The Black Christ, & other poems

This modest volume gathers the early verses of a poet who navigates the crossroads of personal longing and broader social currents. The opening tribute to three friends sets a tone of intimacy, while the subsequent poems wander from quiet reflections on love and loss to sharper observations on race, faith, and the city’s pulse. Readers will glimpse the poet’s skill in shaping ordinary moments—such as a fleeting sunrise or a whispered promise—into compact, resonant images.

The collection’s heart beats in pieces like “The Black Christ,” where sacred symbolism meets the lived experience of a Black community, and in lighter pieces that play with humor and word‑play. Across the pages, the poet balances formal control with a conversational voice, inviting listeners to feel both the weight of history and the lightness of everyday humor. Listening to these poems feels like wandering through a gallery where each work offers a distinct color yet contributes to a cohesive, thoughtful whole.