Southern Tongues Leave Us Shining: Poems

In his highly anticipated debut collection, "Southern Tongues Leave Us Shining," award-winning poet Darius Simpson invites readers on an unforgettable poetic journey into the heart of the American South. Through a dazzling array of lyrical narratives, Simpson delves into the region's rich cultural tapestry, exploring its complex history, vibrant spirit, and enduring legacy.

Southern Tongues Leave Us Shining: Poems

by Joan Templeton

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	823 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	120 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	132 pages
Item Weight	:	7.2 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.33 x 9 inches

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With a poet's keen eye for observation and a profound understanding of the human experience, Simpson paints vivid portraits of the South's diverse inhabitants. From the descendants of slaves toiling in the fields to the urban youth navigating the challenges of modern society, Simpson's characters leap off the page with their struggles, their triumphs, and their unyielding resilience.

In "The Cotton Fields," Simpson transports readers to the heart of the South's agricultural legacy, where the rhythmic labor of picking cotton echoes through the ages:

In these fields where cotton's reign began, We bend our backs, beneath the sun's harsh plan. Hands plucking bolls, a timeless dance, A symphony of toil, a bitter trance.

Yet, amidst the hardships, Simpson also uncovers moments of beauty and resistance. In "Juke Joint Jubilee," he celebrates the vibrant nightlife of the South, where music becomes a transformative force:

In juke joints dim, where rhythm reigns supreme, We sway and stomp, casting off our dreams. The bluesman's wail, a siren's call, Igniting spirits, breaking down the wall.

As Simpson delves deeper into the South's past, he confronts the region's history of racial injustice and oppression. In "Lynching Tree Elegy," he mourns the countless lives lost to senseless violence:

Beneath the gnarled limbs of the lynching tree, Where shadows whisper secrets dark and free, We gather, hearts heavy, eyes filled with pain, To lay bare the wounds that still remain.

Yet, even in the face of adversity, Simpson finds glimmers of hope and redemption. In "The Rising Tide," he envisions a South where justice and equality prevail:

Like the mighty tide that rolls ashore, We rise, our voices echoing evermore. No longer bound by chains of hate and fear, We forge a path towards a brighter sphere.

"Southern Tongues Leave Us Shining" is not merely a collection of poems; it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the South. Through his evocative language and unflinching gaze, Darius Simpson captures the essence of a region that is both deeply flawed and profoundly beautiful. This is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities and contradictions of the American South, and for all who appreciate the power of poetry to illuminate our shared human experience.

Praise for "Southern Tongues Leave Us Shining":

• "Darius Simpson's debut collection is a dazzling exploration of the American South, its history, its people, and its enduring legacy. With a poet's keen eye for observation and a profound understanding of the human experience, Simpson paints vivid portraits of the South's diverse inhabitants, from the descendants of slaves toiling in the fields to the urban youth navigating the challenges of modern society. This is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities and contradictions of the American South, and for all who appreciate the power of poetry to illuminate our shared human experience." - Natasha Trethewey, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet
• "Southern Tongues Leave Us Shining is a tour de force, a powerful and moving collection that explores the rich cultural tapestry of the American South. Darius Simpson writes with a poet's keen eye for observation and a profound understanding of the human experience. His poems are both deeply personal and universally relatable, capturing the essence of a region that is both deeply flawed and profoundly beautiful. This is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry, or who seeks to understand the complexities of the American South." - Kiese Laymon, author of "Heavy" and "Long Division"

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Southern Tongues Leave Us Shining: Poems

by Joan Templeton

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	823 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	120 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	132 pages
Item Weight	:	7.2 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.33 x 9 inches

FREE