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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Review of- Lord I Am Dancin' As Fast As I Can, March 30, 2008
Review of "Lord I'm Dancin' As Fast As I Can"
By Lawrence W. Shavers
We have spent the past several weeks reading the poetic offerings of J. Joy Matthew Alford, "Lord, I'm Dancin' As Fast As I Can" Thelemaque Publishing, 2nd. Edition 2003, an insightful, spiritually laden book of poetry, filled with insight, beauty and passion.
More widely known as "Sistah Joy," Ms. Alford's initial offering is divided into six (6) chapters which address three distinct and wholly separate subject matters, social consciousness, relationships and spirituality.
Of particular interest is her treatment of African American men. She confronts the plight of her Brothers in a very clear and supportive manner. The poem "No Complicity" demonstrates a surprising understanding of the trials and tribulations faced by Black men seldom written about by Black women authors. She honors Black men by treating them with respect and dignity, while clearly acknowledging their struggle. Her acknowledgement is most refreshing.
The book opens with poems of social and political consciousness. Ms. Alford poetically pays tribute to Dr. King, Malcolm X, John Brown and Nelson Mandela in a very thoughtfully provoking and powerful turn of words and phrases. Sistah Joy's works regarding social consciousness address the personal struggles of African-Americans and is artful and very descriptive; e.g. "Change Sisters, "Conditioned to React" and "Death Row Scenario." All possess an elegant aggression all their own that allows the reader to absorb the message in a very straight forward manner. In keeping with Sistah Joy's unwavering need for honesty, she adds several works that may be reflective of her own personal struggles; e.g. "Victory Song" "Why Not" as well as "You, Like Me."
The second segment of the book deals with what may be viewed as her own personal struggle with love gained, "Lower Left Side"; love lost, "Please", "Mourning," "All I Ever Wanted" and love never forsaken, "Consumed", "The Scent", "My Fine Chocolate Brother." All powerful pieces that clearly demonstrate that through the pain and tears she still very much believes in romance, love and the quality of Black men.
The final and probably most powerful segment of the book deals with spirituality. This is the common thread throughout the book. While there are poems dedicated to family, loved ones, friends and first time experiences; e.g."750 Horses," the common link throughout is her firm and total trust in her Creator.
But don't be mislead, by the serious nature of her works. Sistah Joy possesses a very refreshing and engaging wit; e.g. "I Be Dancin', "Pork Chops and Twinkies" and "Beauty Parlor Mess" all show she enjoys expressing her healthy sense of humor.
The power of Sistah Joy's writings may be their biggest fault. She has an uncompromising need to be brutally honest, and equally not willing to mask her emotions or feeling. But this may as well be her biggest strength, as she seems comfortable laying herself bare to her readers, not willing to compromise her words. Strength derived from her walk of faith and unconditional belief and love in her Creator. She is a strong and courageous Black woman. We look forward to reading her future works with a hope they are equally as honest and insightful.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Collective Life Experiences in Poetic Prose, February 24, 2004
"Lord, I'm Dancin' As Fast As I Can" is one book of poetry that does not require detailed explanations of what is meant. The words tell stories inside each poem of desire, dedication, and determination to live life to the fullest while presenting the collective experiences of the author. The imagery crafted and the morals one can extrapolate can be compared to modern day parables and fables in poetic prose. Each poem is a mini biography of life shared episodically to be read and reread for years to come. ...
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