"In the introduction to January Wilson’s new collection,
A
Poet Speaks of Empire, we read, “Love is a cosmic force for good in a
world fragmented by poverty and war. The deeper story in this book is one of
love.” Yes, a book of love, but also a book of deep admiration for a continent
that Wilson knows well: Africa. A Poet
Speaks of Empire is full of references to legendary African figures.
Emperors such as Mansa Musa, whose legacy is evoked by the poet to urge new
generations to, “carry on traditions older than time,” in the poem whose title
gives name to the book. The Emperor Sundiata Keïta and Queen Sarraounia are
brought to life by ravishing poems that dissect and discuss a distant time.
Looking at the past serves as a means of understanding the present and
encouraging current African generations to look to the future, “Arise, oh
continent, arise: a new age beckons your voice, your voyage.” References to
Mandela and other African leaders deeply admired by the author, such as the poet
Kwame Dawes, are also frequent. Wilson’s admiration for African history and
traditions does not prevent her from viewing current political scenarios through
a critical lens, as in the poem “Rapid Impermanence in Zimbabwe.” Along with references
to Africa, the reader will also find that A
Poet Speaks of Empire contains other themes that have run through Wilson’s
previous work. Readers who have followed previous work, Contemplating Eve: The Collected Works, A Dawn Run Hot with Morning and
The Lily & The Aster, will see
this commonality. We find notes of romantic love in poems such as, “The Next Dance.”
But love goes beyond falling in love, as the author makes clear in the tender
poem “Father and Son.” In A Poet Speaks
of Empire we also find other themes and concerns always present in Wilson’s
work. The quest for and commitment to clear and direct poetry is particularly
clear in the poem, “Extraordinary Knowing” where we can read, “I want to speak
a poetry that embraces you; one that does not obscure understanding, but
quickens the pace toward extraordinary knowing.” In this most recent work by January
Wilson, we also find several haiku, a minimalist form that Wilson has employed
before, in her excellent previous work, The
Lily & The Aster. A Poet Speaks of Empire is a creatively
written book full of excellent poems—a piece of work that I truly recommend.
Without any doubt, one of the best books January Wilson has put together so
far. I am sure you will love it." - Xavier Martin, Editor
