The Poet Speaks in Black [Hardcover]

Terry O'Neal (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0967944643 | ISBN-13: 978-0967944647 | Publication Date: January 2, 2002

The Poet Speaks In Black translates everyday life into dynamic poetry. It touches on every aspect of our lives. "All things will eventually emerge from the darkness and into the light," says O'Neal.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

She is the self-published author of the books entitled Motion Sickness, and her latest book, "The Poet Speaks In Black." Though her poetry is written with ease and grace, it is the power behind her words that is most exceptional. She clutches upon the emotions that lie in the pit of our souls, translating everyday life into dynamic poetry.

Terry O'Neal was born and raised in Stockton, California. In 1991, she established her residence in Sacramento; where she attended California State University of Sacramento, majoring in Criminal Justice.

Terry is a wife and mother of four children. She works part-time as a secretary for her husband's communications corporation. She is also the founder of her own company Motion Publications, that she established in the year 2000 to publish her work.

She is a member of the Poetry Society of America; Publishers Marketing Associations; Black Writers Alliance; African American Literature Book Club; and the Literary Entrepreneur Affiliate Program with FYOS.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 108 pages
• Publisher: Motion Pub (January 2, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967944643
• ISBN-13: 978-0967944647
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,958,708 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Best Selling Author, Terry a O'Neal, whose poetry has been published in numerous magazines, journals and newspapers. Her previous publications include three volumes of poetry, Motion Sickness, The Poet Speaks in Black and Good Mornin' Glory; two children's books, Ev'ry Little Soul and My Jazz Shoes; and the award winning family fiction novel Sweet Lavender.

Terry has been named among the most popular African American female writers of
our time, featured in a book entitled "Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature"--a list of women who've left a mark on the wider world through their writing.

Her name in Lights: In recent times, Terry has ventured into the world of screenwriting, focusing on inspirational feature films for family audiences. Recently, she has completed a screenplay of her novel Sweet Lavender, which is currently resting in the hands of Hollywood producers.

In addition to her writing accomplishments, Terry is the editor of the annual youth poetry anthology, Make Some Noise! an anthology by inspired youth from all around the Unites States, Canada, Australia and Africa.

"Her poems are reflective of African American culture and at the same time underscore our universal humanity."
~Dr. Kevin Starr
State Librarian of California

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This poet definitely speaks to you!, December 31, 2002

By 

CK Press (Killeen, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Poet Speaks in Black (Hardcover)

I received this book in mail just before a Thanksgiving road trip to Dallas! Thank God it arrived on time. I could not put the book down. As a poet, I found myself totally "into" Terry O'Neal's delightful way with words. Sometimes I thought I was reading a poem I'd like to write myself. Other times I tricked my husband with her words along the road as I read him a poem or two from the book.

We often think of poetry as a fast read or a complicated read. You will want to read this book again and again as you find that you have favorites throughout the book. My personal favorites were "Choices," "Guide Me" and "Word of Mouth" to name a few. Terry O'Neal not only speaks to you, but she teaches you a thing or two about life with her words and experiences. That's what poetry is all about.

It's a beautiful book inside and out: well written, well designed, well spoken and well worth the purchase! Congratulations to this sister poet for such stylistic, heart-grabbing poetry. Her words on life, history, family, relationships and self will have you believing she wrote the book just for you! I can't wait to read another selection by this author. Not only does this poet speak in "black," but she also speaks with a language that your soul can understand. Great book of poems, a must have if you call yourself a poet and/or poetry reader!

Latorial Faison
www.latorial.com

5.0 out of 5 stars Great writer and person, December 18, 2009

By 

John L. Brown (sacramento ca) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Poet Speaks in Black (Hardcover)

I,ve meet Terry O'neal, through a cousin of mind. She is a great family person' and dedicated to her work. I bought some of her books and i was happy i did because she can write. I'm an author and i know good writing, this girl has a vision that will have you laughing and cring at the same time. I recommend (THE POET SPEAKS IN BLACK) and any of her books.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Poet Speaks Well!, September 30, 2006

By 

W. H. McDonald Jr. "The American Author Assoc... (Elk Grove, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Poet Speaks in Black (Hardcover)

Poet and author Terry A. O'Neal, truly finds her voice in a moving collection of free verse prose called "The Poet Speaks In Black" that encompasses and reflects who she is. Her poems stand outside the circle of standardized thinking and common views and soars with her spirit. However, these poems are not confined to just her own African American culture--although she proudly walks and displays that emotional aspect in her words and themes--but she takes on a universal oneness quality that most all men and women can identify with. I personally felt the oneness she conveys with her poetry.

Her words translate feelings and emotions and conjure up inner visions of life around her. She transcends the ordinary at times and wanders across the pages with her simple words strung together that make emotional connections with the reader. Her over-all work in this collection is pure gold. I think the only way this book could be appreciated more would be to hear her give a live performance reading her poems in a gentle voice that I am sure would radiant with the fullness of her heart.

O'Neal even has a couple of moving poems that reflect the happenings of 9/11. The book over-all feeling is one of compassionate acceptance with who you are. She writes a wonderful poem to that effect in her strongest poem of the book titled "Birthmark". She conveys full appreciation and comfort at being who she is--"from toasted skin to chocolate dark." and even with her place in life. These were obviously written by a very secure and confident woman. There is lots of that feminine energy flowing but not enough to scare away male readers. It is not pushed as any kind of agenda--she just is what she is and it comes across as satisfied and honest.

I strongly recommend this wonderful book of poetry. It comes in a simple hardback book with a black front cover with an image of an empty stage with a microphone. On the back cover there is an elegant portrait of the poet herself.

First Published in the Elk Grove Citizen Newspaper