Affrilachia: Poems by Frank X Walker

Book was is great condition!

The poems in Affrilachia are not quaint self-assuring fireside poems, but they invoke a burning desire to know as the reader may quickly come to find that there are “flames/ hidden among the lessons/ in the stories”. As the reader works through this collection, she may even discover that some of Kentucky’s “bluegrass/ is black.”Affrilachia originates from the perspective of one who has experienced pain and pride, prejudice and triumph. The speaker who is similar to the poet himself involved in the classroom and recounting “free lunch/ commodities/ welfare checks” and “food stamps”, addresses difficult subjects with wit, gall and concern yet not without gravity, leading the reader to envision a life where family members are marked by imprisonment, sexual abuse, penury, random violence and apathy.As Mr. Walker reflects on his surroundings, even the speaker is not without bias or personal flaws “caught in the middle” of racial animosities. The recurrence of “our” and “we” throughout the book depicts the speaker’s clear association with the black community, specifically in the Appalachian South. While praising the black community’s fierce determination as in “Matriarch,” the speaker refuses to accommodate in poems like “Death by Basketball.”Three common themes that recur in the book are cultural. First, the creative eminence of ancient-day Egypt is celebrated for engineering “pyramids” from “clay.” Second, the cyclical approach to life that has its roots in Africa suffers western disregard becoming evident in lines like “…we/ are cyclical by design/ and not linear/ is now on trial”. Third, the tragedy of the black community scourged by oppression and corruption though not seeking improvement is addressed in “Lil’ Kings” where the speaker contemplateswhat ifthe good revren doctahmlk jrwas just marty…quoting gangsta rapnot ghandi (1-10).These misunderstood, underappreciated and unique aspects of the Affrilachian heritage threaten its health like “a gun/ fired point blank/ at the symptom/ not the disease”.Throughout the book the reader observes references to historical characters such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Mahatma Gandhi, et al. It seems that Mr. Walker has intentionally avoided historical detail surrounding these prominent historical figures to sustain an economy of words throughout the collection, which helps the poems to have little deviation. Allusions to “dr. king” and “gandhi” then become literary devices charged with emotional relevance. Nonetheless, this collection recognizes and represents an ethni-cultural significance. Affrilachia does so with punchy and clever language. There is a faith in the human struggle to emerge victorious through suffering and that “Faith/ won’t just go up/ in smoke”.

"Affrilachia" is a warm, moving collection of beautifully constructed poems. Frank X Walker is not only an excellent poet, he is also socially and politically engaging. This collection was required reading for my Appalachian Literature course, and I am very glad to have been exposed to it. :)

exactly as posted

Thought-provoking, touching and humorous at times. The verses flow yet impact, leaving the reader a mental "aah" or an "oh yeah" and even a couple "amens".

I did not like Walker's poems; however, I've not had his experiences. I had difficulty connecting to his work.

Wonderful cultural poetry that speaks to my own roots. Highly recommended reading for lovers of poetry and multicultural exploration. Great!

Nice, personal type of poetry about pride in one's family and background.