun when Reed learned about the number of black Jazz greats who didn't live past the age of forty.

Throughout the collection, Reed's unique voice and perspective shine through, offering a glimpse into the world of one of America's most important poets and writers.