I read poetry in two ways.

I read as a human, looking to interact with the poems, and be moved. There were poems here that did that.

I also read as an English teacher, looking for poems that will inspire thought and writing in my classroom. There were also strong poems for that purpose.

Poetry is a political act, as affirmed by this text.

2.5 Stars

Poetry is such a beautiful thing, and as a reader of it I can never really review it honestly as I could or would fiction, or even non-fiction. It’s too different, and serves a different purpose. Not to mention a different reading experience from these other genres. All I can go on is: did I understand it, enjoy it, or even dig the poet’s style? Does it Resonate? In this case I found it really hard to adjust to the author’s writing style, or poetic flow. I missed the key meanings in their pose and work. That’s all it boiled down to.

The poems are all rather long also, more like short stories but for me it was hard to appreciate and get into, I could not adjust. The subject matters themselves of the poems as you can see from the blurb, and from myself reading Ode to American–they are wonderful! Timely! Very educational! And I think I just expected something different, or I am the wrong kind of reader/audience for the author.

For me 2.5 stars but I do recommend the book to all those who have an interest, or who are drawn in by the blurb. Give it a try, you may find the poetry resonates more than I did. I thank the author for allowing me to read their work, and NetGallery too.

Ode to America by Odetta A. Fraser is a powerful poem, narrated by a single voice who details the shambolic and painful situation we know that is America- past and present.

Detailing the history of turmoil- from the founding fathers and slavery to the present crisis in politics and people that sees gun crime, drug abuse and personal and political exploitation tear through society.

Skilfully rhymed throughout, the poem propels you faster and faster through the narrative, mirroring the speed at which America is losing control.

Published just last year, this poem is a reflection of the anguish we see in society today. The fact that people are still being murdered for the colour of their skin. Girls are sexually exploited. People are killed in random shootouts. Politicians do not care.

Fraser takes the form of an ode- usually suggestive of glory and wonder - and picks apart the problems of American society, while tearing into the falsehood that America is the land of the free.