We Love Suheir Hammad


“ZaatarDiva summons through moments of lyrical insight and urbane wit, again and again, and before we know what has happened, we are hooked. Here's a poetry that urges a wholeness - a crossing of borders - as the personal is woven into the public, whereby a 'prodigal daughter' possesses her own knowing voice. Each poem in ZaatarDiva is heart-driven by the urgent, raw orality of need. And, there is a glistening barb in each turn of phrase - a lure of quicksilver accuracy."
— Yusef Komunyakaa

You might know her from her mesmerizing Def Poetry Jam performances, or from either of her two previously published books Drops of This Story and Born Palestinian, Born Black, but I know Suheir Hammad from 625 Broadway -- back when I worked with Glen Thompson and Marie Brown Associates--my two trailblazing mentors.

To say that Suheir's voice is important is an understatment. To say it is vital, the truth.

For a copy of Suheir's new book visit Cypher Books. Cypher books is started coincidentally, by poet Willie Perdomo, someone who I knew from back in the day-- Back when poets like Tony Medina and Asha Bandele passed through the doors of 625 Broadway, on thier way to visit Marie or Glen.

If you are in New York City check out Suheir's book launch:

Book Launch for Suheir Hammad’s “breaking poems”
Thursday, October 30, 2008
6-8pm
Bowery Poetry Club, 310 Bowery, New York City
$20 (with a copy of breaking poems)
$10 w/out

Guests include Paul Beatty, Patricia Smith, Roger Bonair-Agard, Patrick Rosal, Aracelis Girmay, Danny Hoch and others. If you're in the neighborhood and miss this--man, I don't know what the hell to say to you. But I know I'll be lighting a candle in my Copenhagen apartment on that day, paying homage to the powers-that-be for this event.

If it wasn't for the pride I'm feeling, shoot, I'd say I would be jealous!
We love you Suheir & keep your voice vibrating in the air.

Comments

Maximilian C. Forte said…
Good, because you have no reason to feel jealous. Your work stands on its own and is as memorable and distinctive in my view. That reminds me, I am overdue from really featuring your work properly on my blog(s). The same old take for granted attitude is coming back to me.
12:54 AM
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