Images of Kin: New and Selected Poems

by Michael S. Harper

"Harper's poetry is not limited by color or attitude. In Images  of Kin , Harper amazes with his keen sense of political and personal histories, his breadth of expression. This collection fixes Harper as one of the dominant poetic voices of his generation" -- Chicago Sun-Times
"It is Mr. Harper's achievement to have projected his most difficult and complex insights and feelings through the epical manner, yet at the same time carried us along to identify with him." -- New York Times Book Review

Genres: Poetry

224 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1977

Reviews

[Jack Heller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a selected works up until the year of its publication, 1979. I have previously read Nightmare Begins Responsibility. This volume seems to represent a change in Harper's style; the more recent poems, appearing first in the volume, are more challenging to understand. I don't know if favorite is the right word, but I was most moved by poems throughout the volume that deal with his and family's experiences with everything medical. Some of those are tough poems, but great to read and consider.