Perfect Black

Perfect Black is a collection of poems and legends about ancestry, culture, and the terrain of a Black girl becoming. It is a narrow and spacious terrain that enters the bloodstream of the black writing girl's body early, and she never truly exits it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2021
Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky

Perfect Black is a captivating collection of poems that takes readers on a nostalgic journey back to the road Crystal Wilkinson first walked as a girl. As she explores the trees that lined that path, she delves into the depths of her womanhood and literary sensibilities, shedding light on the origins of her unique voice. In one of the opening poems, she reflects on her life, the soil, and the mountains that shaped her, expressing a profound curiosity about how everything came together. Wilkinson's poetry is a tapestry of emotions, capturing the essence of her experiences and the complexities of her identity.

Through her words, she explores the terrain of a Black girl becoming, a narrow and spacious landscape that permeates her being from an early age. This country, although she may move through different zip codes, remains a constant presence in her life, a source of inspiration and wonder. Perfect Black invites readers to immerse themselves in Wilkinson's poetic world, to read and hold on tightly to the stories she weaves.

This collection is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of poetry to capture the essence of life's experiences. It reminds us of the importance of exploring our roots, embracing our identities, and finding beauty in the journey of self-discovery.

Weight: 162g
Dimension: 138 x 215 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813151168