A Poetry Break

Book excerpt: Organised by thematic chapters such as relationships, Southern culture, religion, philosophy, and the environment, this accessible collection contains both traditional and contemporary poetry, from sonnets written in rhyme and meter to narrative poems that blend Southern back stories with stressed syllables. Perfect for a solitary read or for reading aloud with others, this compilation includes poems such as "This Mother's Rites", an exploration of a mother's last thoughts as her children come to tell her goodbye, and the song-like "Dear G", an ironic expression of the poet's gratitude to the man who broke her heart.