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Prayers like Shoes
Poetry. African American Studies. "Ruth Forman's wisdom, humor and grace brighten every page of PRAYERS LIKE SHOES. Here are the cadences of a woman's true speech rising into a poetry of deep love and warning, loss and survival, building toward a scriptural lyric that leads the reader through the darkness of our times and into an opening of necessary recognition and gratitude. I heard her beautiful voice on every page"—Carolyn Forché. "In PRAYERS LIKE SHOES the brilliant Ruth Forman has topped herself. This is what Forman does brings us to the heart of all that matters and introduces us to ourselves"—Junot Díaz.
- GenresPoetry
96 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 3, 2013
Read full review here, with sample poems:
http://asitoughttobe.com/2013/03/30/s...
This is more than a book of poetry, it is a gift. When my father passed away I found myself more determined to go on, to function, than to break down and mourn his loss. It was a book of poems that enabled me to weep, to grieve. It is a rare book that allows you to access the real human being who dwells within you, beneath the surface of what you imagine to be your ‘real life.’ This is such a book.
On the strong recommendation of a friend I bought Prayers Like Shoes. Because time is a luxury in my life, I began reading it while waiting for the bus. By the time the bus arrived—by the time I reached the bottom of the first page—I was in tears.
I read from cover to cover, on bus and train, first on my way into the world, then on my way home again. At times I felt the Woman inside me awaken, celebrate. At times I felt inspired to speak up in the name of peace. I wondered at love, at the nature of man. Throughout—within the delicate, vibrant, intricate fabric of Forman’s weaving—my heart was so close to the surface that the tears fell when they would.
I wondered what the people on the bus thought of me with my book of poems and my well of tears, but, mostly I was inspired. I was reminded of what I love in poetry. Experience. Connectivity. Reading someone else’s words and feeling that I am not alone, that I am part of a community, of a human world. That life is beautiful and painful and hard and that it is poetry—honest, vocal, unapologetic, lived, felt, lyric poetry—that makes the living more bearable, that gives us permission to experience emotion while offering us an outlet for the same.
I want to give a copy to my mother, to my Sisters, to the people I love and admire who engage with poetry as I do. I will turn to this book when I want to feel, and also when I want to remember why I write poetry. I cannot imagine a greater gift than that.
http://asitoughttobe.com/2013/03/30/s...
This is more than a book of poetry, it is a gift. When my father passed away I found myself more determined to go on, to function, than to break down and mourn his loss. It was a book of poems that enabled me to weep, to grieve. It is a rare book that allows you to access the real human being who dwells within you, beneath the surface of what you imagine to be your ‘real life.’ This is such a book.
On the strong recommendation of a friend I bought Prayers Like Shoes. Because time is a luxury in my life, I began reading it while waiting for the bus. By the time the bus arrived—by the time I reached the bottom of the first page—I was in tears.
I read from cover to cover, on bus and train, first on my way into the world, then on my way home again. At times I felt the Woman inside me awaken, celebrate. At times I felt inspired to speak up in the name of peace. I wondered at love, at the nature of man. Throughout—within the delicate, vibrant, intricate fabric of Forman’s weaving—my heart was so close to the surface that the tears fell when they would.
I wondered what the people on the bus thought of me with my book of poems and my well of tears, but, mostly I was inspired. I was reminded of what I love in poetry. Experience. Connectivity. Reading someone else’s words and feeling that I am not alone, that I am part of a community, of a human world. That life is beautiful and painful and hard and that it is poetry—honest, vocal, unapologetic, lived, felt, lyric poetry—that makes the living more bearable, that gives us permission to experience emotion while offering us an outlet for the same.
I want to give a copy to my mother, to my Sisters, to the people I love and admire who engage with poetry as I do. I will turn to this book when I want to feel, and also when I want to remember why I write poetry. I cannot imagine a greater gift than that.
December 22, 2010
Wonderful collection of of poetry and I really like the poem "Prayers Like Shoes" everytime I read it. Each poem should be read and savored twice. (For full disclosure I did take a poetry workshop with Ruth Forman.)
May 2, 2012
Ruth has an amazing ability to capture the reader with simplistic poetry. I couldn't put this book down and keep going back! It is all about life and the ups and downs we all experience, this book is worth your time!
July 7, 2009
beautiful
November 10, 2010
I reviewed the book on my blog 11/10 for Eco-Libris' Green Books Campaign... check it out!
I really loved this book on many levels. Thanks, Ruth Forman, for putting words to my life.
I really loved this book on many levels. Thanks, Ruth Forman, for putting words to my life.
May 26, 2014
Haunting, simple and beautiful poetry written with a distinct and beautiful voice. I plan to return to these.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews