Dark // Thing

Lena-Miles Wever Todd Poetry Prize Series

by Ashley M. Jones

dark // thing is a multifaceted work that explores the darkness/otherness by which the world sees Black people. Ashley M. Jones stares directly into the face of the racism that allows people to be seen as dark things, as objects that can be killed/enslaved/oppressed/devalued. This work, full as it is of slashes of all kinds, ultimately separates darkness from thingness, affirming and celebrating humanity.

Genres: Poetry

80 pages, Paperback

First published February 12, 2019

Reviews

[Kwoya Maples · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is surprising in its ability to innovate, subvert and manipulate poetic form. Among other forms, (including mathematical proofs) Jones is a true queen of the sonnet and sestina, testing the flexibility of lines and structure in ways that are constantly arresting for the reader.

[Katie Karnehm-Esh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley M Jones has written a really lovely devastating book of poetry. I especially appreciated all the forms of poetry she used to write her stories of race and belonging.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley M. Jones is Alabama's Poet Laureate for 2022 through 2026.
dark//thing is a collection of poems by Jones that tells how the world around us views black people. To be honest, it's the way some black people view themselves because these ideas and opinions have been forced upon us. I describe this collection of poetry as the kind that pulls at your heartstrings. The kind of poetry that hits you in the face because the truth is being told. I thought while reading this book that I would pull a few poems out that I considered my favorite but all of them spoke to me in one way or another. Especially the poems about hair. These are stories I can relate to or I know someone who can relate. This will definitely be a re-read for me in the upcoming year.

[Ash Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I forget sometimes how much I love more formal poetry, like sestinas and villanelles. But then books like this remind me. In particular, the Sunken Place Sestina is going to be one I'm thinking about for a long time

[Marcus · Rating 4 out of 5]

soooo good bro.. favorites are "Proof at the Red Sea", "Summerstina", "Imitation of Life", "(Black) Hair", and "When You Tell Me I'd Be Prettier With Straight Hair" ... but like my review of that heaney collection, there isn't a poem in here that i didn't like. so!

[Amie Whittemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out my review here: https://www.usi.edu/sir/reviews/the-m...

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of edgy, intelligent poem concerning the Black experience in the South. The persona contrasts the genial young lady I met last fall or maybe not.

[Brandon Amico · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful poems coupled with experiments in form that add so much to their effects.

[Cheryl Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible.

Ashley Jones is my state’s Poet Laureate, and there’s a reason why. Incredible collection.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

I really enjoyed this collection. Jones works with a variety of forms and it keeps the collection moving at a nice pace. I particularly liked the series of Harriet Tubman poems. Definitely recommend this one!