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Marabou
Marabou is a collection of poetry and prose. Marabou guides the reader into a portal centered on the intricacies of falling in admiration with yourself by first recognizing the tenderness of being covered by your skin and the beauty that saunters underneath its surface. Armand guides you on a journey through her delicate lens as she infuses her rich Caribbean culture into each section of this collection in an exceptionally vivid way.
96 pages, Paperback
Published November 19, 2020
2 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Odilia Armand
1 book1 followerAshley Armand is a writer, poet, and author of Haitian descent. Born in 1993 to a Deaf Haitian Mother in the US, Ashley was raised in a home deeply infused with her Caribbean roots and the expression of language.
Ashley uses writing and artistry as a form of escapism and activism. She hopes that her rhythms within her work can help celebrate the loved one has for themselves and the skin that keeps them whole. She also hopes that her work can lead you to retreat within, be introspective, and welcome emotions for what they are: medicine.
Ashley received holds a Masters in Public Policy from Northeastern University, and a BS in Sociology— minoring in theoretical and applied ethics.
In her spare time, she loves painting with oil paints, laughter, cookie dough ice cream, and kiwi's.
Marabou is her first published poetry collection.
Ashley uses writing and artistry as a form of escapism and activism. She hopes that her rhythms within her work can help celebrate the loved one has for themselves and the skin that keeps them whole. She also hopes that her work can lead you to retreat within, be introspective, and welcome emotions for what they are: medicine.
Ashley received holds a Masters in Public Policy from Northeastern University, and a BS in Sociology— minoring in theoretical and applied ethics.
In her spare time, she loves painting with oil paints, laughter, cookie dough ice cream, and kiwi's.
Marabou is her first published poetry collection.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 21, 2020
Reading this gorgeous collection was an absolute privilege. I was deeply moved by many of these poems, and the art included in the book is incredible and lovely.
December 5, 2020
I just finished reading this book 🥰
I love the richness and vibrancy of the writing in this collection. Ashley's words are like her art-- full of broad, sweeping strokes that capture the feel of a time and place. Every brushstroke, every word feels so deliberately placed that removing or changing a single one could collapse the work like a house of cards. Instead, it stands beautifully, intricately, a cohesive whole.
I don't think I have the schema to understand all of the poems on a first reading. And that's ok! It means that I'll just have to come back to this collection later, again and again if necessary, and see what richness I notice anew.
The meaning of some of the poems stood out to me right away-- "Corporate Afros," "Matches," "The Mantra," "Serpents." I'm grateful for the opportunity to peer into this window of Ashley's lived experience, as it's different from mine.
Others I felt ring true somewhere in my soul-- like "To a son" and "Murmurs in the Waters."
The imagery of others swept me away-- "Caribbean Kisses," "I", "II".
This feels like a very personal collection of poems. I'm so grateful that Ashley shared this beautiful collection with the world. It's a privilege to see such a heartfelt window into someone's soul like this.
Disclaimer: I have known Ashley for years, and she is a dear friend of mine. Please don't let that stop you from reading the book, though. I recommend you pick it up for yourself and find your own meaning in it.
I love the richness and vibrancy of the writing in this collection. Ashley's words are like her art-- full of broad, sweeping strokes that capture the feel of a time and place. Every brushstroke, every word feels so deliberately placed that removing or changing a single one could collapse the work like a house of cards. Instead, it stands beautifully, intricately, a cohesive whole.
I don't think I have the schema to understand all of the poems on a first reading. And that's ok! It means that I'll just have to come back to this collection later, again and again if necessary, and see what richness I notice anew.
The meaning of some of the poems stood out to me right away-- "Corporate Afros," "Matches," "The Mantra," "Serpents." I'm grateful for the opportunity to peer into this window of Ashley's lived experience, as it's different from mine.
Others I felt ring true somewhere in my soul-- like "To a son" and "Murmurs in the Waters."
The imagery of others swept me away-- "Caribbean Kisses," "I", "II".
This feels like a very personal collection of poems. I'm so grateful that Ashley shared this beautiful collection with the world. It's a privilege to see such a heartfelt window into someone's soul like this.
Disclaimer: I have known Ashley for years, and she is a dear friend of mine. Please don't let that stop you from reading the book, though. I recommend you pick it up for yourself and find your own meaning in it.
January 8, 2021
A beautiful book full of amazing poems and artwork that will fill your soul with so much warmth and light and take your breath away. This is such a thought provoking book as well as so relatable for people of color. I’m so glad I read it and I recommend anyone who hasn’t read it to read it and then read it again!
December 19, 2020
In awe of this work of art. There is beauty and love on every page and stanzas reverberate with you long after you’ve put it down. Everyone should own this book.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews