Meet Angela Jackson, a talented poet from Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. She discovered her love for poetry in first grade and started writing her own by third grade. Angela has continued to write through high school and college, and she takes great pride in her work. Her latest book, “More Than Meat and Raiment,” has received several accolades. Currently, she holds the title of Illinois State Poet Laureate.
Angela shares the idea that “Poetry is life distilled.” This powerful quote from the renowned poet Gwendolyn Brooks captures the essence of poetry perfectly. Poetry allows us to take the rich experiences of life and present them in a unique way. It intertwines memory and imagination, creating a rhythm all its own. To illustrate this, Angela shares one of her poems that reflects her childhood memories.
Growing up, Angela fondly remembers watching the Nat King Cole Show with her mother, an early memory that sparked the creation of one of her poems. Though she didn’t write it until years later, the essence of that moment remained vivid in her mind. In her poem, she explores how her mother transformed when Nat King Cole appeared on television, slipping into a dreamlike state away from the everyday.
The Mother Behaves Like a Young Woman with a
Lover when Nat King Cole Comes on the Box
She takes off her run-over shoes.
She removes her re-run stockings.
She unzips her re-hemmed skirt.
She parts with her polyester blouse.
She lies down on the sagging couch.
Husband and children hide in the living room dark.
The television glow slides over her slip
Like moonlight.
Nat King Cole’s glossed hair glistens like an onyx.
His voice shines in her eyes. She closes them.
His song ends on the edges of her
Mona Lisa smile.
∘
Midnight sighs over the silence of sleeping children.
She sleeps on and on the sagging couch.
Until husband invites her to his bed.
∘
His voice
newly tender,
newly televised.
Through her writing, Angela captures a magical moment. While her mother’s love for Nat King Cole was real, the poem is infused with imaginative details that bring it to life in a new way. By exploring the dynamic of love and music, Angela creates a snapshot of how ordinary moments can transform with imagination and memory. Poetry allows us to reflect on love, loss, and the beauty woven into everyday life.
In the end, poetry is a unique blend of memory, dreams, and creativity. It lifts everyday experiences and gifts us with a fresh perspective. Angela Jackson reminds us of the power of poetry to capture those fleeting moments in an engaging way.
Angela’s impressive career includes writing poetry, novels, and plays. She has received numerous awards for her work, showcasing her talent and dedication to the craft. You can learn more about her journey and achievements here.
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