Written in Blood by Robert A. Stubblefield is a collection of poetry that spans the range from coming-of-age musings to poems that pontificate about the socio-political drama that was unfolding in past years.
When it comes to poetry, one thing remains true and that is – it can be interpreted in any way. So it falls to us, the readers, to interpret what the author tells us. To take his words and seek to understand them as best we can in the best way possible.
Robert Stubblefield shares some truly enlightening elements in quite a few stanzas throughout this collection.
Some poems in this collection (like “The House is Falling Apart” , “Meditate“, “Come Unity” – I adored this one– , “Reflections in a Silver Eye“), are short and sweet. They get to the point quickly leaving you with gleanings of information, and the questions – “what will you do with this now? How will you grow? How will you help invoke change for not just yourself but for those around you? What will you do to bring about change?” Yes, there are many questions that are invoked with this collection and many of them are worth focusing on answering. Because shouldn’t we want to bring about a change for a better future? A future that we can have if we only applied ourselves and tried?
There are many poems here that give homage and honor to the beauty, fire, determination, and intelligence of Black women. From inquiring as to whether they are ancient goddesses to comparing them to the ever resourceful and diligent honeybee. Robert Stubblefield paints pictures of how dedicated the Black woman is to those she loves. How resourceful she can be and determined to do what she must. But while the author pays homage to the positives, he speaks about the heartbreaks as well. Having his love not only rejected but crushed to the point of dust – “Return to Sender“, “Sweet“, “Of Queens and Goddesses“, “Mother Honeybee“, and “For the Ebony Queen“, – all speak to love, romance, and passion. Yes, there are a few in this collection that speak also specifically to passion/sexuality: “Sweet Sugi Passion” and “Satisfaction (Heaven)” to be specific.
Some of the poems the author writes are informative as the author details hard truths behind certain situations that face the Black community. There are poems that detail the racism that the black community has faced for generations. From being sold into slavery and taken from their homes to the abuses that many can relate to in the present day and recent years. These poems are both informative and heartbreaking at the same time.
One poem that I hate to say sounds all too familiar is “AmerikkkanCustom (Blame a Black Person).” It’s an ugly stain on ourselves as Americans and the history of the United States, but it’s a sad truth that we can’t ignore. I found “Jailhouse Rock“ informative as well, detailing pieces of history that were buried and bringing them to light for all to see.
There are also some poems that I, personally, didn’t quite understand. So I guess you could say that some flew over my head racing beyond my understanding. I feel that, on a level, that is to be expected. Poetry is open to interpretation and some I just simply interpreted as being what the author details. I know that it’s okay that not every poem is going to connect or resonate with me.
Robert Stubblefield packs in a few poems detailing his disappointment and distaste for the United States concerning the issues that face this country even today.
As you read this collection of poems you will easily pick up on the author’s disappointment in America. You would think that this country would improve and learn from the downfalls over the years, but it seems that we are doomed to continue to repeat the same mistakes over and over again. While I do agree with quite a bit of what Robert Stubblefield details, I’m a bit disappointed that there are little to no positive points. I feel like the author is saying that nothing recognizably good has transpired to be of note. Admittedly, it makes me sad to think that this could possibly be true. Once again though, poetry is open to interpretation and that just so happens to be mine.
This collection of poetry has something for everyone to really gravitate to. There is definitely a poem that will draw you to it and speak to you the loudest. Some will inspire you to be better and do better, while others will remind you of the darkness of our past as a country (America). There are poems where he acknowledges certain individuals, and poems where he cries out for change.
Some poems are short and concise, getting straight to the point and being informative at the same time. While there are some that are longer but still manage to capture your attention fully and really make you think once you’ve come to the last line. While not every poem was immediately understandable, I actually enjoyed quite a few of these.
I’d say that the Robert Stubblefield brings light to areas hidden in shadow, and does a good job overall sharing his thoughts and emotions for readers to interpret.
Now, if you’re wondering if there is any specific cadence to these poems – for the most part, there isn’t. Some stanzas will rhyme while others won’t, but they all come together and flow. Whether you are a casual or an avid reader of poetry, I believe that there is something for you, and all across the spectrum when it comes to this collection.
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