Hawk

by Vivian Ayers

Hawk is a magnificent long-form poem analogizing flight into space with freedom. First published in 1957, these new editions (paperback and hardcover facsimile) mark the first time Hawk is widely available for purchase.

Genres: Poetry

80 pages, Paperback

Published October 31, 2023

Reviews

[Mona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was intrigued when I heard that Vivian Ayers who grew up in South Carolina was having her book, Hawk, republished in honor of her 100th birthday. Her poem is book length and quite the story of freedom as aligned with the first space flight. Ayers’ love of language, imagination, and the quest for freedom shine through. If you like poetry like I do, it’s worth the read just to make you think!

[Millie Belizaire · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading, I was floored as to why this isn’t being received as the philosophical masterpiece that it is, but then I remind myself that these kinds of messages are best served to those who have eyes to see them.

We live among beings who pass their divinity in folded up notes under tables. Ms. Vivian is one such being. Hawk should be at the top of everyone’s TBR. Particularly for those who see life as a journey. A little light reading as you move closer to your destination.

I enjoyed this one very much. It felt less like reading an allegory and more like recalling a memory. On a scale of 1 to 5, Hawk deserves a universe worth of stars.