Wild Imperfections: An Anthology of Womanist Poems

by Natalia Molebatsi (Editor)

Who are the Women of Xolebeni?

Who was Dulcie September?

What are dirty/pretty things?

Or vulva volcanoes?

Whatever its theme, each poem in this collection featuring the work of 40 black women poets from Africa and its diaspora reflects the lives of most, if not all women, womyn and womxn – particularly those born Black and poor by design in a post-slavery, post-colonial world.

Wild Imperfections opens with poems honouring different generations of ancestor women, like Sarah Baartman and Rosa Parks – born at different times yet all of them cultural and political mirrors to Black girls and women.

Questioning and disrupting patriarchy, these poems speak about birth and death, fertility and infertility, rape and genital mutilation, war, exile and forced migration, but also revel in joy, desire, and the expression of sexuality and the erotic.

But what is a wild imperfection? And can the language of these poets recreate a space for the ‘wild’ and ‘unruly’, the ‘loose’ and ‘dirty’, the ‘witches’ and ‘bitches’ who are perfect in their brokenness and who are no longer seeking permission for their rage, their joy and their healing?

Genres: Poetry, Feminism

224 pages, Hardcover

First published February 22, 2022

Reviews

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read… always lifts me up when I am feeling down.

[sekar banjaran aji · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apa yang membuatmu suka membaca buku puisi? Menurutku buku puisi yang baik itu menyajikan beragam perasaan untuk pembacanya. Buku ini memenuhi itu, tidak hanya itu buku ini memberikanmu pengalaman membaca banyak model dan jenis puisi. Hal yang tidak bisa dinilai maksudnya terlalu adiluhung begitu adalah pengalaman 30an penulis perempuan kulit hitam dari berbagai negara. Jadinya buku ini superkaya mulai dari pengalaman sebagai seorang anak, ibu, diaspora hingga klitoris sekalipun.

Membaca buku ini membuatku sadar bahwa perempuan sebagai makhluk lemah sering kali disakralkan atas nama penghormatan. Namun posisi tersebut bukannya membuat kasta perempuan setara dengan laki-laki tapi malah membuat pengetahuan dan pengalaman perempuan tidak dianggap. Label perempuan jalang atau lonte ya kalau bahasa Indonesia itu ibarat kacang goreng, saat kamu nggak sesuai standar norma ya label itu langsung nempel di dalam dirimu.

Natalia Moletbatsi edan sih kurasinya. Mantap banget, nggak ada yg failed.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A stunning portrait of the conjoined power, plight, and privilege of being a woman. A sanctuary of limericks to turn to whenever I need reminding of, or comfort about, either.

Personal standouts include:
- Diana Ferrus
- Miriam Alves
- Cheryl L. Clarke
- Anni Domingo
- Kadija Sesay
- Ana-Maurine Lara
- Lebogang Mashile
- Ladan Osman
- Staceyann Chin
- Natalia Molebatsi
- Olumide Popoola
- L.B. Williams
- D'Bi.Young Anitafrika
- Camila Trinidade
- Batsirai E. Chigama
- Safia Elhillo

[Caroline Nyakata · Rating 5 out of 5]

The collection of poems in this book are written by African women in different parts of the world regarding different issues they've encountered. The poems are thought-provoking, educational, and enjoyable. They are sharing issues that black women all over the world encounter. It is easy to relate to maneuvers. A define: must read😉

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ebook provided by NetGalley contained just a preview and the front and end matter of the book. What I read was powerful and excellent, so I am rating it based on that; I just wish the file had included more.

[2TReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of poetry that speaks to and of women, womyn, womxn, of all we have endured, what we have fought for, what we love and have loved, and how we rise.

Every single poem spoke to family, love, loss, revolution, strength, displacement, hurtful practices, worldviews, sensuality, and sexual desire. To say these poems resonated deeply is almost to deny the call that this collection elicited, the messages contained that get at the very core of our being and existing.

There are battle cries, reflections, and remembrances: of the warriors who came before, whose names should never be forgotten; of the warriors of now and the waves of distress, violence, and politics they resist, adding to the growing legacy of the ones who paved the way.

[Blessing Ugwu-John · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75🌟

[Elmarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and poignant.