On the Black Hand Side: Poems

by Gerald L. Coleman

On the Black Hand Side is a collection of poems about black life, love, and justice. Coleman is engaged in the project of showing that black people's humanity, and their lives, matter. His work is a journey through his own experiences, in which—in the best traditions of poetry—he opens his literary veins and spills his own life, like incandescent blood, on the page. Coleman believes that poetry should be accessible and honest. On the Black Hand Side is a triumph in every sense. Join him as he takes you on a journey to the  Black Hand Side.

138 pages, Paperback

Published August 23, 2022

About the author

Gerald L. Coleman is a philosopher, theologian, poet, and Science Fiction & Fantasy author. He was born in Lexington and now makes his home in the Atlanta area. He did his undergraduate work in philosophy, english, and religious studies, followed by a master's degree in Theology. He is the author of the Epic Fantasy novel series, The Three Gifts, which currently includes When Night Falls (Book One), A Plague of Shadows (Book Two), and the upcoming When Chaos Reigns(Book Three). His poetry has appeared in: Pluck! The Journal of Affrilachian Arts & Culture, Drawn To Marvel: Poems From The Comic Books, Pine Mountain Sand & Gravel Vol. 18, Black Bone Anthology, the 10th Anniversary Issue of Diode Poetry Journal, About Place Journal, and Star*line Vol. 43, Issue 4. His speculative fiction short stories have appeared in: The Cyberfunk Anthology: The City, the Roaring Lion Anthology: Rococoa, the Urban Fantasy Anthology: Terminus and Terminus 2, the 2019 JordanCon Anthology: You Want Stories?, Dark Universe: Bright Empire, Cyberfunk! by MVMedia, the JordanCon 2022 Anthology: Neither Endings Nor Beginnings, and Whether Change: The Revolution Will Be Weird. His essays appear in the polish language Con-Magazine: KONwersacje, Apex Magazine 127, and the Hugo nominated Fanzine: Journey Planet. He has been a Guest Author at DragonCon, Boskone, Blacktasticon, JordanCon, Atlanta Science Fiction & Fantasy Expo, SOBSFCon, The Outer Dark Symposium, World Horror Con, Imaginarium, and Multiverse. He is a Scholastic National Writing Juror, a Co-founder of the Affrilachian Poets, an SFWA member, a Rhysling Award Nominee, a recipient of The Hero of the Horn Award at JordanCon, and a Fellow at the Black Earth Institute. He is currently working on new editions of When Night Falls, A Plague of Shadows, and writing book three in epic fantasy series - entitled, When Chaos Reigns. You can find him at Geraldcoleman.com.

Reviews

[Lannis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gerald Coleman's precision with words transported me into another's lived experience. Sometimes joyous, sometimes heart-wrenching, but always poignant, enlightening, and resonating. It takes talent to paint so much with so few words and make it look effortless. Thank you for the glimpse into your world, sir.

[Reese Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really heartfelt and powerful collection of poems and short intimate essays about growing up Black in America. My favorite poem was “Port in a Storm”, about the significance of finding safety in a world that can turn against you in a second. A must-read.

[Danny Brzozowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything you could want in a book of poetry! Fabulously evocative, at times nostalgic, challenging, and inspirational. In each poem, you are transported and immersed in a moment. There aren't enough stars to do this one justice.

[Rachel Brune · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating, sometimes disquieting, sometimes wrenching, sometimes romantic, but always excellent collection of poetry and essays. A wonderful read.

[April Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every word of this book. There were many memories that surfaced for me after reading these beautiful pieces.