Get with the Program (Poetically Speaking‪)‬

In this, her fourth volume of poetry, Butterfly Thomas offers us her customary buffet of clever rhymes, plays on words, double entendres, reflections on relationships of many sorts, and sharp social commentary.

“Speak Life” tells of the value of kind and positive words to others, while “Ain’t I a Woman” speaks boldly of a woman’s right to her own opinions and her expression of them. “Corner Store” is an upbeat display of both Black dialect and friendship, while “Strumming,” “Nawlins Heat,” and “That Sax Though” are unabashedly sensual. The haunting cover image of the moon and clouds was inspired by “Even Darkness.”

Seven of the poems, in the section Opening Remarks, are addressed to children who are growing up fast. There are also wrenching reflections on the mortality of both old and young. Just a sample of the variety the reader will find here: “The Meaning” talks about Christmas, “Crown” celebrates the diversity of Black hair styles, “Twisted Ladders” explores genetics, and “Detox” has a very surprising ending.

Google will be your valued companion as you seek the meanings of what will most likely be new words, names, and expressions for many. Those include chark, orishas, kete, oubliette, Anuket, Kemet, and on fleek.

But what is such deeply personal poetry if not an invitation to exploration? That’s the point of it, its aim. Here, as in her previous books, the author not only invites you into her world and soul, but also into the wider world of reflection upon how her views and experiences align or contrast with your own.