Why the Black Hole Sings the Blues

by Ishmael Reed

A new collection of poems from the American author, poet, and playwright Ishmael Reed. The poems in this new collection from Ishmael Reed were written between 2007 and 2020. They range from poems based on events that occurred around Reed's house to cataclysmic space events. Some of the poems were commissioned. ”Moving Richmond” was part of a public art installation created by Mildred Howard. The poem, in huge letters forged into weathering steel billboards greets passengers who enter the new Bay Area mass transit hub in Richmond, California. Other poems were commissioned by musicians. ”Hope Is The Thing With Feathers” was performed by Gregory Porter. “Red Summer, 2015” appeared in print first and then was set to music by David Murray. Reed writes, "The longest poem in the book, “Jazz Martyrs,” was begun when Reed learned about the number of black Jazz greats who didn’t live past the age of forty. "I have been fortunate to live beyond the age of 80," says Reed. "I’ve found out who my best friends are. The ones who got me there."

Genres: Poetry

169 pages, Paperback

Published February 25, 2020

About the author

Ishmael Scott Reed is an American poet, essayist, and novelist. A prominent African-American literary figure, Reed is known for his satirical works challenging American political culture, and highlighting political and cultural oppression.

Reed has been described as one of the most controversial writers. While his work has often sought to represent neglected African and African-American perspectives, his energy and advocacy have centered more broadly on neglected peoples and perspectives irrespective of their cultural origins.

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fully lived collection of sharp, observant and beautifully satirical work. Must read for its centerpiece The Jazz Martyrs, Ishmael poetry is not to be trifled with.

[Christopher Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witty in the jazziest way possible. Reed’s brevity is explored through his unique structure, telling stories of loss from the black community.

[Shay Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection was such a feast to read. Reed writes about subjects close to his heart ("The Jazz Martyrs"), important societal issues (race relations), personal issues (aging), descriptions of characters in his life and his reactions to them, and the occasional pleasantly silly poem like "Gingko Tree" in which he explains that he doesn't need a dog because he has a gingko tree and does not have to walk it.

I feel as though I have just spent an hour listening to a wise but accessible soul discussing life as he sees it, and as it differs from my own experience. I'll definitely be picking up more of this man's books. I loved this one.