While Smudge by Mahogany L. Browne is out of print in stores and on-line, you can try for pre-loved copies or on Button Poetry’s website as well. The reason I am reviewing this book is not just because I read it, but this is a book that needs to be talked about. First, I was not the audience the book really was meant for. I am old fashioned when it comes to poetry. I like a nice box for my poetry. Granted, it can be […]
Black Girl Magic: A Poem
Black Girl Magic: A Poem is Browne’s way of responding to the way black girls “should” look and act. Change this to: white girls, fat girls, skinny girls…. any female. The theme is not exclusive to the population Browne speaks of. We “should” act a certain way or else society shames you: “Be Different as long as it’s Different like Me” screamed off the page for me. “Society: Be Yourself. NO, not that way…” also is loud and clear. Browne challenges this “should” mentality. […]