Barbara Haskins' first published poetry collection is surely painted with a Power-slicing brush.

From the very first stinging stanza, her words grab/stab you into saying, "Hey! This is me! This is just how I feel!" And from then on, -- it's a promise -- you will not put this string package of Blackness down!

Imagine what's in store from "Plantation Revisited", "Lynched Up South", "Burnt Offering", "They Stole It -- But...", "Suffer Little Children", "Howard Bitch" or "How Long?"

Such an articulate author deserves a fervent "Thanks for Sharing" her innermost gutsy perspectives so effectively. Not a word is wasted and the vitality of each selection practically bounds off the pages in sprightly invitation to join in vicarious celebration of Black Life.

How did she choose her vignettes?

How did she craft them so superbly into actual advice easily absorbed?

These pieces of fine literary hors d'oeuvres are to be studied, savord and shared with Our Folk; not only for exultation but to teach our Black 'put-upon' progeny how to exist in a savage, color-sick society which, hisory illustrates, is out to consume the unwarned and unwary by any means available.

So, on the one hand, Haskins celebrates Black Life; but be prepared for, on the other hand, to be introduced to heavy servings of psychologically scraping imagery.

Yes, let a new woman rise -- but understand that from the book's get go -- as she rises -- so rise alla' we Black Folk.

This book is certainly a well-honed honey of a gift to and for us!

CAROL TAYLOR; 5/18/2005

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